Listener Guide: Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder often characterized by abnormal social behavior and failure to recognize what is real.
It is a long-term mental disorder of a type involving a sense of mental fragmentation.
Contrary to popular belief, schizophrenia isn't a split personality or multiple personality. The word "schizophrenia" does mean "split mind," but it refers to a disruption of the usual balance of emotions and thinking.
Watch this video to learn more-
In the chat:
As a listener, especially one who is handling a chat with someone who struggles with schizophrenia, effective communication is particularly important because they are so easily overwhelmed by the external environment.
Skillful communication can make an enormous difference. Be friendly. Be accepting of them. Be Respectful of them regardless of their illness and talk to them as you would like to be spoken to.
Good communication involves:
1. Knowing when to communicate
2. Knowing what to communicate
3. Knowing how to communicate.
Communication has two levels, verbal and nonverbal. Verbal communication is the what you actually say. Keep all your verbal communication simple, brief, and specific.
"Some people with schizophrenia are very disabled or become disabled from time to time. It is not always possible for them to follow a schedule." Your member might express frustration at not being able to carry out simple tasks in their day-to-day life and may feel useless. In times like this, please be:
Be Understanding:
Please be understanding of their situation and offer encouragement or words of support. Point out certain things that they have shared in the chat with you that you can use to show that they are progressing, however slow.
Be Friendly
Be Accepting
Be Encouraging
Make time to listen
Include them in their own conversation by engaging slowly, and gently to talk a bit more about their problems,or even something they're interested in.
Treat them with respect.
Be patient :)
Avoid the following:
Being patronizing
Being critical
Pushing them into topics or conversations they are not comfortable with
Being gloomy
Arguing with them, or with others while they are present
Giving them a lecture or talking too much
Listener Tips for when You are Stuck.
"Have you told any of your family or friends how you feel?"
"How do you deal with people's lack of understanding of your struggles?"
"Can you think of anything that helps you to release your emotions sometimes, when you're feeling down?"
"I'm here for you." (Easy one, but we have to keep it always in mind!)
Things to Remember.
- Strange behavior is a symptom of the disorder. Try not to take it personally, but if you feel that the individual is getting a little too uncomfortable for you, you can point it out to them subtly and assertively tell them that you are uncomfortable and steer the conversation back to them. If this persists, a second warning might help. You have a right to assure your personal safety. If your chat is getting to an uncontrollable level, please let your member know so, and if you feel emotionally unable to provide support at the time, please let them know you are going to end the chat. It is important to have boundaries and set clear limits.
- Let them know that you will do your best to build a safe and comfortable atmosphere for them to express themselves or talk about those things they feel unable to do in their day to day life. Be sure to offer the resources that seem useful (if they seem comfortable accepting them).
- If you feel comfortable speaking with them again, suggest if they would like to reconnect or check in with you. If you don't feel comfortable with chatting again, try a broader approach such as 'I might not be able to assist you in the future but please feel free to connect anytime you need to with an available listener.'
- Just remember that you are here to listen, not to solve anyone's problems. Appreciate your effort. You have done your best in providing someone in need with support, words of encouragement, comfort and relief.
Helpful Reources:
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-disorders/schizophrenia-treatment-and-self-help.htm
https://www.7cups.com/schizophrenia-listeners/
Original Post here by @TheWriter, send them a thanks!