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For Friends and Family

People with schizophrenia often have their symptoms return because they stop taking their medicine as prescribed. Look for changes in a person's behavior that show they may be relapsing. Sometimes your loved one might be too ill to notice it is happening. You might then need to help by calling his or her doctor yourself.

You can help a loved one with the disease lower the risk of symptoms coming back.

Make sure you:

• Stay in contact
• Get involved with the treatment plan
• Pitch in with daily activities
• Find ways to remind your loved one to take the medicine like the doctor says

What to remember

• Hallucinations or delusions will seem very real to your loved one. Be understanding of this.
• While hard to do, try not to take what they say personally. At this time they are not behaving and talking as they normally would.
• Lessen the stress and action at home during these times. Schedule family and social functions for another time.
• Take any threats of suicide or self-harm seriously. Call the doctor or 911 right away.

Caring for Yourself Too

Caring for someone with schizophrenia can often make you feel stressed, anxious, or tense. Reducing your stress and taking care of your own needs can make you a better caregiver.

Next: Helping with Schizophrenia Medicine