Do not diagnose. If you are not a mental health professional, do not try to become one to help your friend. When your friend shows signs of unusual behavior, such as paranoia, seeing things that are not there, hearing voices that others do not hear, encourage them to seek professional help. This may be a hard task; however, be persistent. Schizophrenia is a serious illness and requires professional guidance. Do not take matters into your own hands.
Be a friend. Once the schizophrenic decides to obtain help, go with them to the hospital or mental health facility. Schizophrenia is a frightening ordeal. As the schizophrenic sits in the waiting room or hospital emergency room, comfort them. Soothe their fears with reassurance. Let them know that they will be all right and that they have a friend.
Be a support. Dealing with schizophrenia can be isolating. Usually schizophrenics go through their experience alone because of profound paranoia and other delusions. Sometimes their fear of others causes panic and nervous tension, so they isolate themselves. Take them for a walk, sit with them at home, and be a comfort to them when their hallucinations and delusions become overwhelming.
Do not judge. When your friend tells you that the voices they hear are of God and the devil, do not readily assume that your friend is demon-possessed. Taking them to a minister is helpful, but it is not what they need. Encourage them to seek a mental health professional. If the pastor specializes and has experience with chronic mental illness, by all means take your friend. However, if the pastor does not have the experience, it can do more harm than good. Research has shown that early detection produces a better outcome for the schizophrenic; therefore, the sooner you get your friend to a mental health professional, the better.
Do not criticize. Do not call your friend "crazy," "loony," "loco," "wacko," "nutcase," or other derogatory words. Schizophrenics are very sensitive to criticism. Negative criticism can have an adverse effect. Try to use positive words when talking to your friend. Schizophrenics are normal people that have crazy things happening to them.
Be informed. Go to your local library or search the web for information about schizophrenia. The more knowledge you obtain, the more assistance you can provide.
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Latonia Staten is a researcher who specializes in schizophrenia, an area coordinator for the National Schizophrenia Foundation-Schizophrenics Anonymous, and a consumer of these services.
