Bolnav de iubire i zdrobit de jale am pornit pe drumuri lungi a Te gsi s-i srut cu lacrimi urma urmei Tale i mcar

o dat Faa-a-i mai privi. i-am greit Isuse, mi-am clcat cuv ntul, i-am trdat iubirea, sunt un lepdat dar azi sunt !n stare s-nconjor pm ntul s srut obrazul care "-am scuipat. #nde-ai mers$ %, unde ai plecat Tu oare, s& ie cina su&letul meu tot risipesc pe drumuri lacrime amare, e pustiu i-s singur, 'oamne nu mai pot. (iaa mi-e zdrobit, iar !n jur )aine url numai &iare groaz i &iori i-a !n&ipt durerea mii de coli !n mine* + Iat 'oamne plata celor trdtori. (ai, sunt gol i singur i privesc cu jale st rvul pentru care eu Te-am prsit n-am pus pre pe )arul ascultrii Tale i-azi mi-e-ntregul su&let ars i pustiit. ,m crezut iubirea ceva de v nzare, anii-at tor jert&e i-am pierdut din g nd, scumpa mea -omoar, n-am putut &i-n stare s-o pltesc cu s nge, dar s nu mi-o v nd. ,m crezut c ast&el va-nceta odat zbuciumul i lupta cu rniri de jar, am zis. /da0, iar astzi viaa mi-e-ncletat 'e-nmiite cazne, zbucium i amar* 1 inile ispitei negre i )aine vlul curiei crud mi-au s& iat i-aruncar-n tin su&letul din mine + -e-am &cut cu Tine, 'arul meu -urat2 #nde-i curia mea de altdat, unde-i &rumuseea limpedei priviri, unde-i &ericirea s& nt i curat

din !n&iorarea primei ei iubiri$ #nde eti iubirea mea de-nt ia oar, legnat-n lacrimi i trezit-n c nt$ ,zi trecut-i lupta, azi e pace-a&ar dar !n su&let pl nge cel mai drag morm nt. ,), Te caut pe drumuri noaptea printre sate pe-unde-au dus odat &armec paii Ti, dar nu-i nimeni-nimeni, numai !n cetate latr tot aceaii c ini &lm nzi i ri. 3u mai c nt c mpu-n zumzet de albine zorii sunt departe, cerul e-nnorat, deprtri de veacuri m despart de Tine* + %are-aa-i rsplata celor ce-au trdat2 %, de se mai poate s-mi primeti &ierbinte lacrima cinii, pl nsul meu amar, din acel tezaur ce-am avut 4nainte !i mai cer Isuse o &r m doar. F mcar o dat s-i mai vd privirea ca s tiu c totui nu m-ai lepdat, c !n al Tu 5u&let n-a-ncetat iubirea + 5 Te a&lu iari unde Te-am lsat.

sunt suflete pana intr-atat de fragile, ca s-ar sfarama de grosolania si de cruzimea lumii inconjuratoare si Domnul ingaduie ca intre ele si lume sa se lase perdeaua bolii psihice, ca sa le fereasca de ceea ce lear putea distruge integritatea. Iar indaratul acestei perdele sufletul se maturizeaza si se transforma, si omul creste

