How to Support Someone with Schizophrenia/Schizoaffective Disorder
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- čas přidán 24. 02. 2019
- In this video, I talk about how best to support a loved one who lives with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.
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#schizophrenia #livingwellwithschizophrenia #schizoaffectivedisorder #mentalhealth
I have schizophrenia and it’s really messed me up I also have severe anxiety it’s not the best combo I wish everyone else the best thank you for comforting me 💖
Yo I have severe anxiety too, completely agree it’s not a great mix
my son is 22 and he is in denial i have a daughter that is 20 so now he is living in his car and i deposit him money for food how do i cope with this? @alli cat
@@lourdesvasquez4136 i am no professional in mental health, but please just make sure your son is safe and well. I recomend therapy personally for him and you too. But that can be pricey and expensive for some. Im not the best person to ask for help but ill do my best. Also online apps for mental health help, and theres many methods to help you with coping and what works best goes and varies person to person just please do not resort to dangerous methods of coping like drugs, self harm, over or under eating. 💗💗Wishing you both the best💗💗 Also if you do get therapy please check and research your therapist a bit so you can make sure they are effectice but also are good therapist and work best for you/ and or your son.
@@MsRizz100 he does not want the help he said his beliefs are real. That is what is really hurting me
@@lourdesvasquez4136 i know, i too have issues because i will believe the wildest of shit like someone is watching me constently for example and is judging me and wnats to kill me thats one thing that happens with me. And accepting and taking help is hard and can be hard and denial can be a biggo thing, no matter how he feels he still needs some type of help though please be gentle when bringing up the subject, etc. Because idk how your son is but i dont wont want him to push you away if he does that type of stuff. And if you mean hullucinations those to can be really hard to realize its a hallucination, and process that it isnt reality because it seems so real. I know it must hurt but what he perceives and believes seem very real to him, as i can relate. I reccomend try some healthy coping skills, mental health apps if they help because there is so many so just try a few out and see if it does you fit, and therapy though it can be expensive.
my best friend was diagnosed with this recently plus the bipolar disorder, truly heartbreaking stuff
As a schizophrenic, you cant have both..
My best friend friend have schizophrenia too 😥😥
@@xenex2460 both cannot be there?
Xen Ex my sister was also recently diagnosed with both... you sure about that?
@@ree9573 i think this condidition is not yet fully understood, that's why doctors disagree about it. IMO you can only remedy it with those dopamine blockers, not cure it yet
My partner has schizophrenia and I am fortunate enough to have a constant communication with him over his psychosis/episodes. He is such an amazing soul, I adore him with every ounce of my well being. I affirm he’s receiving all the love, support and patience.
Are you still together?
Summary for myself:
1. Educate yourself on the disorder/support group if available
2. Set realistic goals - reduce their stress, be supportive
3. Good communication about feelings, diagnosis, suicidal thoughts, concerns from both sides. Supportive/ positive messages is good.
4. Be patient when loved one is withdrawing which could mean different things, possible early sign of psychosis.
5. Check in with them, be persistent, reflect on their behaviour if concerning.
6. Keep track of medical appointments/what was said in them if they're comfortable with it.
7. Empower them!
8. Take care of yourself/ don't internalise. Build a support network.
Dont help:
1. Dont nag and keep questioning about taking medication. Try to support build a routine.
2. Dont force, be patient and encourage. They've got the right/control.
My ex-fiancé I was with for 6 years before I had to leave for my own health, was recently diagnosed with schizophrenia. It was the most horrible thing in the world watching the person I love so much lose themselves to their own mind.
They still have not accepted their diagnosis, and are currently at this moment losing their battle with a major delusional episode. I have no idea how to help.
I’m currently dealing with this. My fiancé has schizoaffective disorder
@@angelalicea7871 I’m sorry. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.
My girlfriend has this too; I’m heartbroken but determined to find a way to support her
@@Whydoweneedhandlesagain ❤️ much support.
