Take Care of Yourself, Too

When you are caring for someone with schizophrenia, it's very common to feel stress, anxiety and tension. If you can reduce your stress and take care of your own needs, however, you can become a more effective caregiver.

Here are some ways to support your own well-being:

Take time for yourself

Set aside time for hobbies, socializing or just relaxing. Anything that makes you feel good will benefit your loved one in the long run — you'll have more energy to give. Download the Caregiver Diary to record your daily observations and write down your feelings.

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Be honest

If you need time to yourself, be open about that with your family member or friend. When you keep quiet about your feelings and needs, anger and resentment can build.

Talk to a therapist

A therapist can help you deal with feelings about your loved one's diagnosis, and help you work through difficult issues as they come up.

Share responsibilities

Let other friends and family members step in and help out. Ask someone else to help with grocery shopping or cleaning when your loved one is too depressed to manage day-to-day chores.

Join a support group

It can be reassuring to spend time with people who understand what you're going through. And you may pick up some useful information about treatment or living with schizophrenia. Here are several mental health advocacy and support groups that can help you learn more about schizophrenia and how it can be treated and managed. Email addresses and hours of operation are shown where available.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)

120 Wall St, 22nd Floor
New York, NY 10005
Phone: (888) 333-AFSP (2377) or (212) 363-3500
Fax: (212) 363-6237
Email: inquiry@afsp.org
www.afsp.org

National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI)

Colonial Place Three
2107 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300
Arlington, VA 22201
Phone: (800) 950-NAMI (6264) or (703) 524-7600
TDD: (703) 516-7227
Fax: (703) 524-9094
www.nami.org

National Mental Health Association (NMHA)

2001 N. Beauregard St, 12th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22311
Phone: (800) 969-NMHA (6642)
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM (EST)
TTY: (800) 433-5959
Fax: (703) 684-5968
www.nmha.org