How To Help Someone With Schizophrenia: A Guide For Friends & Family

If you live with or know someone with schizophrenia it can feel really difficult to know how to help them. You aren’t alone in this. We often hear that many friends and family members spend a lot of time worrying about the best way to support their loved one. 

While there is plenty of information online about the signs and symptoms of schizophrenia, practical and actionable advice for families and caregivers can be hard to find.

At the London Psychiatry Clinic, we’ve spent years working with people affected by schizophrenia. We understand what you and your family are going through and we’re here to help. In this blog, we’ll cover:

• What having schizophrenia feels like and addressing the stigma that surrounds it
• Practical steps to support your loved one and yourself
• Insights into the lived experiences of those with schizophrenia and their families
• Strategies for handling episodes and maintaining a supportive environment

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Understanding Schizophrenia 

Schizophrenia is a complex mental health condition that's often misunderstood and surrounded by stigma. These misconceptions can be incredibly unfair and stressful, not just for those with the condition but also for the people who love them. As a caregiver, the more you understand about schizophrenia, the more confident you'll feel in supporting your loved one. 

It's important to remember that having schizophrenia isn’t anybody’s fault. There's no single cause, and the reasons behind the condition are not fully understood yet. Keeping this in mind can help reduce the shame and guilt that often come with schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia affects the ways a person thinks, feels and behaves in the world. It can change how your loved one takes care of themselves and relates to others, impacting your relationship with them. We understand that this can create tension and difficult dynamics, which can be challenging for everyone involved. 

Learn more about Schizophrenia here, including its symptoms, causes, and treatments.

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Breaking The Stigma Surrounding Schizophrenia

Unfortunately, there are still many misconceptions about people with schizophrenia. We understand these can create a lot of stigma which makes it harder for families to reach out for the help they need.

Often the self-doubt, guilt and shame caused by stigma can lead to social isolation and discrimination. People with schizophrenia often experience prejudices in work and social spaces which can make life harder for them and their families.

Here are a few ways you can work towards undoing the negative attitudes and beliefs surrounding schizophrenia:

• Getting the right treatment: Professional help and guidance can help you and your family better understand these experiences. You’ll learn about the condition and find a treatment plan that supports your loved one holistically, treating them as the unique individuals they are.
• Connecting with others: Connecting with other caregivers can provide a valuable support network and a place to talk about your feelings. It helps to know you aren’t the only one going through it.
• Don’t equate your loved one with their condition: The person you care for isn’t their condition. It can be really useful to simply change the language around it. For example instead of saying, “My son is schizophrenic”, try saying “My son has schizophrenia”. Encourage the rest of your family and friends to adopt this too. 
• Speak out against stigma: We know that challenging negative beliefs and harmful stereotypes isn’t always easy. But it can help educate and inspire courage in others who are going through the same issues. Consider making space for open conversations about mental health, speaking at events, or expressing your thoughts on the internet.

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What Does Schizophrenia Feel Like?

If you don’t have schizophrenia it can be very hard to imagine what living with the condition actually feels like. Being able to talk openly with your loved one about what it’s like for them can help build the empathy and understanding needed to care for them better. It also helps them feel seen, heard and valued. 

While every person is different and will have a unique internal experience of schizophrenia, there are some common themes and descriptions which you might find helpful:

• A profound sense of sadness and loneliness due to their experiences of the world feeling different from others
• Feeling distressed due to delusions and beliefs that are completely real to them and not shared by others
• Confusion, disorientation, fear and paranoia at hearing or seeing things that others don’t
• Frustration at being misunderstood when words get jumbled up due to disorganised speech or jumping from one idea to the next very quickly
• Difficulty and confusion with acknowledging unusual behaviours like repetitive hand gestures or postures that others find strange and out of place
• A sense of fear at not being able to control their thoughts and actions
• Difficulty doing things that used to come easily like reading a book or magazine
• Feeling disconnected from their emotions and feelings
• Wanting to isolate from family and friends due to feeling misunderstood, guilty or ashamed of their experiences  

Remember, your loved one’s experiences and perceptions, although different from yours, are very real to them. By validating their feelings and offering a non-judgmental space, you help build trust and a stronger connection.

