January 2012
ne in fi ve Canadians will experience a mental illness in their lifetime, according to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and the remaining four will have a friend, family member or colleague who are affected. Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that affects approximately one per cent or 200,000 Canadians. It can interfere with a person's ability to tell what is real from what is not, leading to hallucinations, such as hearing voices that aren't there, or seeing things that aren't there, or delusions.
in their lifetime Centre for Add H lth d
O
ne in fiv experienc
Living with schizophrenia can be very diffi cult, especially for teens. Before age 18, approximately 12 to 33 per cent of individuals with schizophrenia develop the onset of their illness. As a result, researchers are working on treatments for adolescent schizophrenia. The latest breakthrough, for example, is an effective (prescription) medication called Abilify. While there are a number of treatment options today, experts point out that this is the only treatment approved for adolescents aged 15 to 17. So, if someone you love has been diagnosed with this condition or another mental illness, here are some ways to provide support:
1. Open the door to conversation. For teens who have (or think they have) a mental illness, such as schizophrenia, talking about it may feel as daunting as living with the condition. They may hide their symptoms due to fear or shame, and may fear of rejection or disapproval from peers or family. The danger with not talking is that it can lead to delays in getting help in order to be well. As a parent or caregiver, you can ask questions to fi nd out how your teen is feeling and what they are experiencing. Offer empathy, not judgement.
2. Provide support. Teens with schizophrenia experience a great deal of anxiety, and need support to make healthy choices. In order to cope with their condition and learn how to live well, they need support from their families. As a parent or caregiver, you can:
• Be proactive in helping receive • Ensure they attend all follow up visits.
a diagnosis. Be persistent if the teen is resisting attending doctor's appointments and counsellor visits.
• Offer to attend appointments medication appropriately.
with them, or take them to/ from their appointments.
• Ensure they are taking their • Listen to them in a non-
judgemental and non-critical way.
• Don't forget to take care of
yourself as well, and keep your own stress levels in check.
3. Give space. Often those recovering from schizophrenia say that their families perpetually treat them like 'patients,' even
when they are beginning to feel well. This can hamper their ability to live normal lives, such as taking more responsibility for themselves and engaging in normal teenage activities. While it is important to provide support, it's equally important to give the teen some space. Your doctor can help you navigate when and how to step back while still ensuring the safety and well- being of your teen.
More information is available online at
www.schizophrenia.ca.
January 2012
How to Provide Support for Teens with Mental Illness
How to Provide Support for Teens with Mental Illness
Treating Injuries, Pain, & Muscle Aches
Greg Morrison, BKin, RK Credentialed ART & Graston Technique Provider
G C G
403-878-4294 403-878-4294
Dr. Chad Jackle’s offi ce #1-3151 Dunmore Road (Next to Dairy Queen)
3 New Location:
Massage Craniosacral Therapy Reflexology Foot Care
Gloria NHPC,RAC 403-504-9027
Melita LPN, NHPC, RAC 403-504-0095 Medicine Hat
You are the Gem
41073241
53970800•01/24/12
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24