How to help someone diagnosed with schizophrenia

It can be really hard to see someone you care about experiencing symptoms of schizophrenia. You may not know how to react.

But there are some things you can do to try and help. 

My brother is a 3-dimensional character, complex with a pitted history, like most of us. He is not just his mental illness.

Be patient with them

You may feel like you want to find answers. But remember that schizophrenia can affect communication. They may speak less, or have less interest in things they used to enjoy. And things they say might not make sense to you.

It's ok if they're not ready to talk right now. You can offer support in other ways.

Listen to their needs

Listen to their experiences, and ask them what would help.

People may want different support at different times. You could offer some practical help. For example to access a particular service, or to act as an advocate for them.

They might find it difficult to reach out for support. They may be scared of being judged or stigmatised. It can help if they feel able to talk about how they're feeling in a calm, safe space.

You could explore a family intervention group as part of their treatment, if one is available in your area. This is a type of therapy that includes family members and carers. 

Remind them what you like about them

A diagnosis of schizophrenia doesn't change everything about who they are. They may act in ways that you don't understand, or seem different. But try to remember that this is because they're unwell.

They may struggle with their identity and how they see themselves. It can be reassuring to remind them of the good things you see in them.

Learn more about their symptoms

People who have a schizophrenia diagnosis can have a range of different symptoms.

And they may have to deal with other people's misconceptions on top of trying to manage their mental health problem.

Educating yourself can help you challenge stigma. And help the person you care about feel understood.

We have useful information you could read on:

• Understanding schizophrenia
• Hearing voices
• Paranoia

Know what to do if they have a psychotic episode

Seeing someone we care about become unwell can be very difficult, frustrating or frightening.

If someone is hearing or seeing things that you don't, they might feel angry, or anxious. Or confused about why you don't share their beliefs.

They might become aggressive, distressed or withdrawn. They may be reluctant to accept help, or may not understand that they're unwell.

This can sometimes make it hard to communicate with them. Particularly if they're acting in a way that frightens or worries you.

If this happens:

• Stay calm if you can. You may feel angry and hurt, but responding calmly can help stop anger escalating. You can show that you're staying calm through maintaining eye contact, speaking calmly and making sure that your body language is relaxed.
• Try not to take their reactions personally. This can be difficult if you have a close relationship with them. But try to remember what they think has happened feels real to them.
• Use plain language and short sentences when talking to them. This can be particularly helpful if they're struggling with disorganised speech. Be patient and let them take their time to respond. If their sentences are jumbled and it feels like they're not making sense, this can be confusing. But you can show that you're listening through your body language.
• Try and make your surrounding environment safe. Give them space if they feel they need it. And try and move to a quiet area that is free from distractions.
• Help them do grounding exercises. This can help them focus on what's going on right now. Our pages on mindfulness have some more suggestions.
• Support them with how they're feeling, rather than confirm or challenge their reality. Let them know that, although you don't share the belief, you understand that it feels real for them. For example, you could say something like "things sound really scary for you right now". Or "I understand that you see things that way, but it's not like that for me".

How do I know if it's an emergency?

You may be worried that your family member or friend is becoming very unwell. In these situations it can be difficult to know when they need emergency support.

For example:

• If they start having hallucinations or delusions relating to hurting themselves or others
• If they stop looking after themselves in a way that risks their health or wellbeing

If you see these signs it means they may need urgent help. This can be scary, but you can help get them the right support.

For emergency advice, you can call NHS 111 England or NHS 111 Wales. If you call 111, select option 2 to access a 24/7 helpline offering urgent mental health support.

If someone is threatening to harm themselves or other people now, you should call 999 straight away.

Plan for a crisis

They might struggle to talk about their experiences, or feel like they can't open up. This means they may become very unwell before you realise they need help.

They also might not be able to recognise that they need help.

When they're well, talk to them about the things that might help them if they feel unwell again. If you're worried about them having a mental health crisis, you could suggest that they use their crisis plan, if they have one. Or you can create one together.

Talk to healthcare professionals

If you're someone's carer, you should be able to talk to their doctor and healthcare team. They can also talk to you about your needs as a carer.

Even if the person you're caring for doesn't want their medical details to be shared, you should still be able to ask for basic advice.

Think about what questions you want to ask. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)'s information on schizophrenia includes a list of useful questions to ask doctors about schizophrenia.

The NHS has guidance on health information that can be shared with unpaid carers.

Get support for yourself

Seeing someone you care about becoming unwell can be distressing and frightening.

You may have had to take on more responsibilities, so have less time to do things for yourself. You may also be struggling with finances. Or notice changes in your own physical and emotional wellbeing.

You deserve support too.

And it's important to remember that there is only so much you can do to support someone else. It's important not to blame yourself if some things you try don't work. Focusing on the things that you can control can help with these difficult feelings.

It can also help to talk to other people who understand what it's like. POPS UK is a Facebook group for the parents, family and friends of people who experience schizophrenia or psychosis. You can connect, communicate and share resources and stories.

For more tips, see our pages on:

• How to find a peer support group
• How to cope when supporting someone else
• How to improve your mental wellbeing