GETTING HELP FOR A
LOVED ONE
I do not particularly like the term delusional to describe someone who has schizophrenia. To the person going through it, what they are experiencing is very real, and in some instances what they are experiencing is actually real. Let me provide an example to illustrate my point. First, a person with sz has a compromised mind. We do not always think as clearly or as logically as the general population. This weakened state leaves us vulnerable to attack by others. The attacks may be as benign as ridiculing the person because he constantly loses his keys or it may be as severe as a physical attack because he is not able to defend himself. Imagine a lion's weakened prey. Either that prey is weakened by age or disease. Nonetheless, that prey is open for attack and that is how many of us feel...vulnerable to attack. Any slight however little it may seem to the average person is magnified thousands of times for the person with schizophrenia. The person with sz might interpret that slight as a life-and-death situation and react to it in a like manner. So, when dealing with someone who has schizophrenia, try to put yourself in our shoes. Imagine yourself as a diseased zebra who has been singled out of the herd and who is being chased by a hungry lion, and you will understand about 5% of the fear that is inherent in this disease.
That said, there are things you can do to help someone with schizophrenia, things that in the process will help yourself also. First and foremost, if your loved one is experiencing thoughts of hurting herself or others, get help NOW. Do not wait for something to happen. The laws are different in different states, but all of them include provisions for suicidal or homocidal thoughts.
If your loved one is not at that point, here are a few things you can do. First, educate yourself about schizophrenia. Surviving Schizophrenia, 4th edition by E. Fuller Torrey is an excellent source. There is a 5th edition of this book that is being planned. I'm not sick, I don't need help! is another book that a lot of people recommend. I have not read this one, but it may be a good one to read especially if your loved one does not think he is sick. I cannot overstate the importance of education for the loved ones of a person with schizophrenia. Education will breed understanding; understanding will breed patience.
Other sources of education (and support) include clinical psychologists who are experienced in dealing with schizophrenic clients and support groups like NAMI and Schizophrenics Anonymous. A clinic psychologist is a person who has her PhD. in Clinical Psychology. He has a bachelor's degree plus he has up to 5 years of additional schooling/training leading to a doctorate degree. She is not a medical doctor and as such cannot prescribe medication, but she can spend more time counseling you on your loved ones disease and how to handle it.
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