Abordarea pacientului cu schizofrenie este una dintre cele mai complexe probleme, deoarece: schizofrenia afecteaza pacientul pentru intreaga lui viata, perturbandu-i existenta, atat in timpul puseului, prin simptomele pozitive, cat si in remisiune, prin simptome negative si defectuale; boala debuteaza ades in adolescenta sau in perioada adultului tanar, interferand cu formarea personalitatii, cu desavarsirea pregatirii scolare si profesionale, cu formarea familiei, a relatiilor de grup social; boala are in marea ma oritate a cazurilor o evolutie cronica, marcata de recidive, pe un fond de deteriorare functionala graduala; boala afecteaza indirect viata familiilor pacientilor ; este o boala costisitoare pentru pacient, pentru familia sa, pentru sistemul de asigurare a sanatatii: aceasta boala duce la o degradare socioprofesionala. In vederea obtinerii compliantei terapeutice in schizofrenie, asistenta trebuie sa colaboreze cu pacientul, sa-i arate incredere, sa-l trateze ca pe o persoana nu ca pe un bolnav, sa aiba o atitudine prietenoasa, sa lase la o parte pre udecatile, care sunt o bariera intre ea si pacient, sa caute un contact regulat cu pacientul oferindu-i atentie pozitiva si aratandu-i ca-l accepta si-l apreciaza. !olnavilor schizofreni, la internarea in spital, asistenta de psihiatrie le intocmeste foaia de nursing in care consemneaza cu mare atentie nevoile speciale ale acestor bolnavi in functie de prioritati. "a stabileste diagnosticul de nursing, isi alege obiectivul pe care il urmareste, interventiile la care recurge si face evaluarea rezultatelor obtinute. #a pacientul schizofren, perturbarea stimei de sine, asociata cu incapacitatea de a avea incredere in altii si de a avea relatii cu ei, constituie o problema de importanta ma ora. $biectivele pe care le urmarim la acesti pacienti sunt: modul in care acestia vor incerca sa aiba contact cu ceilalti si sa tolereze apropierea aratata de asistenta; modul in care vor incerca sa discute despre neincrederea ce o au in celelalte persoane. Interventii : stabilirea unui dialog cu pacientul, observand mecanismele de interactiune sociala si participarea pacientilor la diferite activitati; sustinerea pacientului cu a utorul cuvintelor si a prezentei noastre in timpul activitatilor; oferirea unei sperante pacientului prin cresterea increderii lui fata de ceilalti; la iesirea din spital, incura am pacientul sa urmareasca situatiile sociale

in care el se simte bine. "valuare: la evaluarea rezultatelor obtinute, observam ca pacientul tolereaza prezenta asistentei si discuta despre dificultatile de neincredere in ceilalti. $ alta problema ma ora a acestor bolnavi o constituie deficitul de igiena personala %baie, imbracat, pieptanat& . $biectivul urmarit este ca pacientul sa aiba o igiena corporala corespunzatoare si o alimentatie adecvata. Interventie: asiguram baia pacientului si imbracamintea curata in fiecare zi, invatam bolnavul sa aiba o dieta corespunzatoare. "valuare la evaluarea rezultatelor pacientul are o igiena corespunzatoare si dieta adaptata necesitatii lui. #a bolnavii schizofreni, afectarea interactiunilor sociale legate de alterarea proceselor gandirii au drept rezultat, gandiri incoerente, ilogice, precum si incapacitatea exprimarii clare a gandurilor. $biectivul nostru este ca pacientul sa incerce sa se faca inteles de ceilalti, sa inceapa o conversatie cu membrii echipei terapeutice si cu ceilalti. 'omunicarea cu pacientul este clara, vorbim de realitati concrete. "valuare: observam ca pacientul discuta clar, reuseste sa comunice gandurile si sentimentele de o maniera clara si logica. #ipsa de cunostinte in ceea ce priveste reteta de medicamente, planul de tratament, felul in care este urmarit si simptomele care apar trebuie raportate medicului sau comunitatii. $biectiv: pacientul si familia vor discuta planuri de tratament, efectele secundare ale acestuia. Interventie: vom determina familia si pacientul de a se conforma planului de tratament, vom invata pacientul despre importanta luarii medicatiei, gasim persoane dispuse sa a ute pacientul. "valuare: pacientul reuseste sa discute despre planul de tratament, cunoaste importanta lui si efectele medicamentelor (oaia de nursing, intocmita de asistenta, va reflecta evolutia starii pacientului pe toata perioada internarii lui in spital si va veni in intampinarea medicului in vederea orientarii conduitei terapeutice. )chizofrenia, avand tendinta la cronicizare, in perioadele de remisie se recurge la terapia suportiva care a uta la prevenirea sau amanarea recaderilor. #a nivelul sectiilor de *sihiatrie I-II !rasov, se desfasoara activitati de terapie suportiva a pacientilor cu schizofrenie, care constau in : activitati in grupuri de suport activitati recreative % ocuri, vizionari filme& activitati de antrenare a abilitatilor sociale si vocationale.