Severe Lymes Disease, Schizophrenia, PTSD, depression, anxiety... my partner has all of them... neither of us can afford healthcare/insurance or essentials anymore. It's getting so hard to deal with after 6 years+ 💔 it effects me too. Everything can get so dark.... But we always have hope 💖..... why do evil things like this exist?... I wish we could all just
be happy . And nothing else
I hope you keep each other strong!!
I long so deeply too for there to be more that can be done for people who are really bad off
@Crystal V the entire medical establishment world over does not have a real, permanent solution for Chronic Lyme Disease. They suck your money until you are retired on a fixed income. Then you are broke, homeless. I’d say don’t contact any medical outfit. Go to LymeStop, that is not medical. It works. Look it up.
That's weird. Two people I'd knew acclaimed to have Lyme Disease...but both of them never had Schizophrenia...only Narcissistic Personality Disorder and Complex PTSD...
You're really good at this! Your videos are super interesting, just the right length, well-organized... I also *really* like the fact that you don't have music playing -- that often ends up being a huge distraction.
Anyway, thank you for taking the time to make these. I'm glad you were born at a time and place in history where you are able to do this work, instead of being locked in an institurion for your whole life. Or worse. You're here for a reason.
After missing a week of sleep, I heard a couple of voices say, "We are going to get you." That is the only time that I remember hearing auditory hallucinations. It is like going into a dream. It happened once. I guess that medicine makes it go away. I am so happy that I don't hear scary voices anymore. This lady knows what she is talking about. I hope that she feels better.
Our family is so glad to have found you! Thanks for sharing your experiences and perspectives! So helpful!
I live w schizoaffective disorder. What really, really helps me is singing, journaling, yoga, and my *•~.~•*•amazing•*•~.~* support system. Also, repeating the word love as a mantra in my head clears everything up for me😊. Take care, everyone!💖✨🎶
Thanks so much for making this content! We really need more informative & positive content about stigmatized mental illnesses, especially from the people who have lived experience. So grateful for your courage to share with the world!
I struggled with depression a lot in my early adult years. Depression runs on both sides of my family. I eventually learned where the pattern starts and how to stop it. I taught myself to notice when I stopped calling people and started withdrawing and learned to force myself to connect with others or I would start spiraling down to a dangerous level. Life taught me to be very choosy about who my friends are. I am friends with people who are generally about 80% positive people. And I choose people who have a great sense of humor. I make sure I look at the world for what's funny about it. I dosed myself with comedy at times a la Norman Cousins. Funny movies when I can find them and lots of stand-up comedy. I'm 67 and just told Imaging shows cancer. My friends are so supportive and what I asked of them is to join me in laughing as much as possible. I've gotten into energy healing in my later years and I'm doing really well as a happy person. When still a teenager I was a battered wife and living through that as always made me know I can get through anything.
I would love to know what this Brave young woman thinks about using laughter as medicine
Laughter is wonderful medicine!
Do you know what it is so brave for people who acknowledge that they have a problem and they’re willing to admit it to make a better life for themselves for me that’s a hero
Thank you for this video. It’s very helpful. My boyfriend was recently diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2018. He didn’t even know he had it since he was 14... Before he was diagnosed you couldn’t even tell. There were signs but I put a blind eye to them, but 2 years into our relationship He had fell into phychosis and we both had no idea what was going on. I knew something was wrong when I would look into his eyes and he wasn’t there. It was a very dark time for us but after he was hospitalized, I tried my best to stay by his side, encouraged him to take his meds, took advantage of visiting hours at the hospital, and last but not least worked on myself. I educated myself by watching videos like yours and reading books, I also cried a lot. I was beating myself up for not realizing sooner. I was hurting for him, but here we are 2 years later everything has gotten much better. He is learning to accept his illness and understanding it as well. My advice to anyone living with someone with schizophrenia with my experience is thru the tough times they need you the most, your support and understanding goes a long way. So thank you for your educating videos. ❤️
I have gone too far with my mom. Its just too much now so i learn to accept what i can and do whatever is best for myself
One of my best friends was diagnosed about a year ago with schizophrenia and I just learned about it today (10/16/21). I needed this video because while we don’t see each other, we text and phone calls. My biggest takeaway is for me to be more comforting and be there. I have already established that I am a text or a phone call away if he needed it. I want to be there even if I can’t be.
