{"id":2370,"date":"2020-01-15T07:54:36","date_gmt":"2020-01-15T07:54:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/?page_id=2370"},"modified":"2025-12-18T15:14:04","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T14:14:04","slug":"how-to-help","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/advice-and-support\/how-to-help\/","title":{"rendered":"How can I help someone with schizophrenia?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-inpage-nav-rea-inpage-nav-block rea-inpage-nav-block front has-margin\"><div class=\"rea-inpage-nav-block__image\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/wooden.png)\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"inpage-nav-background\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/wooden.png\"><\/div><div class=\"rea-inpage-nav-block__content\"><div class=\"rea-inpage-nav-block__content--wrapper\"><div class=\"text-wrapper\"><h2 class=\"inpage-nav-title\">How can I help someone with schizophrenia?<\/h2>\nIf someone you know has schizophrenia, it is not always easy to know how to help. But there are many different things that you can do. Remember it can be distressing looking after someone suffering from a mental disorder, so keep in mind the following:<br><br><ul class=\"inpage-nav-list\">\n<li>Their schizophrenia is not your fault<\/li><li>Their schizophrenia is not their fault<\/li><li>You cannot cure their illness<\/li><li>Their beliefs or hallucinations seem very real to them<\/li><li>The person is not the disorder<\/li><li>Even the best can make mistakes  <\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"section-nav\"><h4 class=\"section-nav--title\">In this section<\/h4><div class=\"section-nav--nav-items js-inpage-nav-items\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-title-rea-title-block rea-title-block front\"><div class=\"rea-title-block__content\"><h3 id=\"\" class=\"content-title rea-hidden\"><\/h3><h4 class=\"content-subtitle \">1. Find out more about schizophrenia <\/h4><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-paragraph-rea-paragraph-block rea-paragraph-block front\"><div class=\"rea-paragraph-block__content\"><p class=\"content-text\">Learning about schizophrenia is important in order to understand the phases, the symptoms and what a person may be going through. There is a lot of wrong information around schizophrenia so take time to find out what is myth and what is truth.<br><br><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-title-rea-title-block rea-title-block front\"><div class=\"rea-title-block__content\"><h3 id=\"\" class=\"content-title rea-hidden\"><\/h3><h4 class=\"content-subtitle \">2. Know the signs that they are relapsing <\/h4><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-paragraph-rea-paragraph-block rea-paragraph-block front\"><div class=\"rea-paragraph-block__content\"><p class=\"content-text\">Everyone with schizophrenia has different symptoms and courses of disease. By recognising the signs that someone with schizophrenia may be becoming unwell, you can help them to manage their illness. Look out for:<sup>2<\/sup><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-list-rea-list-block rea-list-block front\"><div class=\"rea-list-block__wrapper\"><div class=\"list-unordered list\"><p> Loss of appetite<\/p><p> Anxiety or stress<\/p><p> Disturbed sleep<\/p><p> A feeling of suspicion or fear<\/p><p> Worrying about people\u2019s motives<\/p><p> Hearing quiet voices now and again<\/p><p> Difficulty concentrating<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-paragraph-rea-paragraph-block rea-paragraph-block front\"><div class=\"rea-paragraph-block__content\"><p class=\"content-text\">If you recognise these signs, make sure that they have access to their medication and consider seeking extra support.<br><br><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-title-rea-title-block rea-title-block front\"><div class=\"rea-title-block__content\"><h3 id=\"\" class=\"content-title rea-hidden\"><\/h3><h4 class=\"content-subtitle \">3. Seek all the specialised help you can <\/h4><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-paragraph-rea-paragraph-block rea-paragraph-block front\"><div class=\"rea-paragraph-block__content\"><p class=\"content-text\">There are a lot of support and services out there for people living with schizophrenia. The more professional advice you have access to, the easier it can be in the tougher periods. <br><br><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-title-rea-title-block rea-title-block front\"><div class=\"rea-title-block__content\"><h3 id=\"\" class=\"content-title rea-hidden\"><\/h3><h4 class=\"content-subtitle \">4. Make sure they are taking their medication <\/h4><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-paragraph-rea-paragraph-block rea-paragraph-block front\"><div class=\"rea-paragraph-block__content\"><p class=\"content-text\">It is important for people with schizophrenia to take their medication as prescribed. This can help to prevent relapse.<sup>2<\/sup> When they are feeling well, try to set up a routine to follow. Work together to overcome any forgetfulness that they may experience. <br><br><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-title-rea-title-block rea-title-block front\"><div class=\"rea-title-block__content\"><h3 id=\"\" class=\"content-title rea-hidden\"><\/h3><h4 class=\"content-subtitle \"><strong>5. Making sure their loved one is safe<\/strong><\/h4><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-paragraph-rea-paragraph-block rea-paragraph-block front\"><div class=\"rea-paragraph-block__content\"><p class=\"content-text\">Someone with schizophrenia may find it difficult to think clearly and take care of themselves or others.