Schizophrenia: symptoms, causes, and treatment approaches

Schizophrenia

Often, when people discover that a family member has developed a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, they may be in shock, they may be puzzled and frightened by the strange behaviors (Johnson pp). They may be concerned about what will happen, and are generally at a loss for what to do (Johnson pp). This experience is virtually the same for all families everywhere in the world, and everywhere the stress of mental illness is great (Johnson pp). Generally, after examinations are carried out, medication are prescribed and other treatments recommended, and sometimes family members are interviewed, however, after a few days when the patient is released, usually the family has been told nothing about how to cope with the patient or the patient's effects upon the family (Johnson pp).

All too often families who are coping with a brain disorder, such as schizophrenia, in a close relative tend to neglect their own health, and are so emotionally involved that they fail to realize that they are under tremendous strain (Maintaining pp). Family members go through various stages, the first being disbelief and denial, followed by blame, shame, and anger, then finally acceptance (Maintaining pp).

When faced with the diagnosis of schizophrenia in a loved one, the majority of people go through a phase of denial, which makes it difficult for other family members to cope and may prohibit efforts they make on the patient's behalf (Maintaining pp). A family member in denial is difficult and distressing leading to arguments that may disrupt the household even further (Maintaining pp). The only real solution is to provide information about schizophrenia so that the person can see that many of the events happening within the family could be related to the disorder (Maintaining pp).

Often, families look for a scapegoat, such as the doctor, psychiatrist, or even the victim himself, however, eventually everyone must recognize that the real enemy is the disorder itself (Maintaining pp). Another reaction is shame, that of viewing the mental illness with fear, extreme embarrassment or even horror, and these feelings may be difficult to overcome (Maintaining pp). Family members may feel that they cannot tell anyone about the schizophrenia, and end up making up false excuses or white lies to explain the relative's behavior, which simply compounds the problem (Maintaining pp). It may help to begin by calling the disorder a mental breakdown or thought disorder, then proceed to describe some of the symptoms (Maintaining pp). It is also helpful to join a self-help group where problems are treated in confidence and family can speak freely about experiences and fears (Maintaining pp).

Another common emotion is guilt, believing that past events or family life is somehow responsible for the schizophrenia, and many family members spend endless hours wondering if in some mysterious way they could be to blame for the illness (Maintaining pp). Moreover, there is guilt over being well while the loved one is ill, this particularly holds true among siblings, and may find difficulty enjoying life, or the parents may neglect the well children (Maintaining pp).

Then there is anger and grief, and it is important to vent any pent up energy and tension through exercise, such as long walks (Maintaining pp).

Many families have found that although their relative lived at home successfully for a number of years, at some point a change occurred that lowered the quality of life for everyone, thus, do not insist on keeping your relative at home if different housing is now indicated (Suggestions pp). Moreover, it is important to keep to religious beliefs, and keep a sense of humor, and above all never lose hope (Suggestions pp).

Acceptance is the key to family health, by coming to terms with the stigma and fear with which society has surrounded it, and the degree of disability imposed by the symptoms of schizophrenia while still maintaining hope for the future (Maintaining pp). With acceptance, comes small measure of recovery that can give rise to optimism and pleasure, however, this takes time, because although family members may understand that acceptance is important, it is often a long process (Maintaining pp). However, knowledge is the first step, thus it is important to read books about the disorder and become informed (Maintaining pp). Acceptance does not mean giving up hope, it means a reduction in frustrations that stem from unrealistic objectives (Maintaining pp).

Although happy moments may be difficult to enjoy, it is important to keep a sense of humor to help the family through the difficult times (Maintaining pp). Laughter is extremely therapeutic as long as everyone is laughing together (Maintaining pp). Moreover, taking periodic breaks from the loved one helps to recharge family member and give them an opportunity to release emotions (Maintaining pp).