Dealing With Schizophrenia: Effects On Self And Family
Schizophrenia can disrupt one's life and effect the types of thoughts
, feelings and behavior patterns one has. For some people, there are voices or intrusive audio sounds that are scary. This illness usually occurs among those that are young but there are also instances where older people get affected. Not everyone suffers from all symptoms.
Some people with schizophrenia diagnosis feel that they are being watched. They can have a level of paranoia that disturbs daily routines. It can manifest as policemen or various authority figures. Sometimes even one's therapist is an important person in the delusion.
People with this illness usually believe in something that is not true. They tend to assume that they are being watched or followed and that some one is deliberately trying to harm them. It can create a sense of fear and nervousness. Hallucinations can be quite frightening because a part of your mind may not question their objectivity.
A person with schizophrenia may have an odd speech pattern that is disordered. Others may not understand what you say and this means that it's easy to feel alone, frustrated or misunderstood.
Schizophrenics can have poor concentration and lose interest easily in things. This can be difficult for the family of someone with a mental illness. It is also a hindrance perform work tasks.
Treatment can include medication that is monitored, psychotherapy sessions and group sessions. Family members benefit by learning about the disease and ways to work with the family member when they are going through difficult times or refuse their medication. Depending on the degree of severity, some patients benefit from going to a php program (partial hospitalization program) where they interact with others and gain ways to deal with their behaviors. Some live in a group home or specialized environment as it can be a challenge for family members to be in the same home with the patiennt. Hospitalization may be required during intense periods of instability so that medication can be managed and insight can be given to patient through group and individual counseling sessions.