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Do People With Schizophrenia Know They Have It?

Often the answer to this question varies widely. Some people with schizophrenia might be able to recognise their symptoms as part of the condition. But we understand this isn’t always the case. There may be times when they are able to see what’s happening quite clearly. And other times when this isn’t possible for them. 

If your loved one isn’t acknowledging their condition, it’s really important to approach the situation with patience and understanding. We find that gently encouraging your loved one towards treatment and support is often more effective than trying to force it. Our experienced specialists can provide advice and guidance on how to approach this topic with them.

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Does Schizophrenia Come and Go? 

As a caregiver, it’s completely natural to wonder if the condition will ebb and flow. We totally understand that you’ll want to be prepared for any changes that might affect you and your family.

Schizophrenia is classified as a chronic condition which means that it continues over time and doesn’t simply disappear with treatment and management. But, we do know that getting the right treatment combined with a supportive environment can positively impact the frequency and severity of symptoms.

It’s reassuring to know that it’s common for some people with schizophrenia to experience stretches of time where their mental health feels much more stable. However, we also recognise that ups and downs are part of schizophrenia and if your loved one experiences a period of increased symptoms, it isn’t your fault and nobody is to blame.

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What Does a Schizophrenic Episode Look Like?

Schizophrenic episodes can be incredibly intense and disorienting. Both for the person affected and those around them. Your loved one will likely be experiencing their symptoms more severely, this could look like:

• A high frequency of more vivid hallucinations
• Increased agitation and confusion
• Less ability to communicate their internal experiences
• Potential paranoia or fear about you or anyone else around them
• Increased desire to isolate
• Lack of self-care, personal hygiene, proper nourishment

If you notice your loved one exhibiting more symptoms than usual, try to remain calm and reassuring. You can offer support and make suggestions about getting help in a way that respects their dignity and autonomy. Phrases like, “How can I help you?” and “I’m listening”, can be really helpful at times like this.

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What Type of Voices Do People With Schizophrenia Hear?

We can’t give a blanket rule that describes the voices that people with schizophrenia hear as auditory hallucinations can shift and change. 

Some people might hear voices that are supportive or neutral and don’t upset them. Others may experience something completely different with critical, threatening, commanding or frightening voices.

While it’s true that you won’t hear those voices, remember that they are incredibly real for your loved one. 

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What Triggers People With Schizophrenia?

Again, there isn’t a specific set of triggers that will apply to everyone with schizophrenia. But, there are some common triggers you can be mindful of. These include:

• Stress
• Lack of sleep
• Substance abuse
• Significant life changes such as the death of a loved one or moving house or city.

No two people are the same and each person with schizophrenia will have unique triggers. However, if you are mindful of any big changes coming up in your lives you can be better prepared and equipped to give effective support.

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Can People With Schizophrenia Live a Normal Life?

This is a very common question for the friends and family of people with schizophrenia to ask. We all want the best for the people we care about and it’s totally natural to worry that this condition might change the way your loved one can live their life. 

With the right treatment and support, many people with schizophrenia can live fulfilling lives. We know that having schizophrenia does present challenges that other people don’t go through, but it doesn’t have to mean giving up on life plans, hopes and dreams. 

Here are a few ways you can encourage your loved one to stay engaged with the things that bring them joy:

• Maintain hope and positivity in your home environment
• Encourage your loved one to keep pursuing their life interests
• Help and encourage them to stay in a treatment program even when their mental health seems stable
• Help them plan social time with friends
• Encourage healthy eating, sleeping and exercise habits
• Focus on their strengths, unique talents and gifts rather than limitations

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Helping Someone With Schizophrenia

Knowing what to do in support of someone with schizophrenia involves a blend of education, practical strategies and a healthy dose of empathy. Let’s explore this in more depth. 

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How Do I Help Someone With Schizophrenia?

Here are three tips to help when you are trying to support someone with schizophrenia:

Tip 1 - Educate Yourself

The importance of family psychological education (pyschoeducation) for schizophrenia cannot be underestimated. Learning more about your loved one's experiences can help you better understand what they are going through. It’s how we build empathy and trust and find more effective ways to navigate challenging times.

