What Can Friends and Family Do?
EARLY STAGE (PRODROMAL)
- Have the person assessed by a family doctor or mental health team.
- Encourage the person to refrain from using any street drugs or alcohol as these may make their problems worse.
- Try to keep an open line of communication with the individual.
- Be supportive and non-judgmental.
- Avoid using critical comments.
- Focus on the specific problems that the person acknowledges, e.g. difficulties with sleep, concentration, appetite, taking the bus etc.
- If conversation seems to agitate the person, sitting together quietly may be helpful. Follow their cues.
- This whole episode is probably frightening for the person. Offer comfort and reassurance, provide hope, and offer information that you know is accurate.
- Try to decrease current stresses and lower the stimulation in the household. This might mean keeping television, stereo, or radio volume low, limiting the number of people in the home, lowering the lights, etc.
- Behaviour problems such as neglecting hygiene, arguing, not complying with household rules etc. should be dealt with, perhaps one at a time. Set clear limits around acceptable behavior and be clear about your expectations. Decide on consequences that are fair and related to the behavior. Make sure that you enforce them. Be firm. Avoid arguments that will only escalate difficult behaviors. Remember that young people with mental health issues continue to require structure and limits, calm and predictable environment.
- The individual should be taught about how to manage stress.
ACUTE PSYCHOSIS STAGE
If your family member or friend is showing signs of psychosis (hallucinations, delusion, and thought disorder) it is best to contact their psychiatrist or mental health worker. If they are not yet connected with a professional you have several choices. You may want to bring the person directly to the emergency department of your local hospital. Or, if you feel they can wait, call the 1st Step team in your region or your family doctor.
Contact the 1st Step Intake Clinician by phone for more information or to refer.
In Wellington and Dufferin County call: 519-821-2060, Ext. # 738
In Waterloo Region, call: 519-576-2333, Ext. #738.
