How to Grow Up With a Paranoid Schizophrenic
Growing up in a household in which another family member has a mental illness can be difficult depending on the particular disorder and its severity. Paranoid schizophrenia can be a particular challenge because its symptoms can include auditory hallucinations, anger, violence and even suicidal tendencies. These can be frightening for a child or teenager growing up around the affected person, especially if he is not complying with his treatment. You can't eliminate the challenges of growing up with a paranoid schizophrenic, but you can minimize them.
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Instructions
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Remind yourself that the problems are not your fault. When you're growing up with a paranoid schizophrenic in the household, it's natural to wonder whether you're doing something to make matters worse. Children are prone to taking on responsibility. The truth is, you are not at fault and you are not worsening the situation. Paranoid schizophrenia is an illness, like diabetes or cancer, and you have no control over it.
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Learn all that you can about paranoid schizophrenia. When you know about this disorder, you will be able to recognize the symptoms and effects and know why the affected person acts in certain ways. When you are young, it can be difficult to fully understand paranoid schizophrenia but your understanding will grow over time.
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Talk to trusted adults about the situation. These may include immediate and extended family members, professionals at school, and mental health counselors. According to the Mayo Clinic, a paranoid schizophrenic may exhibit signs of anger or get into verbal confrontations without a logical reason. This can be frustrating, and even frightening, so it helps to talk to someone who understands.
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Join a support group for children or teenagers who have mentally ill family members. You may be afraid to talk to your friends or your peers at school about having a paranoid schizophrenic in your household. If they are not in a similar situation, they may not fully understand. If you join a group made up of peers in a similar situation, you can talk more freely and get advice from others who know what you're going through.
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Know how to handle potentially dangerous situations. Although most paranoid schizophrenics do not pose a danger to themselves and others, there is a possibility that they could become violent or suicidal. This is especially true for an afflicted person who stops taking her medication. Know who to call if you ever feel that you're in danger or that your family member might hurt herself. Normally, your best course of action is to get to a safe location and call 911.
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Tips & Warnings
You may feel ashamed to have a family member with paranoid schizophrenia and feel tempted to hide that fact. If you keep your feelings inside, you will hurt yourself in the long run. There is no shame in having a mentally ill family member. Choose appropriate people with whom to talk and vent your feelings openly to them.