Tip 2 - Encourage Treatment

At the London Psychiatry Clinic, we have specialists who have been working with people with schizophrenia for many years. We deeply understand the unique challenges that people and families living with schizophrenia face and we are here to help every step of the way.

Remember that finding space and support for yourself is also essential for your own well-being and ability to care for them. You deserve to have a place where you can ask questions and talk freely about anything that might be worrying you. 

Tip 3 - Create a Supportive Environment

Creating a stable and supportive environment for the person with schizophrenia can be a significant help. Gently encourage healthy lifestyle habits, reduce stressors and offer compassionate and open communication. Finding the best strategies takes time so be patient, it doesn’t all happen overnight.

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How To Help Someone With a Schizophrenia Episode/First Episode Psychosis

A schizophrenic or psychotic episode can be extremely confusing and overwhelming. It often begins with quite subtle changes in behaviour that might be hard to recognise, especially if it hasn’t happened before. Your loved one might begin to behave in ways you think are strange and unlike them. 

During these times, staying calm and providing a reassuring presence can make a significant difference. If it’s the first time you are witnessing your loved one behave in this way it’s absolutely vital to get help. They could be experiencing something other than schizophrenia or psychosis. There are other conditions such as bipolar disorder which can present with similar symptoms. 

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If they are at any risk of danger or self-harm, contact emergency services immediately. How to contact emergency services in the UK:

• Call emergency services on 999 (toll-free number)
• Or attend your nearest Accident and Emergency (A&E) department

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Tips For Handling a Schizophrenia Crisis

• Stay calm: Having a calm presence can help to de-escalate the situation. 
• Ensure safety: Make sure the environment is safe for you and the person experiencing the schizophrenic or psychotic episode. Remove any objects that could cause harm and try to make them as comfortable as possible.
• Seek help: Contact your mental health team or emergency services if the situation calls for it.
• Be reassuring: Offer your comfort and reassurance. Let the person you care for know you are there to help and support them.
• Avoid confrontation: Arguing or confronting the person about potential delusions or hallucinations isn’t helpful. Try to listen without judgement. 

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How To Support a Family Member After Being Diagnosed With Schizophrenia

If someone close to you has received a schizophrenia diagnosis it’s totally natural to feel daunted by it. We know that this is a time when you’ll be looking for guidance on the best ways to help as a caregiver. We’ve compiled a few practical tips to use once your loved one has been diagnosed:

• Listen and validate: Instead of dismissing or ignoring your loved ones' experiences, listen with openness. You can still validate their confusion, frustration, and fear even if you don’t share the experience. We all need to be heard, and your empathy will help them feel valued and seen.
• Ask how you can help: Rather than taking charge of their life, or telling them what is real and what isn’t, try asking them what might help them or what they need. For example, if they say they are seeing someone in the house who you cannot see, ask what you can do to make them feel safer.
• Make suggestions that encourage autonomy: If your loved one is struggling with taking care of themselves, instead of doing everything for them invite them into an activity. This might look like suggesting you wash the dishes together, or plan a meal and cook together.
• Keep connected: Receiving a diagnosis can suddenly feel very isolating. Make sure that you stay connected with your loved one. Let them know you are there for them and that you respect that they might need some time alone to process. Check in regularly with calls and texts, but be mindful of bombarding them with attention.

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How To Live With Someone Who Has Schizophrenia

We know that living with and caring for someone with schizophrenia isn’t always easy and that’s okay. We all need help and guidance in dealing with life challenges and this is no different. There will be a learning curve as you and your family adapt to the changes. 

Here are a few tips that might help:

• Focus on the strengths: Rather than spending all your time focused on the challenges, remind yourself and your loved one of their strengths and gifts
• Talk about their interests: Keep your loved one engaged by talking about their interests and encourage them to keep pursuing the things they love doing.
• Exercise together: A recent review of 17 studies showed that 3-5 sessions of aerobic exercise per week were highly effective at improving symptoms of schizophrenia. You could exercise together as a family and encourage your loved one to take up an activity with friends like yoga, walking in nature, or table tennis. 
• Make plans to do fun things together: Think about activities your loved one might like to do and plan them together. You might like to take a picnic to the park once a week, watch movies together or play games.
• Help them feel in control: Instead of taking over their lives, make sure that you have open discussions about what they need in terms of care. Ask them if they need help getting to therapy appointments or reminders to take medications. Involving them will help them feel like they have control and autonomy.
• Be patient: Treating schizophrenia isn’t linear and there’s no path that every person follows. Setbacks might occur and this isn’t anyone’s fault. It’s part of learning about the best way to manage the condition according to their unique needs.
• Don’t forget about yourself: It’s normal to feel overwhelmed caring for someone you love with schizophrenia. Make sure you have a support network. This could look like seeing a therapist, joining a support group or having regular talks with close friends. Remember, taking care of yourself is not a luxury but a necessity to continue providing the best support for your loved one.

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What Not To Say To Someone With Schizophrenia

Because there is still a lot of stigma surrounding schizophrenia we know how common, and upsetting, it is to hear things that are both harmful and dismissive. Here are a few things you shouldn't say to someone with schizophrenia. 

• It’s all in your head.
• Just snap out of it.
• You’re being crazy.
• You’re imagining things.
• Don’t be stupid.
• That’s not real.
• That’s not really happening.

Our approach leans more towards compassionate phrases that offer reassurance and understanding. Try using words like, “I’m right here with you” and “How can I help you in this?”.

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Is Schizophrenia Curable?

This is another question that comes up a lot and it’s a perfectly normal thing to wonder. At the moment, there isn’t a cure for schizophrenia. However, holistic and personal approaches, like those offered by our specialists, can help your loved one manage their condition more effectively.

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What Will Happen If Schizophrenia Is Not Treated?

Schizophrenia can cause severe, long-lasting symptoms that make daily life extremely hard if treatment and support are not received. We know that social isolation, joblessness, and a deterioration in physical well-being are a few of the possible negative outcomes from lack of support. Sadly, the risk of self-harm and suicide also goes up in patients with untreated schizophrenia.

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Getting Help For Someone With Schizophrenia

Knowing where to turn for help with schizophrenia can feel like an enormous task. With so much information out there, it’s hard to know where to turn. At the London Psychiatry Clinic, we have a number of specialists who have many years of experience working with people with schizophrenia and their families. Our approach is empathetic, holistic, and tailored to every individual’s unique needs. 

Overwhelm is very common among people with schizophrenia so here are some tips to help when navigating the path to getting help.

• Offer to make calls to therapists and book appointments
• Let them know you are available to help them get to appointments
• Support them to stick with treatment plans, even when their mental health feels stable

We understand that getting help can be daunting, which is why we offer online psychiatry and online therapy appointments so you can speak to our experts in the comfort of your own home. We also offer home visits, which can be helpful if your loved one with schizophrenia would prefer not to visit the clinic in person.

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Family Psychoeducation For Schizophrenia

We’ve seen firsthand how important family psychoeducation is when it comes to living with schizophrenia. We value creating a space to learn about the condition together and know how beneficial it is to have a safe place to ask questions about anything you are unsure about.

Education can help to improve the well-being of the person with schizophrenia and reduce the burden on friends and family. It can feel collaborative to learn together, fostering an environment based on mutual respect and understanding.

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Conclusion

We know how challenging it can be to live with schizophrenia. And, we also know that with the right support, compassionate guidance and a holistic approach many people with schizophrenia and their families can have fulfilling and joyful lives. Our main takeaways are:

1. Educate yourself about schizophrenia. You'll be able to break the stigma, deepen compassion and empathy and offer informed support.
2. Encourage treatment, create a stable and supportive environment and focus on your loved one’s strengths.
3. Find effective and consistent care and encourage your loved one to stay on their treatment plan, even when they might feel well.

The advice given in this guide is only the beginning of the journey towards helping you and your family manage living with schizophrenia. For comprehensive and informed support you can speak with us today. We’re right here to help you find the best strategies to help your loved one with schizophrenia.