Caregiving for Someone With Schizophrenia

A caregiver is a person who provides support to another person outside of the healthcare setting. A caregiver is often a loved one, like a close friend or family member. This person does not usually have a healthcare background. They are often learning alongside their loved one about their loved one’s health condition.^1,2

Caregivers take on a variety of roles when it comes to schizophrenia. Each case is different. But there are many common types of support someone with schizophrenia might need. Caregivers may be asked to help with:^1,2

• Transportation
• Coordinating healthcare appointments
• Basic activities of daily living, like cooking or dressing
• Monitoring for symptoms and treatment adherence

Getting prepared

Becoming a caregiver can be overwhelming. Many people will not know how to start. This is especially true for first-time caregivers or when caring for complex health issues like schizophrenia. But you are not alone. Countless others have been in the same position, and there are many resources for support. The first steps can be the hardest but most important.³

Common first steps for new caregivers include:^3-6

• Spending time researching schizophrenia, including its symptoms, treatment, and progression
• Assembling a care team that includes all needed experts, such as case managers and therapists
• Learning how to contact the healthcare team in between appointments
• Figuring out whether there is someone else you can split caregiving duties with
• Creating a game plan for what you will do in times of crisis or when it feels unsafe to care for your loved one at home
• Being open to family therapy if it is recommended

Your loved one’s healthcare team can help you with many of the planning steps. Do not hesitate to reach out to them and ask any questions you have.

Challenges of caring for someone with schizophrenia

While each person’s case is different, there will always be challenges when it comes to caregiving. With so much information on the internet, even basic research can spiral out of control. Inaccurate information can lead to problems. And it can feel difficult to support someone else if you have limited resources yourself.^7-11

If you or or loved one has financial problems or lacks access to transportation or stable housing, caregiving is even more difficult.^7-11

Also, time is a valuable resource that can be hard to share. You may still be working full- or part-time. This might be possible during periods of stability or remission. But it can be difficult when your loved one needs you urgently. It also can be hard to spend time caring for a loved one with schizophrenia if you need to care for others, too.^3,7,8

Burnout and frustrating changes to regular routines are also big hurdles to face. If your loved one’s symptoms are not well controlled or they have episodes of unpredictable behavior, caring for them will be more challenging.^7-11

In some cases, straightforward solutions are possible. An example is contacting a case manager at your loved one’s healthcare clinic to arrange transportation to an appointment if you do not have a car. But others can be harder to tackle and lead to stress, strain, and burnout.^6,9-11

Coping with caregiving

This strain can make caregiving feel hard and burdensome. It is common to have these feelings. They do not make you a bad caregiver. The most important thing is how you cope with these feelings.^9-11

Coping refers to the thoughts, behaviors, and strategies you use to navigate big problems and feelings. Some people will face the problem head-on and reframe the situation in a positive light. Others might avoid these feelings or become irritated easily.^9-11

The way you cope with the challenges of caregiving makes a big difference. Limited coping skills or trouble managing emotions can quickly lead to caregiver burnout.^9,10

Preventing caregiver burnout

Caregiver burnout refers to a state of weariness or fatigue related to the demands of caregiving. This exhaustion can be mental, emotional, or physical. All caregivers are at risk for burnout. It is very common.^6-8,11

The symptoms of caregiver burnout are similar to those of depression. They may include:^6-8,11

• Little or no interest in hobbies
• Social isolation or pulling away from loved ones
• Changes in sleep, weight, or appetite
• Feelings of hopelessness

Each person will recognize and deal with burnout differently. But a few common strategies for preventing burnout are:^3,5-8,12

• Ask for support from other caregivers, support groups, family, or friends (with both caregiving tasks and your own needs).
• Prioritize your own health and wellness. This includes eating a balanced diet, exercising, and getting good sleep.
• Participate in activities and hobbies that bring you joy.
• Grant yourself grace, and remember that no caregiver is perfect. You will make mistakes, and you will not always be able to do things on your own.
• Be honest about your limits. Then, only do what you are capable of doing.
• Seek mental health or other professional support to help you with coping.

There are many ways to manage burnout on your own or with your personal support system. But if burnout becomes severe, professional support is the best option. Feeling helpless, hopeless, or like you might hurt yourself or someone else are signs to seek medical or mental health support right away.^7,8

Resources for the caregiver community

Whether you have been a caregiver for a long time or are brand new, there will always be challenges. But there are always options for support. National mental health and medical organizations offer resources for information, treatment planning, crisis needs, and more. There are also support groups for caregivers both in person and online.¹³

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has a helpline that provides immediate help with mental health or substance use issues. Call 1-800-662-4357 (1-800-662-HELP), or text your zip code to 435748 (HELP4U).¹³

If you or your loved one is in crisis or immediate danger of harming themselves or others, reach out to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can call or text the lifeline at 988. You can also chat them online.¹³