Telling Your Loved Ones About Schizophrenia

It's easier telling your family about a physical condition rather than a mental one. When you have a physiological problem, it's likely to be visible. But no one can see when you have depression or any mental disorder like schizophrenia. Even if they had to judge by your behaviour, they would have no way of knowing when you're unwell. They would simply see you displaying symptoms they don't understand. 

The first thing you need to do is know your symptoms. What kind of hallucinations do you commonly have? What kind of delusions do you suffer from? Are you affected by disorganised thinking? Have you noticed yourself developing a movement disorder? Do you have reduced emotional expressions? Social withdrawal? Lack of motivation? 

Different people with schizophrenia would have some form of combination of these positive and negative symptoms. Getting to know which ones you suffer from would be a good start, because now you'll know what you're treating.

Once you know your symptoms, the next step is telling your family how to help you. You cannot cope alone. You need relatives who are understanding to your situation.  This is easier said than done. Sometimes they won't understand why you need pills to treat an illness they cannot see. They won't understand your behaviour when you're manic or depressive. They won't understand you when you're in a full blown psychosis. Some of your relatives won't know how to react the day they see you when you're at your worst during a bad relapse. You may lose friends. You may lose your job. You may lose the respect and support of some of your loved ones. But there will always be at least one loved one, who may not fully understand yet feels sympathy and empathy for you. Talk to that person as much as possible. Whether you're in the pits or not. You need that person. Talking to at least one loved one who's ready to listen goes a long way towards treatment and recovery. 

But if you come from a stigmatised environment, and you lack the proper social support, fear not, it's not the end. Where there is a will, there's a way. You can always create your own social support system when one has not been provided for you. This means you have to choose your friends wisely. Be keen when you're choosing a life partner. Make sure you make it clear what exactly you need from them and how they can provide whatever support it is your need. They could help you with the course of treatment. Be your company when you feel lonely and isolated. Even getting you a support animal when say for example you live alone. Different people with schizophrenia have different ways of coping. Find your element and what makes you cope and don't forget to work on self care despite the social support system you've build around you.