The Huron Expositor, 1988-05-25, Page 2020A —,' IE HURON EXPOSITOR, MAY 25, 1988
'Sch.i;ophrenia
• from page s
but they don't realize medication is mak-
ing them well. Often they'll become ill
again when they stop," Mrs. Thomas said.
However, she noted the invention of in-
jectable medication has keen a help to
schizophrenics. "It really helps with get-
ting the medication on a regular basis.
We've seen real different rates of
hospitalization, and what theable to
accomplish with their lives. Man3`of the
people are living independently, doing well
in their jobs."
A good comparison to make, she explain-
ed, is to someone who has diabetes. Once a
diabetic is established on insulin, and
takes the proper dose while on the proper
diet, the illness can be controlled. This Is
the same as schizophrenia, as the patient
has to take the medication for a long
period of time.
Even after a patient is established on the
psychotropc drugs, there is the possibili-
ty of the symptoms returning.
"One of the classic hallmarks of
schizophrenia is the flare-up (reoc-
curence) of this illness, necessitating
hospitalization and with adequate in-
patient treatment, the• patient can return
to the community in remission," Dr.
Bilkey explained.
On this subject, Mrs. Thomas noted that
mental health professionals are able to
develop a variety of treatment methods
because people vary greatly in their need
for treatment. "Early warning signs,
when caught early, may prevent a full
blown relapse and it's important for treat-
ment to continue after hospitalization.
With treatment, and time, patients can
learn to live with the symptoms of
schizophrenia, Mrs. Thomas explained,
and can take the, "Responsibility for their
own actions, and regularly taking their
medication can be taught.
"If • controlled on medication, he
(schizophrenic) may be well enough to
work, but even household chores may be
too much when the same individual has
been off his medication."
In addition to the medication, "Warm in-
teractions with others helps maintain self
esteem and an attitude of hopefulness,"
she said.
"Changes are occurring. I notice less
fear of the illness, and this combined with
better understanding contributes to a
more favorable outcome for both the in-
dividual and their family," she continued.
However, she noted, "One must have
realistic expectations of what it is possible
to achieve and how long it will take."
Other methods of rehabilitation include
social and vocational counselling, pre-
employment programs, job station pro-
grams, and looking at whether a person is
able to re-enter the workforce.
• Through these different methods of
treating the illness, Mrs. Thomas noted,
"The outlook has really improved over the
hurt 13 years I've been involved in this
field. Most improve and lead independent,
satisfying lives."
FAMILY COPING
Families of schizophrenics also have to
learn to cope with the illness. It is for this
reason that Family and Friends of
Schizophrenics was set up.
Mrs. Thomas stressed the fact that,
"The families that have a relative suffer-
ing from schizophrenia start out just like
any family. They have an average life,
parents and children, not a perfect life, but
pretty good.
"Then one of the children begins getting
ill. It's not usually recognized at this stage,
it may start with him staying in his room;
marks fall; not sleeping at night. The
Parent will come and say the teenager is
staying up all night and roaming around
the house. He begins avoiding family and
friends, he doesn't laugh or smile.
"This Is the onset of schizophrenia."
Once the schizophrenic is diagnosed, the
family has a mixture of feelings.
"It's emotional turmoil," she said, prior
to listing some qt the feelings. "A feeling of
sorrow to see a person they love and care
so much about suffering so much. Feelings
of fear, fear of leavinghim alone, possibly.
Feelings of despair, feelings of anxiety, 'Is
he taking his pills?' Feelings of exhaus-
tion, many families find It hard to go to
sleep at night if someone is roaming
around the house night after night. Feel-
ings of shame and embarrassment, they
are worried about what other people think.
Feelings of isolation, not wanting to have
people in if the ill relative is living at home
with them. Guilt, sometimes parents can
think something they have done, caused
this. It is a bio -chemical imbalance, it's
very important they believe this. Anger,
they feel angry that someone they love has
this illness."
Frustration, too, can come into play in
the family, Mrs. Thomas explained.
"Sometimes when a person is suffering
from schizophrenia, it is not a problem to
them. If they don't want treatment, treat-
ment can't be forced upon them unless
they are a danger to themselves or so-
meone else.
"So people can really be needing treat-
ment, but refusing it at the same time.
This is a big burden for families."
FAMILY SUGGESTIONS
One suggestion she had for parents of
schizophrenics is that they should be con-
sistent in their actions toward the person.
Limiting stress by creating a low stress en-
vironment with predictable routines was
also suggested.
"Stress the positive, because they have
difficulties dealing with negative com-
ments," she continued.
Mrs. Thomas also noted that the family
should take some time for themselves,
because this is important.
Family and Friends of Schizophrenia
comes into play when the family is coping
with the illness.
"It is a group to support family
members in dealing with the problems
that arise with coping with the Hitless,"
she explained.
At the three meetings in the fall and spr-
ing, guest speakers join the group to
discuss issues focussing on one aspect the
families have in common.
Guest speakers include local
psychiatrists, representatives from the
Futures Program and the Ministry of
Community and Social Services, police
representatives and people from Huron
County Housing.
Aside from the education the families
receive from these speakers,• reading
material is also made available to help
with understanding schizophrenia.
"The meetings give parents the oppor-
tunity to meet with other parents that are
experiencing similar problems. It's really
helpful to know you're not the only one to
go through this," Mrs. Thomas explained.
Each meeting is concluded with a group
discussion where any problems families
might be having can be discussed with
others in the group.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Apart from Family and Friends, `Mrs.
Thomas listed a few other groups and pro
fessionals that can help with this illness.
She noted that the Goderich Alexander
Marine and General Hospital meets the
needs of those requiring in-patient
treatment.
Three Community Psychiatric Services
satellite programs originating from that
hospital are also available in Clinton,
Goderich and Wingham. These facilities
offer day treatment programs.
A conference coming up in Toronto
might also provide information for those
interested in the illness. The eighth annual
Canadian Conference on Schizophrenia
will be held on May 27 and 28 at the Univer-
sity of Toronto's Medical Sciences
Building. This conference is open to
everyone, and those who wish to join can
contact: Canadian Friends of
Schizophrenia, Ste. 309, 95 Barber Greene
Road, Den Mills, Ontario, M3C 3E9.
As well, Homewoods Sanitarium in
Guelph holds: workshops for the family and
they can be reached at 824-1010.
Also available is the Western Ontario
Therapeutic Community Hostel (WATCH)
program in London, and Owen Sound's
after care program.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The Canadian Mental Health Associa-
tion has implemented a social evening on a
once weekly basis for psychiatric clients
and their spouses or girlfriends.
The pilot for these events will begin in
Goderich, and there are hopes it will
spread throughout the county.
The Huron County Mental Health Steer-
ing Committee is looking for volgnteers
and committee members. Anyone Who is
interested is asked to phone Karen Ley-
Rondeau at 524-8316.
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