I am struck watching these videos how so much of what is said applies to everyone who struggles with a serious medical condition, and I am grateful that these things are being said. I add my one thing, which I have learned from hard experience: Do not claim to be supportive when you clearly are not. I had one person who said she was an expert on suicide prevention who was nowhere to be found when I was going g through my darkest times. She only took action when she concluded (incorrectly) that I was suicidal. So if you are overwhelmed by a loved one’s struggle, admit it and get help yourself. Don’t pretend to be a hero.
You are an absolute inspiration. Thank you so much for your insight.
Thank you for making these videos. You’re helping anyone who watches understand what it does and does not mean to have schizophrenia. This is so important for those with the illness and especially those who love them. You do a great job. I wish you all the best on your journey.
Totally agree with you about being patient and everything else you said. I am so glad that my closest friends have been able to be so supportive of me, though they are still learning my limitations(as am I).
Thank you so much for sharing this! My siblings has been diagnosed and everything is so new for us!
You are such a great resource. My little brother has started to show symptoms that escalated a lot within the past 6 months. You are an amazing resource and you’ve helped me soooooo very much. It’s hard to come to terms with some of the frightening things my baby brother has going on, but your videos have helped ME help HIM so much. For the first time in months, I am feeling so hopeful for my brother and his quality of life. You are helping so many with your videos, whether you realize it or not I wanted to give you the appreciation you deserve for being so open with those of us doing our best to support our loved ones!!
Hi. As I was watching your video, it reminded me to take my medication for tonight. Thank you!
I find this very helpful. Thank you for all of your efforts. I do believe that in a way you may be stronger than those attempting to "help" you. If someone has not been diagnosed with a problem, that doesn't necessarily mean they don't have problems. So it is very important that each of us first look at what we are doing and if it is healthy, rather than attempting to decide what is best for someone else and just assuming we are fine.
Thanks for this! Ur a strong individual for doing this and ur helping soo many ppl!!
I think you’re strong, brave, informed I appreciate your videos. I’m new to the channel. This is so key how family can support. 🔥
Thank you! We all love you!
You are absolutely lovely! Love listening to you!
Thank you so much for sharing this and doing what you're doing keep it up please and thanks again, it really is helping with my brother case. God bless you 🙏
Thank you so much for making this video, we thank God for your life.
,
Thank you for these videos. My husband was just diagnosed as schizoaffective disorder. Previously was just told he was bipolar. You are very insightful. Thank you
Thank you! My youngest son is diagnosed with schizophrenia. It’s been quite the experience. Your video is very helpful.
I have a loved one who has schizophrenia and I am currently taking a NAMI family to family class. NAMI is a world wide mental illness organization with lots of resources and support groups 💙
Be a little careful of Nami. They talked Ron Howard into misrepresenting John Nash who was diagnosed schizophrenic. He successfully went off meds which is extremely risky. This is how Nami Got Run Howard to obscure the facts. This is not to encourage anyone to go off meds. Everyone is different and the Med issue is very intense. It's understandable to me why someone would resist whether from Fear of the meds for whatever reason and/ or the fact that you want to feel like yourself even if it leads to hospitalizations. It's very complicated, isn't it? I wish you all the best and know that you are very brave whether you know it or not
Kat Rand wow!
I’m looking for a support group and trying to figure out how to get family therapy. My sister was recently diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and bipolar. Something that has been on my mind was that schizophrenia is life long and a friend of mine who is married to someone with schizophrenia told me they have a doctor who was able to get her off the meds... idk sounds so odd to me... kind of worries me to hear this... but Idk... everyone’s different?
@@ree9573 its a rare case thats able to go off meds completely and do well.