#a grupurile de suport sunt admisi toti pacientii cu diagnosticul generic de +schizofrenie+, care au mai mult de o internare intr-o sectie de psihiatrie. ,u exista limitari in ceea ce priveste sexul, categoria de varsta sau evolutia afectiunii pacientului. *acientilor li se explica ca participarea la grupuri face parte din tratamentul de care beneficiaza in spital. ,umarul participantilor la grup este de --. pacienti. /itmul de intalnire este de doua ori pe saptamana. 0urata intalnirii fiind de -1 minute. 2rupul se spri ina pe comunicare verbala, agentul terapeutic principal fiind grupul insusi. Activitatea suportiva de grup, indiferent de metoda si tehnica folosita, este eficienta si activa numai daca exista o opinie de grup si daca grupul are un anumit grad de autonomie fata de terapeut sau echipa terapeutica. /ezultatele obtinute de pacient constau in : inocularea sperantei in viitor, in fortele proprii, in ceilalti, etc. dezvoltarea capacitatii de a se a uta pe sine si pe ceilalti %pacientul nu este singur, sunt altii sa-l a ute&, obtinerea de informatii cu privire la modalitatile de tratament, dezvoltarea capacitatii de a stabili raporturi sociale castigarea de experiente emotionale, corective. In grupul de suport, asistenta urmareste: atmosfera, ambianta, participarea fiecaruia, comunicarea, cooperarea, ascultarea, posibilitatea de cunfruntare, respectul fata de ceilalti. )copul terapiei suportive este : redobandirea abilitatilor sociale %relationare interumana mai usoara& dobandirea unui sentiment de participare la viata colectiva intelegerea situatiei pe care o traverseaza, mobilizandu-si fortele adaptative, intr-o atmosfera de acceptare si securitate. *articipantilor la grupul de sustinere li se intocmeste o fisa +sinteza-caz+, unde sunt inregistrate rezultatele activitatii de grup, starea pacientului la sfarsitul activitatii de grup, feed-bac3-ul pacientului. #a externare, pacientul cu schizofrenie, trebuie supravegheat in continuare. In acest sens asistenta are rolul de a instrui familia si pe cei apropiati pacientului, in legatura cu tratamentul de sustinere si pasii necesari in urmarirea comportamentului acestuia. In ciuda eforturilor depuse de echipa terapeutica, familie, persoanele apropiate, schizofrenia ramane boala psihica care produce cele mai mari perturbari in viata pacientului si a celor apropiati. Acest subiect ramane deschis pentru cercetarile ulterioare, tocmai pentru a putea gasi o cale de a a uta acest gen de pacienti redandu-i societatii.

"sti ceea ce iti doresti sa fii....

Helping a Person with Schizophrenia

Overcoming Challenges While Taking Care of Yourself

)hare:

4he love and support of famil5 pla5s an important role in schizophrenia treatment and recover5. If someone close to 5ou has schizophrenia, 5ou can ma3e a huge difference b5 helping that person find the right treatment, cope 6ith s5mptoms, and navigate the long road to recover5. 0ealing 6ith a famil5 member7s schizophrenia can be tough, but 5ou don7t have to do it alone. 8ou can dra6 on others, and ta3e advantage of services in 5our communit5but 5ou 6ill also need to ta3e care of 5ourself.
IN THIS ARTICL !

