As stated previously, coping and living with schizophrenia can and often is taxing on the individual afflicted as well as family members and even friends.
Development of coping skills is essential to living with schizophrenia. Medication management and therapy does do wonders for the schizophrenic, however, there are still core skills that need to be continuously used to cope. Family members will benefit from this as well, and can play a tremendous part in the recovering/living with schizophrenic person.
Personally, I have developed some core skills that, through painstaking tiime and effort, have worked and continue to work for me in a positive way. I always remind myself, should I be in a situation of symptom flare-up, that I am me, there is no one else with me, talking to me (auditory hallucinations), it is just me. This is my illness, I tell myself, just part of my illness, and I am choosing to ignore these "voices". It is important to note that everyone has what is called "brain chatter", we ALL hear sounds, maybe a song pops into our head, repeated statements from someone that may be on one's mind, thoughts about something you are doing, etc. Auditory hallucinations are different. It is as if there is someone(s) actually talking directly to you, saying things, often times, that are harsh, mean, and downright nasty. Should you play iinto these voices/hallucinations, it will drag you further away from recovery. Tell yourself :Stop! I know this is just my illness, I know this for a fact, and I am going to ignore this. I can and will get past this.
I call part of this mirror therapy. I stand in front of my bathroom mirror, and say to myself "okay, you/I am just fine. I have schizophrenia, and these voices are not really talking to me. I hear them. Yet, I know, they are just part of my illness. It is okay, self, because it is just a neurological issue. I am just me here, and I am fine. I will continue through my day, knowing I am in control."
This has worked for me many times. Many of you might just want to shout back at the voices, saying things like 'SHUT-UP' or 'STOP TALKING TO ME"....but I see this as giving some control over to the hallucination, by actually talking to the non-existent voices (even though you hear them, they are not REALLY talking to you).
If you have visual hallucinations, the best thing to do is to seriously stop what you are doing, think for a moment, and depending on what the visual is, analyze it for a second. If you are SURE you just saw the devil him/herself, think RATIONALLY. It is just a hallucination. I know what I saw, but I know it is not actually real or there. No, I do not have super-powers, I did not just see the devil....There goes that 'ol schizophrenia again.... It is just part of the illness, and I will cope with it.
Now, there are some people who have either just been diagnosed, just been let out of a mental hospital, or just have very strong symptoms yet to be brought under control. Sometimes rationalizing is not possible. A person has to be at a certain level, and that level is different for all schizophrenics, where they are able to use rationalization, and things of that nature. This is where the family really can be helpful. Do not play into the schizophrenic's hallucinations, try not to get deeply involved in what the "message" is of the hallucinations or delusions, just make sure that the personis stable as possible while medications and the like are being ironed out. Also, do not tell the person they are just imagining things, etc.,as this can cause great issues. Be kind, loving, respectful, and set boundaries. Boundaries are excellent, as well as schedules, routines, and things of this sort. Try to get the schizophrenic into a routine or on a schedule of some sort. Make a small list of daily activities, such as shower, comb hair, help with dishes, and other small manageable tasks to begin with. This sets the tome for the schizophrenic to become more attune to his/her surroundings, as well as begin to care for his/herself.
Seek advice from columns such as this one, purchase some books on coping with schizophrenia, reach out to others who have gone through or are going through this. This helps tremendously. And above all....LOVE.
Schizophrenic's may and usually do have what is called flattened effect, meaning they are unable to show or relate emotions, or sometimes even feel them (but they do deep down), but do not let this stop you from showing love, affection, and care. It will help immensely.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Developing coping skills for schizophrenia
Since there is no manual that comes with instructions on how to cope with schizophrenia, I thought it appropriate to provide somoe coping skills for those living with schizophrenia and also those family members living with someone afflicted.
Integratuion can be stressful, as it can also be depressing, anxiety-provoking, etc. A major issue is to become educated on the illness. Since this is such a misunderstood illness, it is essential to eduate yourself and your family as much as possible on the information available about schizophrenia, as well as coping skills, and management of symptoms.
This illness affects every aspect of life, therefore, it can have a serious affect on health, work, socialization, as well as relationships. Living with schizophrenia requires one to have a long-term mindset. This means accepting the illness, that it is a long-term (usually lifetime) illness, and that there is a necessity to acquire new learning skills and coping skills as well.
If you are a family member, the stress associated at the onset of this diagnosis will change over time, as you adjust to the situation, limitations, needs and other associated issues surrounding the loved one with schizophrenia.
Often times, those afflicted may not have insight into the illness, and also may be their own worst enemy. They may not recognize that they are ill and in need of help and services. It is important for the garegiver(s) to recognize this, and be open to understanding that the afflicted person may need assistance in a small or a very large way.
Realize that the person afflicted will probably have to take medication for the rest of his/her life. There are also ups and downs throughout the course of this illness, so be prepared for them, in a positive and understanding way.
