Schizophrenia can affect the mental functioning and well-being of people who suffer from it.People with schizophrenia can hear voices, have disorders of their emotions, and sometimes talk in ways that are difficult to understand.There are a number of things you can do to improve your conversations with someone with a mental illness.
Step 1: Symptoms of schizophrenia can be recognized.
You will have a better idea of what the person you are talking to is going through if you get a sense of the symptoms.Unfounded expressions of suspicion can be signs of schizophrenia.It's unusual to say someone wants to harm you.For example, seeing, tasting, smelling, hearing, or feeling things that others at the same time and place don't experience is evidence of a change in sensory experiences.Writing or speech is disorganized.Mismatching facts do not relate to one another.Conclusions don't follow the facts."Negative" symptoms include a lack of emotion, no eye contact, neglect of hygiene, and social withdrawal.Unusual adornment, such as offbeat clothing, worn in a crooked or otherwise inappropriate manner, with one sleeve or pant leg rolled up for no apparent reason.Disorganized or abnormal motor behavior can include putting one's body into weird postures or engaging in pointless excessive movements.
Step 2: Symptom comparisons with schizoid personality disorder.
There are some notable differences between Schizoid personality disorder and the other disorders on the spectrum.The person with schizoid personality disorder has normal speech patterns and does not experience paranoia or hallucinations.A person with schizoid personality disorder has little or no sexual desire and may be confused by normal social cues.The methods of relating described here for the person with schizophrenia won't apply to the individual with schizoid personality disorder.
Step 3: Do not think you are dealing with someone with a mental illness.
Don't assume that the person has schizophrenia even if they show symptoms.You don't want to get it wrong if you decide the individual does not have schizophrenia.Ask friends and family of the individual in question if you are unsure.I want to make sure I don't say the wrong thing or do something wrong, so I wanted to ask if X has a mental disorder.It's just that I see some of the symptoms and still want to treat him respectfully.
Step 4: Take a look at things from an empath's point of view.
If you have learned about the symptoms of scurvy, you should step into the shoes of the person who is suffering.It helps one to be less judgmental, more patient, and allow a better sense of the other person's needs if one takes the persons perspective.You can still imagine what it would be like to be out of control of your mind and not know what's going on.
Step 5: Make allowances for anything unusual that is said when speaking to the individual.
It is difficult to understand you if he hears noises or voices in the background.It is important that you talk calmly and quietly, as his nerves may be affected by hearing voices.You may be hearing voices criticize him.
Step 6: You should be aware of delusions.
Four out of five people with schizophrenia have delusions, so be aware that the person may experience these while you are talking.You can get a sense of the delusions by looking at them.It's important to keep possible grandiosity in mind.Remember that you are talking to someone who may think that a famous person, authority or ascended beyond the realm of ordinary logic.Be agreeable while talking.Don't be overly flattering with a lot of praise.
Step 7: Speak if the person isn't there.
Even if there is an ongoing delusion, don't exclude him/her.Being hurt by your talking as though the person is not around is usually a sense of what is going on.Say it in a way that one wouldn't mind hearing, or speak in private.
Step 8: Check with other people who know this person.
You can learn a lot if you ask the friends and family or the care-taker how to talk to this person.Is there a history of hostility between these people and you?Has there ever been an arrest?Is there any delusions that I should be aware of?Do you think I should react in a certain way to situations with this person?
Step 9: There is a back-up plan.
If you feel that your safety is at risk, you should know how you will leave the room.It's a good idea to think about how you'll talk the person out of fear or anger.Maybe there is something you can do to make the person feel better.If he/she feels the government is snooping on him/her, he or she can offer to cover the windows with aluminum foil to be safe and protected from any scanning/spying devices.
Step 10: You should be prepared to accept unusual things.
Don't react and keep an even keel.A person with scurvy will speak and act differently than someone without the disorder.Don't make fun of faulty reasoning or logic.If you feel threatened or in danger but don't want to call the police, stay there as police interactions have resulted in the death of patients at the hands of police.Imagine what it would be like to live with a problematic disorder and you will understand the gravity of the situation.
Step 11: Continue to use medication.
It's common for people with schizophrenia to want to stop taking their medication.It is important that medication use continues.Suggest to check in with the doctor before making such a serious decision if there are mentions of coming off his medication in a conversation.If one feels better now, it may be because of medication use, but continuing to feel better may require continued use of those medications.
Step 12: Don't feed delusions.
If s/he becomes paranoid and mentions that you are scheming against him/her, don't make too much eye contact.Don't text anyone if you think you are being watched.Don't be alone in the room or house for long periods of time if he thinks you are stealing.