Schizophrenia and the family Take care of yourself Encourage and support treatment Monitor medication Watch for signs of relapse Prepare for crisis situations E plore housing options

Schizophrenia and the family: How to help your loved one

If a famil5 member or someone close to 5ou has schizophrenia, 5ou ma5 be struggling 6ith an5 number of difficult emotions, including fear, guilt, anger, frustration, and hopelessness. 4he illness ma5 be difficult for 5ou to accept. 8ou ma5 feel helpless in the face of 5our loved one9s s5mptoms. $r 5ou ma5 be 6orried about the stigma of schizophrenia, or confused and embarrassed b5 strange behaviors 5ou don9t understand. 8ou ma5 even be tempted to hide 5our loved one9s illness from others. In order to deal successfull5 6ith schizophrenia and help 5our famil5 member, it9s important to:

accept the illness and its difficulties be realistic in 6hat 5ou expect of the person 6ith schizophrenia and of 5ourself maintain a sense of humor

0o 5our best to help 5our famil5 member feel better and en o5 life, pa5 the same attention to 5our o6n needs, and remain hopeful.

Tips for helping a family member with schizophrenia

ducate "ourself# #earning about schizophrenia and its treatment 6ill allo6 5ou to ma3e informed decisions about ho6 best to manage the illness, 6or3 to6ard recover5, and handle setbac3s.

Reduce stress# )tress can cause schizophrenia s5mptoms to flare up, so it9s important to create a structured and supportive environment for 5our famil5 member. Avoid putting pressure on 5our loved one or criticizing perceived shortcomings.

Set realistic e$pectations# It9s important to be realistic about the challenges and limitations of schizophrenia. :elp 5our loved one set and achieve manageable goals, and be patient 6ith the pace of recover5.

mpo%er "our lo&ed one# !e careful that 5ou9re not ta3ing over and doing things for 5our famil5 member that he or she is capable of doing. 4r5 to support 5our loved one 6hile still encouraging as much independence as possible.

Helping people with schizophrenia tip 1: Take care of yourself

In order to successfull5 deal 6ith schizophrenia in a famil5 member, 5ou need to ta3e care of 5our o6n needs and find health5 6a5s of coping 6ith the challenges 5ou and 5our loved one face.

'ut on "our o%n (o$"gen mas)( first

;eeping a positive outloo3 is much easier 6hen 5ou have others 5ou can turn to for support. #i3e 5our loved one 6ith schizophrenia, 5ou too need help, encouragement, and understanding. <hen 5ou feel supported and cared for, 5ou, in turn, 6ill be better able to support and care for 5our loved one.

*oin a support group# $ne of the best 6a5s to cope 6ith schizophrenia is b5 oining a famil5 support group. =eeting others 6ho 3no6 first-hand 6hat 5ou9re going through can help reduce feelings of isolation and fear. )upport groups provide an invaluable venue for the relatives of people 6ith schizophrenia to share experiences, advice, and information.

+a)e time for "ourself# )chedule time into 5our da5 for things 5ou en o5, 6hether it be spending time in nature, visiting 6ith friends, or reading a good boo3. 4a3ing brea3s from caregiving 6ill help 5ou sta5 positive and avoid burnout.

Loo) after "our health# ,eglecting 5our health onl5 adds to the stress in 5our life. =aintain 5our ph5sical 6ell-being b5 getting enough sleep, exercising regularl5, eating a balanced diet, and sta5ing on top of an5 medical conditions.

Culti&ate other relationships# It9s important to maintain other supportive, fulfilling relationships. 0on9t feel guilt5 for loo3ing after 5our social needs. 8ou need support, too. 4hese relationships 6ill help buo5 5ou in difficult times.

The importance of managing stress

)chizophrenia places an incredible amount of stress on famil5 members. If 5ou9re not careful, it can ta3e over 5our life and >uic3l5 burn 5ou out. And if 5ou9re stressed out and over6helmed, 5ou 6ill ma3e the person 6ith schizophrenia stressed. 4hat9s 6h5 3eeping 5our o6n stress levels under control is one of the most important things 5ou can do for a famil5 member 6ith schizophrenia.

