"People do not cause schizophrenia, they merely blame each other for doing so." -- E. Fuller Torrey, MD.
Unfortunately, there is a common tendency among people with schizophrenia and their family members to blame themselves or to blame one another. Sisters and brothers often share the same worries and fears as their parents.
In the following story, a parent describes "blame and shame" from personal experience...
"I have two sons. My older son is 22 and is in an advanced stage of muscular dystrophy. My younger son is 21 and has been diagnosed as chronically mentally ill. The son who is physically disabled has many special needs. He gets emotional support everywhere he turns. His handicap is visible and obvious and the community, family and friends open their hearts to him and go out of their way to make his life better.
My other son, on the other hand, is misunderstood and shunned by all. He is also terribly disabled...but his disability is not visible.
His grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins all think that he's lazy, stupid, weird and naughty. They suggest that somehow, we have made some terrible mistake in his upbringing. When they call on the phone they ask how his brother is and talk to his brother but they never inquire about him. He upsets them. They also wish that he'd go away."
-- Excerpt from Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Southern Arizona Newsletter
WHAT FAMILY MEMBERS NEED IN ORDER TO COPE
Time
A good understanding of the illness
Support from others who are experiencing the same challenges
As families learn to share their feelings with each other and with other families, they realize the futility and harm of blame and shame. In this process, many families discover great strength, and deep reserves of love for one another.
How Families Can Help
" ... a good family environment can be a major factor in improving the chances of stabilizing the disease and preventing serious relapses." -- Dr. Ian Falloon, et al.
"Compassion follows understanding. It is therefore incumbent on us to understand as best we can-the burden of disease will then become lighter for all." -- E. Fuller Torrey, MD.
The family can play an important role in all aspects of helping someone with schizophrenia. If you are concerned about schizophrenia in your family, you will want to be aware of some basics.
1. LEARN TO RECOGNIZE SYMPTOMS
When odd behaviour is experienced or observed, it makes good sense to seek advice from a doctor. An acute episode may happen suddenly, or symptoms may develop over a period of time. The following symptoms are important:
