Schizophrenia in the Family. How do we cope? How can we help? We each have adult sons with schizophrenia and have written acclaimed books about it. We say it like it is, to help families, practitioners and those with SMI (serious mental illness) feel less alone…and learn. Randye Kaye, Mindy Greiling, Miriam Feldman…and guests.If you care for someone with a diagnosed serious mental illness (SMI) , you know that it isn’t easy to help them begin, or continue, treatment.
You hear “I’m not sick! I don’t need help!”
That phrase inspired our guest to find a way, write a book, and create a movement.
Dr. Xavier Amador is a world-renowned clinical psychologist & forensic expert, and a Family caregiver of relatives with schizophrenia and bipolar. He founded NAMI’s Scientific Council, helped to launch Family-to-Family, Peer-to-Peer & In Our Own Voices, and wrote the book I AM NOT SICK I Don’t Need Help!
We talk about:
Dr. Amador’s family story: his brother Henry, and his son, with Schizophrenia. What do we do when our loved one says I am not sick, I don’t need help? Listening: without judgment, and with respect. Anosognosia, and how to approach someone who has it. The Henry Amador Center on Anosognosia. The power of your relationship. Changes – and changes needed – in the mental health system. Takeaways from the input from families and also people with mental illness? Diffusing Anger 3 A’s: Apologize, Acknowledge, Agree (to disagree) Crisis Communication v. long-term communication. The LEAP method (listen, Empathise, Agree, Partner) and how families – and law enforcement – can be trained. Role-play: Addressing Covid Vaccine reluctance with relative with SMI LAI (long-acting injectables) vs. pills every day
Quotes:
“You’re not going to make a delusion worse by listening to it and letting your loved one know that you’ve heard him and that you understand his anger, you understand his fear.” – Dr. Amador
My brother never believed he was mentally ill…but he stayed in treatment for the rest of his life” – Dr. Amador
Links:
Henry Amador Center on Anosognosia:
Book: I Am Not Sick! I Don’t Need Help: 20th Anniversary Edition
Schizophrenia Three Moms in the Trenches are :
Randye Kaye -Broadcaster, Actress, Voice Talent, Speaker, and Author (“Ben Behind his Voices”)
Miriam Feldman – Artist, Mom, Author “He Came in With It”
Mindy Greiling – member of the Minnesota House of Representatives for twenty years. Activist, Legislator, Author (“Fix What You Can“)
Want to know more about family/friends of people with psychosis?
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