A friend of mine is suffering from schizophrenia...

[Moses25]

How should I help the poor guy?

I mean, I try to be there for him, but only he knows what he is going through. Most of the time he is terrified of what he sees...and hears. I try to sooth him, telling him that's a problem w/in his noggin, nothing else (you know, "chemical imbalance" and all that stuff), but he has trouble believing me.

He firmly believes what he sees and hears is real.

Poor guy...

I wish there was more that I could do for him. Nobody ever told him life was going to be like this for him...I mean, I guess how could they, eh?

Any suggestions on how to help him?

Cheers.

 

[NitroAndMercury]

Sorry man. I don't have any tips to help besides just be there for him as best as you can be. Really sad thing thats happening. Hope things work out..

 

[isabeau]

i have a friend whose father is schizophrenic, it can be controlled but medicines have to be given. with medicines iit will help his visions and things like that. and if he goes off the meds he will go back to the way he way before. i'm very sorry but i think this is correct. maybe you could suggest this to him? has he seen a professional? obviously he has been seen by someone to diagnose him with this. if you already know about the medicines then i'll not say anymore, just trying to help out.

isabeau

 

[Sultrybrunette]

Moses, as Isabeau says, make sure he has meds. There really isnt anything else you can do besides what your doing. I applaud you that you have the strength and understand the deep meaning of friendship to stick by him and comfort him the best you can. Don't ever think that your not helping or that your not making a difference because you in a big way just by caring and being there for him. Maybe you can contact your local mental health agency and see if they have any suggestions or ways you can help him. I would say he is one lucky guy to have you as a friend.

 

[steph]

Fortunately you're in Canada hon. Get him to a qualified professional, who will prescribe him some meds to control the episodes, most likely lithium salts. They work wonders on those who use them faithfully...The downside? They dull your sense a bit for most find them worth it to be able to live a normal life...
XOXO

 

[sole seeker]

I'm sorry to hear about this, Moses. Someone I'm close to has suffered from schizophrenia for about 30 years now. All you can do is try to be there for him when he needs you. You can't convince him the problem is in his head - Lord knows I tried. It just made him angrier and less trusting. Now I just tell him to talk to his doctor when he starts trying to get me to agree to his delusions. Also, I make sure he takes his meds when I'm in a position to do so.

His life will be lonely and require him to be very courageous, because he's going to get very little support from others. That can't be helped, because we're not able to relate to his reality. It's not easy, but just try to be patient and supportive when he needs you. And he will need you!