'ractice acceptance# 4he ?6h5 me@A mindset is destructive. Instead of d6elling on the unfairness or life, accept 5our feelings %even the negative ones&. 8our burdens don9t have to define 5our life unless 5ou obsess about them.

See) out ,o"# =a3ing time for fun isn9t frivolous or indulgentBit9s necessar5. It isn9t the people 6ho have the least problems 6ho are the happiest, it9s the people 6ho learn to find o5 in life despite adversit5.

Recogni-e "our o%n limits# !e realistic about the level of support and care 5ou can provide. 8ou can9t do it all, and 5ou 6on9t be much help to a loved one if 5ou9re run do6n and emotionall5 exhausted.

A&oid blame# In order to cope 6ith schizophrenia in a famil5 member, it9s important to understand that although 5ou can ma3e a positive difference, 5ou aren9t to blame for the illness or responsible for 5our loved one9s recover5.

Tips for )eeping stress in chec).no matter the challenges in "our life
0ealing 6ith schizophrenia in a famil5 member can be stressful, but 5ou can 3eep 5our stress levels in chec3 b5 learning and practicing a variet5 of stress management techni>ues.

)tress =anagement: :o6 4o /educe, *revent, and 'ope <ith )tress /elaxation 4echni>ues for )tress /elief: /elaxation "xercises and 4ips )tress /elief in the =oment: (ast and "ffective <a5s to /apidl5 /educe )tress

Helping people with schizophrenia tip 2: Encourage and support treatment

4he best 6a5 to assist the recover5 of a famil5 member 6ith schizophrenia is to get them into treatment and help them stic3 6ith it. $ften, the first challenge of treatment is convincing the ill relative to see a doctor. 4o people experiencing delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia, there is no need for medical intervention because the voices and conspirac5 theories are real. If a famil5 member 6ith schizophrenia is reluctant to see a doctor, the follo6ing strategies might help:

'ro&ide options 8our loved one ma5 be more 6illing to see a doctor if he or she can control the situation some6hat. If 5our relative appears suspicious of 5ou, suggest another person to accompan5 him or her to the appointment. 8ou can also give 5our famil5 member a choice of doctors.

/ocus on a particular s"mptom A person 6ith schizophrenia ma5 resist seeing a doctor out of fear of being udged or labeled ?craz5.A 8ou can ma3e the doctor less threatening b5 suggesting a visit in order to deal 6ith a specific s5mptom such as insomnia or a lac3 of energ5.

Tips for supporting a family members schizophrenia treatment

See) help right a%a"# "arl5 intervention ma3es a difference in the course of schizophrenia, so don9t 6ait to get professional help. 8ou famil5 member 6ill need assistance finding a good doctor and other effective treatments.

ncourage independence# /ather than doing ever5thing for 5our famil5 member, encourage self-care and self-confidence. :elp 5our loved one develop or relearn s3ills that 6ill allo6 for greater independence of functioning.

0e collaborati&e. It9s important that 5our loved one have a voice in his or her treatment. <hen 5our famil5 member feels respected and ac3no6ledged, he or she 6ill be more motivated to follo6 through 6ith treatment and 6or3 to6ard recover5.

Helping people with schizophrenia tip : !onitor medication

$nce 5our famil5 member is in treatment, careful monitoring can ensure that he or she is sta5ing on trac3 and getting the most out of medication. 8ou can help out in the follo6ing 6a5s.

