A mentally ill person does not quite adequately perceive reality and has deviations in behavior. Communication with such people can also deviate from existing norms. The main thing is to remember that a person does not just behave abnormally, he is sick.
Instructions
Step 1
Treat the mentally ill person with love. After all, it is not his fault that trouble happened to him. Although it will undoubtedly be very difficult for you, try to restrain yourself and continue to respect him. Do not speak to him in a dismissive and condescending tone, even if you have to ask him for something many times.
Step 2
Maintain a certain distance. Do not be offended by his words or actions, because he does not do them on purpose. Treat negative behavior as a symptom of an illness.
Step 3
Be calm. Understand that his inappropriate behavior is the result of a severe mental disorder. During periods of exacerbation, the patient's feelings can be very tense, so do not shout at him. At such moments, he simply will not be able to understand everything that you are trying to convey to him. Your calmness will help him cope with anxiety, confused thoughts and improve his mental state. And conflict and quarrel, on the contrary, can cause a relapse.
Step 4
Learn to recognize and respond to symptoms. If anger and irritability are a feature of the disease, do not argue with him or limit communication altogether for a while. When he is closed, start the conversation first. If you have difficulty concentrating, repeat what was said and speak in short phrases. Do not support delusional beliefs, but do not argue with the patient openly. And if you have self-doubt or low self-esteem, treat him with understanding and respect.
Step 5
Support him and celebrate even small successes. This will help not only him, but also you. After all, it is very difficult to communicate with a mentally unhealthy person and constantly hope for an improvement in his condition.
Step 6
Maintain his usual routine. If the patient has been in the hospital for a long time, find out his schedule: lunch, dinner or bedtime. And if possible, create the same at home. For mentally ill people, predictability and calmness are very important in life. Create simple daily activities for him to keep him busy. This will make him feel more wealthy and needed.