<sup>1<\/sup> If they have a dependant, you may be able to help out by assisting with everyday tasks like housework or shopping. You could also just check in to make sure they are ok. <br><br><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-title-rea-title-block rea-title-block front\"><div class=\"rea-title-block__content\"><h3 id=\"\" class=\"content-title rea-hidden\"><\/h3><h4 class=\"content-subtitle \"><strong>6. Help them find meaningful occupations and learn new skills<\/strong><\/h4><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-paragraph-rea-paragraph-block rea-paragraph-block front\"><div class=\"rea-paragraph-block__content\"><p class=\"content-text\">It is important to focus on the positives, the things they enjoy or are good at. Try setting small realistic goals and helping to find jobs or skills that are manageable and meaningful. Remember that difficulty concentrating is a symptom of schizophrenia and so it is important to be patient.<sup>1<\/sup><br><br><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-title-rea-title-block rea-title-block front\"><div class=\"rea-title-block__content\"><h3 id=\"\" class=\"content-title rea-hidden\"><\/h3><h4 class=\"content-subtitle \"><strong>7. Look after yourself<\/strong><\/h4><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-paragraph-rea-paragraph-block rea-paragraph-block front\"><div class=\"rea-paragraph-block__content\"><p class=\"content-text\">It is never easy watching someone you know experience schizophrenia. Make sure that you pay attention to your own needs and take time for yourself. <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-list-rea-list-block rea-list-block front\"><div class=\"rea-list-block__wrapper\"><div class=\"list-unordered list\"><p> Find someone to talk to about your feelings<\/p><p> Stay in touch with friends and family members<\/p><p> Don\u2019t take hurtful behaviour and words personally <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-paragraph-rea-paragraph-block rea-paragraph-block front\"><div class=\"rea-paragraph-block__content\"><p class=\"content-text\">In the UK, you can find useful resources to take care of your wellbeing and the people around you with organisations such as Mind UK and Rethink Mental Illness. <br>If you\u2019re based elsewhere, look for institutional resources and mental health charities that operate in your area. <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-references-rea-references-block rea-references-block front\"><div class=\"rea-references-block__references\"><p class=\"references-title\">References<\/p><ol class=\"references-list\"><li>NIMH, Schizophrenia, 2016. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/topics\/schizophrenia\/index.shtml\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/topics\/schizophrenia\/index.shtml<\/a><sup> <\/sup>[Accessed Jul 2019]<\/li><li>NHS, Living with schizophrenia, 2016. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/schizophrenia\/living-with\/%20\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/schizophrenia\/living-with\/ <\/a>[Accessed Jul 2019]<\/li><\/ol><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-title-rea-title-block rea-title-block front rea-share-block\" style=\"margin-bottom:30px;text-align:center;\">\n\t\t<div class=\"\">\n\t\t\t<span style=\"display:block;margin-bottom:10px;font-size:20px;\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2370\" class=\"facebook-share\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&#038;url=https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2370\" class=\"linkedin-share\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Share<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1167,"parent":2368,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-fullwidth.php","meta":{"rea_page_title_signed_in_meta_block_field":"schizophrenia: how to help","rea_page_title_signed_out_meta_block_field":"schizophrenia: how to help","rea_page_description_signed_in_meta_block_field":"Learning about schizophrenia is important in order to understand the phases, the symptoms and what a person may be going through. There is a lot of wrong information around schizophrenia so take time to find out what is myth and what is truth.","rea_page_description_signed_out_meta_block_field":"Learning about schizophrenia is important in order to understand the phases, the symptoms and what a person may be going through. There is a lot of wrong information around schizophrenia so take time to find out what is myth and what is truth.","rea_page_footer_id_meta_block_field":"","rea_page_footer_date_meta_block_field":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2370","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2370","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2370"}],"version-history":[{"count":39,"href":"https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2370\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5069,"href":"https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2370\/revisions\/5069"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2368"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1167"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2370"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}