Ta)e side effects seriousl". =an5 people stop ta3ing their schizophrenia medication because of side effects, so pa5 attention to 5our loved one9s drug complaints. !ring an5 distressing side effects to the attention of the doctor. 4he doctor ma5 be able to reduce adverse effects b5 reducing the dose, s6itching to another antips5chotic, or adding another medication that targets the troublesome side effect.

ncourage "our lo&ed one to ta)e medication regularl"# "ven 6ith side effects under control, some people 6ith schizophrenia refuse medication or ta3e it irregularl5. 4his ma5 be due to a lac3 of insight into their illness and the importance of medication, or the5 ma5 simpl5 have trouble remembering their dail5 dose. =edication calendars, 6ee3l5 pillboxes, and timers can help people 6ho are forgetful. 46o t5pical antips5chotics, :aldol and *rolixin, are also available in a long-acting in ectable form, given as shots ever5 C to D 6ee3s, eliminating the need for a dail5 pill.

0e careful to a&oid drug interactions# Antips5chotic medications can cause unpleasant and dangerous side effects 6hen combined 6ith other substances, including certain prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbs. :elp 5our famil5 member avoid an5 problems b5 giving the doctor a complete list of the drugs and supplements he or she is ta3ing. =ixing alcohol or illegal drugs 6ith schizophrenia medication is also harmful, so tal3 to the doctor if 5our relative has a substance abuse problem.

Trac) "our famil" member1s progress# 8ou can help the doctor trac3 treatment progress b5 documenting changes in 5our famil5 member9s behavior, mood, and other s5mptoms in response to medication. A ournal or diar5 is a good 6a5 to record medication histor5, side effects, and ever5da5 details that might other6ise be forgotten.

Helping people with schizophrenia tip ": #atch for signs of relapse

)topping medication is the most fre>uent cause of relapse in schizophrenia, so it9s extremel5 important that 5our famil5 member continues to ta3e all medication as directed. =an5 people 6hose schizophrenia is stabilized or in remission still re>uire medication to maintain their treatment gains and 3eep s5mptoms at ba5. Enfortunatel5, even if a person is ta3ing medication as prescribed, relapse into an acute ps5chotic episode of schizophrenia can occur. !ut if 5ou learn to recognize the earl5 6arning signs of relapse and ta3e immediate steps to deal 6ith them, 5ou ma5 be able to prevent a full-blo6n crisis. 4he 6arning signs of relapse are often similar to the s5mptoms and behaviors that led up to the person9s first ps5chotic episode. 'ommon 6arning signs of schizophrenia relapse

Insomnia )ocial 6ithdra6al 0eterioration of personal h5giene Increasing paranoia

:ostilit5 'onfusing or nonsensical speech )trange disappearances :allucinations

If 5ou notice an5 6arning signs of relapse or other indications that 5our famil5 member9s s5mptoms of schizophrenia are getting 6orse, call the doctor right a%a"#

Helping people with schizophrenia tip $: Prepare for crisis situations

0espite 5our best efforts to prevent relapse, there ma5 be times 6hen 5our famil5 member9s condition deteriorates rapidl5 and drasticall5. 0uring a schizophrenia crisis, 5ou must get help for 5our famil5 member as soon as possible. :ospitalization ma5 be re>uired to 3eep 5our loved one safe.

mergenc" planning
It9s important for the famil5 members of people 6ith schizophrenia to prepare for such crisis situations. :aving an emergenc5 plan read5 for an acute ps5chotic episode 6ill help 5ou handle the crisis safel5 and >uic3l5. A good emergenc5 plan for a famil5 member 6ith schizophrenia includes:

A list of emergenc5 contact information for 5our loved one9s doctor, therapists, and the police.

4he address and phone number of the hospital 5ou 6ill go to in case of emergenc5 for ps5chiatric admission.

(riends or relatives 6ho 6ill ta3e care of other children or dependents 6hile 5ou deal 6ith the crisis.

