THE FAMILY
AND SCHIZOPHRENIA
BLAME
AND SHAME
"People do not cause schizophrenia; they merely blame each other
for doing so." This blame can come
from both sides, patient and family. Family education, including brothers and
sisters, which encourages the expression of beliefs, fears, and feelings help
reduce the blame-and-shame syndrome. As
a result, the illness of schizophrenia becomes easier to live with.
ANGER
AND DEPRESSION
Families of people with schizophrenia
often feel anger toward the person with schizophrenia for being ill, then with
fate, the universe, or God, for allowing this illness. Unexpressed anger turns inward to emerge as
depression.
BROTHERS
AND SISTERS
Siblings, often forgotten, share the
guilt and fear experienced by parents.
They also worry that they too may become ill, or perhaps are jealous
that their problems have been given secondary consideration. One must remember
to include them in family education since it is, after
all, they who are likely to have long-term responsibility for their brother or
sister who is ill with schizophrenia after the parents have died.
WHERE
SHOULD HE/SHE LIVE?
The majority of people with the
illness of schizophrenia do better living away from home--as do most adults who
are not ill with schizophrenia--and coming home only for visits. Living at home creates an atmosphere of
unpredictability and tension. The family
fears imminent relapse, or that they might do
something to bring on a relapse. The
patient fears that everything he/she says or does may be misconstrued as a
symptom. Consequently, minor frictions
and incidents can easily grow out of proportion.
HOW
TO BEHAVE
The way to behave toward a person with
schizophrenia is -- naturally, simply, and with the respect due another human
being, adult or child. Intense emotion
can be overwhelming and should be avoided, as should arguing
about delusions. Humor, especially
sarcasm, is difficult for the person with schizophrenia to understand. Two-way communication, expression of emotion,
and interpersonal relations can be difficult for the person with schizophrenia,
especially in group social events.
People who are ill with schizophrenia like to be around people, but they
also need time and space to be alone quietly.
An atmosphere of calm confidence is important to them. Predictable, simple routine helps to
counteract hallucinations, delusions and sensory overload.
VIOLENCE,
SUICIDE, HOMICIDE
People with schizophrenia are rarely
violent or homicidal, and, moreover, these acts are invariably preceded by
threats or delusional statements. This
allows the family time to consult with the treating psychiatrist to assess the
seriousness of the situation. The
estimated suicide rate varies from 2 per 100 to 10 per 100 persons with
schizophrenia--and many of these suicides are the accidental result of
delusional thinking.
EXPECTATIONS
FOR THE FUTURE
Keep expectations realistic and
within realization, even if this means lowering them.
The resulting positive benefit enables the family and the member suffering
from schizophrenia to share and enjoy the activities and accomplishments that
are within his/her capacity.
FAMILY
SUPPORT GROUPS
These have proliferated since the
mid-70s. All of them include mutual
support and education on the subject of psychiatrists, problems of living,
housing, patient finances, and patient advocacy. Their most important function is to provide a
forum for sharing common experiences and problems.
For Further Information, Call:
THE ALLIANCE FOR THE MENTALLY ILL
NAMI OF GREATER CHICAGO
1536 W. CHICAGO AVE., CHICAGO, IL. 60622
312-563-0445