I'm working in mental health as a therapist and want to go forwards to work with people with psychosis. Possibly using therapies like acceptance and commitment therapy. These videos are amazing, you're very inspirational, thank you for sharing! :)
Thank you so much for this video 🎁🎀🎁 I wish people were more aware..
This was very informative. A friend of mine recently found out her niece has schizophrenia and it’s taking a toll on the both of them. I’m going to share this video. Sending you lots of good vibrations and prayers for you and your family.
thank you for this video. I have a family member who was diagnosed 4 years ago and I am constantly questioning what I may be doing right or wrong for them but you've helped clarify some things for me. Many bessing to you! 🙏
my sister was struggling last year and both of my parents went with her to appointments and I thought that was really nice. My mom was going to go to Arizona for a few days (I live in New Jersey, USA) to visit her friend but instead decided to stay home and support her.
This was really helpful. A very close person with me has this disorder . I'm learning more everyday on how to care for him inside and out. Thank you for sharing !
You are a bright soul, enjoy your vids. This helps me with my brother. Unfortunately he thinks he does not have a illness. God bless you.
Thank you so much. My husband was diagnosed with schizophrenia around a year ago and it's been hard knowing how to work around it and what is helpful and not. This video definitely helped me understand a little more about what I can do to help.
I saw your firsts videos long time ago.. when my son Jeffrey started to have Schizophrenia episodes 6 years ago about…and your advices was and are so helpful… thank you for that… and May God help you in your precious life..
Great info!
Thank you!
my mom is schizo affective and ive started noticing irregularities in her behavior again recently and im just trying to figure out more affective ways of helping her. i appreciate this video!
Thanks, Lauren! Many of our families ask this very question. It's great to hear from someone who's living with the illness. Always love your viewpoint.
My dad has Parkinson’s and alcoholism. The alcoholism caused korsakoff syndrome and now he hears voices and sees things that aren’t there. Your videos have helped me to understand him better, be more patient with him, and to help him cope with the voices
Thank you for this wonderful video. I am also living with my boyfriend who is diagnosed with this kind of mental health problem. I am sometimes tired of dealing with his words but some part of me tells that nobody will care for him aside from us,his family.
Your videos are EXTREMELY helpful. I know a young woman (28) in Colorado who has your diagnosis. She hears voice and becomes utterly delusional when experiencing psychosis. She's spent a lot of time in jail and was prostituting herself on the street for drugs (meth). She is gorgeous, stunning even, so people have taken advantage of her all her life. Her big problem is she absolutely rejects any notion of being sick and will shut down and run if pressed. She's had every sort of treatment and is on anti-psychotic meds, but she won't accept that there's anything wrong with her. How does one reach somebody like that in light of what you've presented here?
I started working and closing with one of the guys at my work, we never met until a few weeks ago and now we are becoming good friends. We started to bond over talking about my autism and his schizophrenia, he extremely fun for me to be around and always tries to help me with anything he possibly can that I struggle with. I don't know much about his disorder unfortunately but I want to be able to help him when he's struggling too, so thanks :)
Thank you so much for sharing!
Great video Lauren!! You really inspire me for my channel!!! ❤️ this is such important information I’m gonna tell my mom to watch this ❤️
So much support for you! I was just wondering if you see a psychologist and go through therapy to help as well? I’m an aspiring clinical psychologist and I am loving being a part of your journey! All the best from Toronto!!!
Thank you.
Keep fighting!
You are beautiful. 🌳🍃
Thank you so much for this. My best friend just broke into it and it’s overwhelming dealing with him, you helped a lot, just starting to educate myself about this illness.
How are they doing now? I have an ex friend who has paranoid schizophrenia and he was always calling people and threatening to kill them…
Thanks for your advice. My daughter has been struggling with the illness for nearly four years now. She has been in and out of hospital and tried many different medications. She took badly unwell when she was 17 but when I look back, she was getting unwell for atleast 2 years before that. We live in the U K and health care isn't that good here. My daughter is 21 now and the last few years have taken a toll on her, I will get her to take a look at you videos. Many thanks.