Improve communication skills. Those of us afflicted with schizophrenia (especially paranoid type) may be fearful of communication. Try to make this as comfortable and relaxing as possible. Remember to take things slowly, and go at the pace you/or the loved one can go. Encourage communication, enhance skills by slowly introducing people back into the life of the schizophrenic, and be patient. Due to difficulties in processing, or because of anxiety or a myriad of thother reasons, be understanding that the afflicted may not quite understand what someone is trying to communicate. There is a general lack of motivation in many or most people with schizophrenia, so encourage slow integration into different activities, and be patient. This lack of motivation is not laziness, it is part and parcel of the actual illness.
Family members should respect the body language of the family member afflicted with schizophrenia. If he/she appears upset, aggitated, anxious, be aware and give that person the space he/she needs to cope with these emotions and feelings.
Stress reduction is essential. Stress is particularly toxic to those afflicted with schizophrenia. Many with the illness, are likely to be sensitive, so please know that stress can bring on symptoms, cause symptom flare-ups, and cause emotional turmoil. Some signs of stress are: sleeping issues, anger, irritability, fatigue, physical issues, etc. One way to help reduce stress is to get a pet for the one afflicted with schizophrenia. This can reduce stress immensely and also give the person some responsibility he/she will be able to handle. Animals can lower blood pressure, ease anxiety, and also provide self-esteem enhancement.
Exercise and physical activity is also essential. This may not be easy to begin, however, even just a few minutes a day can help tremendously, and can also encourage more and more physical activity. Big self-esteen builder and stress reliever.
Hobbies are also very helpful for persons with schizophrenia. Encourage yourself, or family members, encourage your loved one to return to or pick up a new hobby. Even if it is only a few moments a day to begin with, it is a start. Art, music, drawing, gaming, there are so many available, including writing, reading, as well...and this can and is very beneficial.
Tomorrow I will discuss further more coping skills and realted issues associate with schizophrenia!
Integratuion can be stressful, as it can also be depressing, anxiety-provoking, etc. A major issue is to become educated on the illness. Since this is such a misunderstood illness, it is essential to eduate yourself and your family as much as possible on the information available about schizophrenia, as well as coping skills, and management of symptoms.
This illness affects every aspect of life, therefore, it can have a serious affect on health, work, socialization, as well as relationships. Living with schizophrenia requires one to have a long-term mindset. This means accepting the illness, that it is a long-term (usually lifetime) illness, and that there is a necessity to acquire new learning skills and coping skills as well.
If you are a family member, the stress associated at the onset of this diagnosis will change over time, as you adjust to the situation, limitations, needs and other associated issues surrounding the loved one with schizophrenia.
Often times, those afflicted may not have insight into the illness, and also may be their own worst enemy. They may not recognize that they are ill and in need of help and services. It is important for the garegiver(s) to recognize this, and be open to understanding that the afflicted person may need assistance in a small or a very large way.
Realize that the person afflicted will probably have to take medication for the rest of his/her life. There are also ups and downs throughout the course of this illness, so be prepared for them, in a positive and understanding way.
Improve communication skills. Those of us afflicted with schizophrenia (especially paranoid type) may be fearful of communication. Try to make this as comfortable and relaxing as possible. Remember to take things slowly, and go at the pace you/or the loved one can go. Encourage communication, enhance skills by slowly introducing people back into the life of the schizophrenic, and be patient. Due to difficulties in processing, or because of anxiety or a myriad of thother reasons, be understanding that the afflicted may not quite understand what someone is trying to communicate. There is a general lack of motivation in many or most people with schizophrenia, so encourage slow integration into different activities, and be patient. This lack of motivation is not laziness, it is part and parcel of the actual illness.
Family members should respect the body language of the family member afflicted with schizophrenia. If he/she appears upset, aggitated, anxious, be aware and give that person the space he/she needs to cope with these emotions and feelings.
Stress reduction is essential. Stress is particularly toxic to those afflicted with schizophrenia. Many with the illness, are likely to be sensitive, so please know that stress can bring on symptoms, cause symptom flare-ups, and cause emotional turmoil. Some signs of stress are: sleeping issues, anger, irritability, fatigue, physical issues, etc. One way to help reduce stress is to get a pet for the one afflicted with schizophrenia. This can reduce stress immensely and also give the person some responsibility he/she will be able to handle. Animals can lower blood pressure, ease anxiety, and also provide self-esteem enhancement.
Exercise and physical activity is also essential. This may not be easy to begin, however, even just a few minutes a day can help tremendously, and can also encourage more and more physical activity. Big self-esteen builder and stress reliever.
Hobbies are also very helpful for persons with schizophrenia. Encourage yourself, or family members, encourage your loved one to return to or pick up a new hobby. Even if it is only a few moments a day to begin with, it is a start. Art, music, drawing, gaming, there are so many available, including writing, reading, as well...and this can and is very beneficial.
Tomorrow I will discuss further more coping skills and realted issues associate with schizophrenia!
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