Schizophrenia can be controlled

Yvonnie Bailey- Davidson, Contributor

Dear Counsellor,

My mother has schizophrenia and is maintained on tablets and frequent office visits. She has a psychiatrist and a therapist. She has learned to manage her symptoms and deal with her relationships. She is married with four children and is a professional. Her family is very supportive and reminds her of her medications and office visits. She gets depressed sometimes, but she receives treatment for this. Her illness started in her early 20s before she had children or was married.

I am writing to you to emphasise that when resources are available and families and patients are motivated, a lot can be achieve. Schizophrenia must be seen as any other illness and hope is needed.

- Margret

Dear Margret,

Thanks for your very encouraging letter. Even with the system as we have it, there can be successes if there is the will and motivation to make a difference.

Some patients develop schizophrenia as teenagers or early adulthood. The outcome is good for those who were doing well in school or college. Proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment are part of the rehabilitation of the patients. Parents must not give up hope for their children. The condition can go into remission on the medication. Individuals need help with stress management, symptom management and education about the condition. The family also needs to be educated and supported. The family has to be seen as a unit and recovery is the goal for everyone. Life is stressful and we need the support of others. There are supportive groups or churches that make it their business to look out for the challenged and the needy.

Relapse prevention and side-effect management are important. Good health is for everyone, so a patient needs to have his paediatrician or general practitioner to address physical needs. All doctors are trained in psychiatry, so each one can offer advice on good mental health. All individuals have the same needs and rights and this has to be considered when dealing with the mentally ill.

Patients vary in their level of functioning and what they can achieve. Children can go to college, get a job, a spouse and have children. Parents have to learn parenting techniques to deal with their adolescents who have schizophrenia. Young adults need the support of their families of origin and extended families.

'No man is an island. No man stands alone'.

Teach self-expression,self-acceptance in school

Dear Counsellor,

I think that family, self-expression, self-acceptance and relationship skills should be taught in school. Children need to be responsible and helpful and caring. Children should have chores at home and extra-curricular activities at school. We need well-rounded students who can be productive adults.

- Ann

Dear Ann,

I think that certain skills are taught at school and in the home. In the early years, children are taught social skills and how to be helpful. These skills can help them at home, school and church. The issues of sharing, respect for authority, respect for the belongings of others, care of personal things and social graces are usually taught in preschool. In preschool the brain is fertile and the children love to experiment. They are learning, so they are eager to try new things. Parents and teachers need to model appropriate behaviours so that the children can learn. Family members have to learn to share, to assist and support each other.

Email questions and feedback for Dr Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson to yvonniebd@hotmail.com or call 978-8602.

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