Thank you my brother has been going through this, i hope i can support him
I'm a single mom and my daughter has this. Its been hard because I have to work and I can't always help her. Thank you for sharing.
This is so helpful. Thank you so incredibly much
Thank you for this 💛
Thank you for this video.
These videos are so valuable for helping people learn to care for themselves and others: they really go across all types of illness. Thank you!
p
LOVE YOUR VIDS! I WISH U THE BEST IN LIFE!
I have schizoaffective disorder with major depression, generalized anxiety, PTSD, insomnia. Life has been ok. I'm on medication and have a therapist. I find it very hard to trust people though. Thank you for posting informative videos for people that need it.
Thank you so much for helping me take care of my partner
Thanks for this important video. Could you give some examples of how to give 'little gentle reminders' and what phrases ( beside the tone of voice, face expression and body posture) feel like forcing to take medicine, go to doctor appointments...?
Thank you.. that was very helpful xx
Thankyou for this
I'm struggling with this and you have been helpful of explaining it to me
You are so sweet , thank you. My friend have an episode , and I am lost . I feel so sad for him . I do all I can , but it is very tough.
Thank You So Much.
Thank you ☺
I am witnessing my brother have his first episode since he been home from his 12 year sentence. It’s really heart breaking to see. Both him and my mom have been diagnosed.
I am witnessing my brother suffering schizophrenia and was also admitted and diagnosed. It's definitely heartbreaking. I pray for for your families strength, this is going to be a process and I wish yall the best.
Hi Lauren thanks for another great video, I will send it to my clueless mom lol.
Thank you for sharing. Bless you, please keep making videos. I have a family member who has this. I'm not too sure what to do.
I’m watching this so I know how to support myself yay
2 hours ago found my closet friend have this....everything seems colourless....Awwww..but Friendship way more powerfull ...InshaAllah he will be okay very soon...Usama bhai love ho ap❤ ...Guy please pray thats i want from all of you...Stay blessed
my best friend has schizophrenia and his parents won’t give him medication for it and i need to do more research to help him through it but thank you so much
Thank you so much.
Thanks for sharing
Thank you for the information I suffer with illness so I am always looking for more information
thank you so much
So hard! God give us strength
thanks .... very helpful /useful information🙂
Thumbs up and subscribed!
Thank you.
Thank you
Thank you for spreading the knowledge and experience.
Applaud your work.
Do you know if there are patient with schizophrenia support group/family support group so people can share their stories /experiences???
Thanks
Schizophrenia is so scary I wish I could explain it in words. I'm so blessed with the people who I have. My girlfriend was the first person I told after I had a breakdown in her house I've been diagnosed for the last year and a bit. I told her before I told my mam. I didn't want to bother her with it but it sometimes breaks out of me I hold it back the best I can but I think what really helps is when you can tell your friends and family make the effort to make sure what they say is correct and not insensitive. I've had someone ask me nicely so I explained it and i promise you they laughed in my face and said " you know that's just your imagination " or " is it contagious ". I hope people could be more caring but forget the bad and stick to the good. And for that I'm lucky.
My gf right now ,is in hospital for mental resons ,and she also has shzio and o really want to understand her and stuff 👍.thx for the video
I’m just meeting my uncle in person for the first time I have talked on phone but I know being in person is a different thing trying-to help him change is life around a little and get him more healthy but he has this so I just wanna understand things better so I can deal with it the right way cause I’m all he really has at this point besides he’s sister aka my mom
Thanks so much 😊
Thank you so much, I'm researching on how does schizophrenia feel because my gf has them and I am really blank when it comes to them... I feel so useless whenever she has anxiety attacks or any mental breakdown. I wanna help her
my sister and mom has it..I'm also trying how to help them..it breaks my heart when I see them in that condition..I really wanna help them but it's SO HARD dealing with them..
