Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Learn more about what schizophrenia is
• Method 2 of 2: Have a conversation
• Tips
• Warnings

Schizophrenia is a serious mental health disorder that can have a significant impact on a person's mental functioning and well-being. People with schizophrenia may hear voices, be confused and sometimes be able to speak in ways that are difficult to understand or incomprehensible. Still, there are a number of things you can do to improve your conversations with a schizophrenic person.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Learn more about what schizophrenia is

1. Learn to recognize the symptoms of schizophrenia. Some of the symptoms of schizophrenia are more noticeable than others, but getting a sense of the symptoms you don't see right away will help you better understand what the person you're talking to is going through. Indications of schizophrenia include:
   • Unfounded expression of suspicions.
   • Unusual or strange fears, such as saying someone wants to harm him or her.
   • Signs of hallucinations, or changes in sensory experiences. For example: Seeing, tasting, smelling, hearing or feeling things that others do not experience at the same time and place, in the same situation.
   • Writing or speaking incoherently. Incorrectly linking facts that are not related to each other. Conclusions that have nothing to do with the facts.
   • "Negative" symptoms (eg, loss of characteristic behavior or mental functioning), such as a lack of emotions (sometimes called anhedonia), no eye contact, no facial expressions, decreased body hygiene, or social isolation.
   • Unusual dress, such as unusual clothes, worn in a strange or otherwise unusual way (one sleeve or trouser leg rolled up for no reason, colors that do not match, etc.).
   • Disordered or abnormal motor behavior, such as adopting strange postures, or engaging in useless and exaggerated / repetitive movements, such as opening and closing the buttons or zipper of his or her jacket.
2. Compare the symptoms to those of schizoid personality disorder. Schizoid personality disorder is part of the schizophrenic spectrum of disorders - both disorders are characterized by problems expressing emotions or making contact. However, there are some noticeable differences. Someone with schizoid personality disorder knows what is real and what is not and does not experience hallucinations or persistent paranoia, and their conversation patterns are normal and easy to follow. A person with schizoid personality disorder develops and displays a preference for seclusion, has little or no sexual desires, and may become confused by normal social cues and interactions.
   • While it is part of the schizophrenic spectrum this is not schizophrenia, and so the methods of contacting a schizophrenic person discussed here do not apply to someone with schizoid personality disorder.
3. Do not assume that you are dealing with a schizophrenic person. Even if the person shows symptoms of schizophrenia, you cannot automatically assume that they have schizophrenia. In this case, you certainly don't want to be wrong in deciding whether or not the person is schizophrenic.
   • If you're not sure, ask the person's friends and family.
   • Do this tactfully, saying something like, "I want to make sure I'm not saying or doing the wrong thing, so I want to ask, does X have a mental illness, maybe schizophrenia? I'm sorry if I I'm wrong, it's just that I noticed some of the specific symptoms, and I want to make sure I treat him with respect. ”
4. Take an empathetic angle. Once you have learned the symptoms of schizophrenia, do your best to put yourself in the shoes of the person suffering from this debilitating disorder. Understanding the other person's perspective through an empathetic or cognitive approach is a key factor in building successful relationships because it helps us to be less likely to jump to conclusions, be more patient, and better understand what the other person needs.
   • While it can be difficult to imagine some of the symptoms of schizophrenia, you can still imagine what it would be like to be out of control of your own mind, possibly without being aware of it, or having does not fully understand the situation.

