Coping and support

Coping with childhood schizophrenia can be challenging. Medications can have unwanted side effects, and you, your child and your whole family may feel angry or resentful about having to manage a condition that requires lifelong treatment. To help cope with childhood schizophrenia:

• Learn about the condition. Education about schizophrenia can empower you and your child and motivate him or her to stick to the treatment plan. Education can help friends and family understand the condition and be more compassionate with your child.
• Join a support group. Support groups for people with schizophrenia can help you reach out to other families facing similar challenges. You may want to seek out separate groups for you and for your child so that you each have a safe outlet.
• Get professional help. If you as a parent or guardian feel overwhelmed and distressed by your child's condition, consider seeking help for yourself from a mental health professional.
• Stay focused on goals. Dealing with childhood schizophrenia is an ongoing process. Stay motivated as a family by keeping treatment goals in mind.
• Find healthy outlets. Explore healthy ways your whole family can channel energy or frustration, such as hobbies, exercise and recreational activities.
• Make healthy lifestyle choices. Maintaining a regular schedule that includes sufficient sleep, healthy eating and regular physical activity is important to mental health.
• Take time as individuals. Although managing childhood schizophrenia is a family affair, both children and parents need their own time to cope and unwind. Create opportunities for healthy alone time.
• Begin future planning. Ask about social service assistance. Most individuals with schizophrenia require some form of daily living support. Many communities have programs to help people with schizophrenia with jobs, affordable housing, transportation, self-help groups, other daily activities and crisis situations. A case manager or someone on the treatment team can help find resources.