It9s also 6ise to go over the emergenc5 plan 6ith 5our famil5 member. 4he crisis situation ma5 be less frightening and upsetting to 5our loved one If he or she 3no6s 6hat to expect during an emergenc5. 23 Tips for Handling a Schi-ophrenia Crisis

/emember that 5ou cannot reason 6ith acute ps5chosis /emember that the person ma5 be terrified b5 hisFher o6n feelings of loss of control 0o not express irritation or anger

0o not shout 0o not use sarcasm as a 6eapon 0ecrease distractions %turn off the 4G, radio, fluorescent lights that hum, etc.& As3 an5 casual visitors to leaveBthe fe6er people the better Avoid direct continuous e5e contact Avoid touching the person )it do6n and as3 the person to sit do6n also

)ource: World Fellowship for Schizophrenia and Allied Disorders

Helping people with schizophrenia tip %: E&plore housing options

4reatment for schizophrenia cannot succeed if 5our famil5 member doesn9t have a stable, supportive place to live. !ut finding the right living situation for a person 6ith schizophrenia can be challenging. <hen considering housing options, thin3 about the individual needs of the person 6ith schizophrenia:

'an 5our famil5 member care for him or herself@ :o6 much support does he or she need 6ith dail5 activities@ 0oes 5our famil5 member have a drug or alcohol problem@ :o6 much treatment supervision does he or she re>uire@

Li&ing %ith famil"

(or man5 families, the most difficult choice involves 6hether or not the relative 6ith schizophrenia should live at home. #iving 6ith famil5 can be a good option for people 6ith schizophrenia if their famil5 members understand the illness 6ell, have a strong support s5stem of their o6n, and are 6illing and able to provide 6hatever assistance is needed. At-home arrangements are less li3el5 to be successful if the person 6ith schizophrenia uses drugs or alcohol, resists ta3ing medication, or is aggressive or uncooperative.

Choosing the Right Housing Option for a Person with Schizophrenia

Adapted from: Schizophrenia: A Handbook For Families, Health Canada

Li&ing %ith famil" %or)s best if!

4he person 6ith schizophrenia functions at a fairl5 high level, has friendships, and is involved in activities outside the home.

4he interaction among famil5 members is relaxed. 4he person 6ith schizophrenia intends to ta3e advantage of available support services. 4he living situation does not negativel5 impact the lives of an5 5oung children in the home.

Li&ing %ith famil" is not ad&ised if!

4he main support person is single, ill, or elderl5.

Choosing the Right Housing Option for a Person with Schizophrenia

4he person 6ith schizophrenia is so ill that there is little or no chance to lead a normal famil5 life.

4he situation causes stress in the marriage or leaves children in the home feeling frightened and resentful.

=ost famil5 events and concerns revolve around the person 6ith schizophrenia. )upport services are not used or are unavailable.

4r5 not to feel guilt5 if 5ou are une>uipped to house a famil5 member 6ith schizophrenia. If 5ou can9t loo3 after 5our o6n needs or those of others in the famil5 6hile caring for 5our ill relative, he or she 6ill be better off some6here else.

Residential options outside the famil" home

If an at-home living arrangement isn9t the right fit, ma3e contact 6ith local mental health facilities, social service agencies, support groups, and public housing authorities. 4hese organizations can help 5ou explore the residential facilities in 5our communit5 and put 5our famil5 member9s name on the appropriate 6aiting lists. $ptions in 5our area ma5 include:

Residential treatment facilities or 45-hour care homes A more structured living environment for those 6ho re>uire greater assistance 6ith medications and dail5 living tas3s or for those going through an acute ps5chotic episode.

Transitional group home An intensive program that helps individuals transition bac3 into societ5 and avoid relapse after a crisis or hospitalization. Includes s3ills training and rehabilitation services.

/oster or boarding homes A group living situation for people 6ith schizophrenia 6ho are able to function relativel5 6ell on their o6n. (oster and boarding homes offer a certain degree of independence, 6hile providing meals and other basic necessities.

Super&ised apartments An option for those 6hose condition is less severe or 6ellmanaged 6ith medication. /esidents live alone or share an apartment, 6ith staff members available on-site to provide assistance and support.