Method 2 of 2: Have a conversation

1. Talk a little slowly, but without being demeaning. Remember that he / she may hear sounds or voices in the background while you are talking, which can make it difficult for him / her to hear you. It is therefore essential that you speak clearly, calmly and not too loudly as the person's nerves may be exhausted from hearing the voices.
   • These voices can criticize him or her while you talk.
2. Be delusional. Delusions occur in four out of five people who suffer from schizophrenia, so during the conversation keep in mind that the person may be experiencing them. These could be delusions that you or an outside entity, such as the government or a neighbor, is in control of his or her thoughts, or that the person views you as an angel of the Lord or really anything.
   • Try to get a picture of the specific delusions, so that you know what information to filter during the conversation.
   • Be aware of possible megalomania. Remember, you are talking to someone who may think they are a celebrity, or a person of authority, or who is beyond the realm of conventional logic.
   • Try to be as pleasant as possible while you talk, but not too flowery or too flattering with lots of compliments.
3. Never speak as if the person is not there. Do not exclude the other person, even if there is a delusion or hallucination that persists. Usually, the person will be somewhat aware of what is going on around them, and may feel hurt if you talk about them as if they don't exist.
   • If you need to talk to someone about him / her, say it in a way that the patient wouldn't mind, or have a private chat somewhere.
4. Make inquiries with people who know this person. You can learn a lot about how best to talk to this person by asking friends and family, or (if applicable) a caregiver. There are a number of questions you ask these people, including:
   • Is there a history of animosity?
   • Has the person ever been arrested?
   • Are there any delusions or hallucinations in particular that I should be aware of?
   • Are there any specific ways I should react during certain situations I might end up with this person?
5. Make sure you have a backup plan. Know how to get out of the room if the conversation isn't going well or if you feel like your safety is compromised.
   • Do your best to think ahead about how to calmly reassure the person and gently talk the person out of a fit of anger or paranoia. There may be something you can do to make the person feel more comfortable. For example, if he / she feels like they're being watched by the government, offer to cover the windows with aluminum foil, to be safe, and protected from any scanners / spying devices.
6. Be prepared to accept anything unusual. Balance yourself and don't react. A schizophrenic person is likely to behave and speak differently than someone without the disorder. Do not laugh at, mock, or joke about the person for incorrect reasoning or logic. If you feel rightfully threatened or in danger (as if threats could be carried out), call the police.
   • If you can imagine what it must be like to live with such a problematic disorder, then you will realize the gravity of the situation and that such problems are not something to be ridiculed.
7. Encourage the other person to continue on prescribed medication. It is often the case that individuals who are schizophrenic want to get off the drugs. However, it is extremely important that the use of the medication is continued. If there are indications during the conversation that the person wants to stop taking the medication, you can:
   • Proposals to discuss this with the physician before such a far-reaching decision is made.
   • Remind the other that even if they are feeling better now, it may be because the drugs are working, but that it is necessary to keep taking them in order to keep feeling better as a person.
8. Do not feed on delusions. If the person becomes paranoid and indicates that you are plotting against them, avoid looking too hard at the other person, as this can increase paranoia.
   • If he / she thinks you are writing things down about him / her, don't text while that person is around.
   • If that person thinks you are stealing, avoid being alone in the room or house for extended periods of time.

Tips

• There is a great book written by Ken Steele and it is called: The Day the Voices Stopped. This book can help you understand what someone with this disease is going through and how it differs from someone who has recovered from schizophrenia.
• Visit the person from time to time and talk to the person in a normal way, regardless of what the mental state of the person is at the time.
• Do not belittle the person or use childish language. An adult with schizophrenia remains an adult.
• Do not automatically assume that such a person will be violent or threatening. The vast majority of people with schizophrenia and other psychotic illnesses are no more violent than other people.
• Don't show yourself getting alarmed by the symptoms.

Warnings

• When calling 911, make sure you clarify the person's psychological state so that the police know what they are dealing with.
• Suicide is common among people with schizophrenia, compared to the rest of the population. If the person you are talking to makes you feel like he or she is considering suicide, it is important to get help as soon as possible by calling 112 or a suicide prevention line, such as 113Online - 0900 0113
• If the schizophrenic is hallucinating, consider your own safety. Remember, this is a disease where paranoia and delusions can play a role, and even though the person seems very friendly, it is still possible that they suddenly lash out.