@@armyweeb377 I am going through the same with my mom
I absolutely LOVE the poster your boyfriend and his daughter made for you. What a sweet reminder that he cares! 💖 I do have one concern about you that has nothing to do with your diagnosis. My concern is... the amount of vocal fry you use when you're speaking! 😅 I'm not trying to be mean or hurtful, I am genuinely worried about the health of your vocal folds and what impact this will have on your speaking voice down the road. I know that it's not good for singers (BA in Music here) so while you might not be *singing* full time or even part time, I would still like to encourage you to avoid the crackly noises at the end of your sentences. If you would like to try moving away from the fry, makr sure to re-energize the air flow going through your vocal folds when you come to the end of your sentences, and be mindful of when it happens most so you can combat it.
Love your Canadian accent, though! 💙💙💙
Do you reply to comments? I have never seen you interacting with viewers but I enjoy your video
Hi Lauren, thank you for your great videos. Wondering if I might ask a somewhat personal question (apologies in advance, and disregard if you want) about your experience with this illness, in the interest of understanding how possible it might be to help others with schizoaffective disorder. It appears that you have full insight (at least usually or often) into your illness and are able to live well, as the name of your channel suggests. As you know, many (I believe I've seen statistics of about half) of individuals with schizoaffective disorder suffer from anasognsia. My ex left me last year in a manic episode with psychotic delusions about me and others that persist to this day. I and others have tried to help her (imperfectly at times, before we came to better understand her condition) but generally failed to help her, as her medication non-compliance, grandiose delusions, and general decline continues. So my question is, in the spectrum of severity, how might you characterize your experience with this illness? Basically, I'm trying to figure out the potential odds (assuming good support) of "living well" for someone with schizoaffective disorder. From what I've come to understand from lots of reading, insight is the key to success in managing this illness, and insight varies greatly from one individual to the next. Thank you again. You provide this community with a great resource.
great question. my brother has schizophrenia and has insight but is very reluctant to be open about it. i hope everything goes well for you and your ex. it is a horrible illness
Good day and hope for a better day tomorrow....you sound very logical but how in first place can gain some one trust who believes even his father
My own father is suffering from this disease he is 54 years old .... The more i want to focus on my studies the more his disease haunts me ... sometimes i don't understand why this is happening to me ..... tomorrow is my exam and i am unable to focus on my study. I don't know what's going on in my life . So if you feel you are going through tough days just compare yourself to me ☺️.
Look after yourself first
I am so thankful for the work you've put into this video. I am trying to support someone that I care for and these tips are becoming extremely handy. After trying to change him for a while, I decided to take a step back. When I stepped back, Ive realized that he needs more time and patience from my part and it is selfish to try to speed him up. When I gave it a time, I've realized that the best way to show love to someone with schizophrenia is to love them from distance, check-in once in a while, maybe with well wishes, or cool recommendations. Through a good connection, you can come out of struggles as couple but it takes time to build that connection deeply. Things doesn't last long on surface, you need to build your connection deeper in order to grow and nourish together.
Thank you Lauren for all the amazing tips.
Thank you so much for your videos. They have helped me so much. Could you give me some advise with getting my mother to seek help? She was diagnosed with Schizoaffective Disorder about 5 years ago. She was in the hospital for about six weeks. After less than a year of being on her own she stopped taking her meds. She is having a lot of symptoms for years now and I don't know how to help her. She doesn't want to seek help. How can I talk to her without her thinking I'm trying to hurt her? She is around 64 years old and I feel like people around her are taking advantage of her and not trying to help her.
Someone I know is diagnosed schizoaffective but in denial about and also has harsh narcissistic traits. Paranoia weaves between both of those. She's been in danger of being homeless multiple times but she denies she has a mental illness even when calling from an institution. She was a partner of mine until a few months ago when she had a psychotic episode to the point that I wasn't safe. She wants back with me and under treatment that might be tenable. I want to help her so much 😭😭😭 but she's extremely difficult to deal with.