Having a family member diagnosed with psychosis or schizophrenia can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. You are likely filled with many questions and overwhelmed by information.
Unfortunately there is no one “fix it” method in working with psychosis since the presentation can vary dramatically from person to person.
- One person may hear voices but still be able to hold down a job or attend classes while another is so distracted they laugh and talk back to their voices as if there was someone in the room with them.
- Another person may demonstrate a mild fear or anxiousness about a belief they have, while others may lock themselves in their room or talk non stop about an issue because they fear someone may be out to get them.
As challenging as the many symptoms of psychosis are for the individual, we often overlook one of the most important aspects of a person’s recovery, their family support system.
Family plays a crucial role in the recovery and wellness for a person experiencing psychosis, yet there is little support offered to family members to help them cope with discovering their child may have what is often considered to be a life long diagnosis.
However, recent research has suggested that recovery from psychosis is possible.
Recovery is more likely when a multi pronged treatment approach is provided early, typically within the first two years of diagnosis of a first episode of psychosis. A vital part of that treatment approach is a supportive family environment.
Here are some ways families aid in recovery of psychosis:
- Help staying on task with therapy and doctor appointments, even by just providing reminders and rides to ensure continuity in treatment.
- Promoting medication compliance.
- Help with personal care such as eating a well balanced diet, hygiene care reminders, and getting regular exercise (even if its just a walk around their block together).
- Encouragement increasing socialization to deter isolating behavior (which can worsen symptoms of psychosis)
- Providing nonjudgmental support to increase trust and safety in relationships
- Support with decreasing the stigma of psychosis
I offer support to family members who have a loved one with psychosis. Together we can decrease some of your stress and I can help to shed a little light on some of the questions you may be facing.
Whether you are interested in one on one sessions or prefer our comprehensive psychosis family support program, I offer a safe and confidential environment where you can share your personal experiences and learn strategies about what helps in psychosis recovery.
If you would like to book an appointment please call (858) 376-7580 or email mdonboli@gmail.com.