5.1. CURRENT FEELINGS AND MENTAL STATE
When initiating a conversation with a person living with schizophrenia and substance use disorder (SUD) about their current feelings and mental state, it is essential to create a safe and non-judgmental space.
Encouraging open dialogue without imposing directives can help the person feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and emotions.
Here are some suggestions on how you, as caregivers, can gently approach this topic:
Empathetic and Open-Ended Questions
Asking open-ended questions calmly, and non-intrusively encourages your loved one to share their thoughts without feeling pressured.
These questions allow them to lead the conversation and focus on what is most important to them.
Active Listening and Validation
As the person you’re supporting expresses feelings, it’s crucial to use active listening techniques.
This involves paraphrasing their words to show understanding, making them feel heard, and validating their emotions.
Non-stigmatizing language
Avoid using terms that could carry a stigma or imply judgment. T
his is particularly important for individuals with schizophrenia and SUD, who often face social stigma. Use neutral language that focuses on behavior rather than identity.
Give the person you’re caring for control of the conversation
Allow the individual to guide the pace of the discussion and decide how much they want to share. You can express your willingness to listen without pushing them to talk about things they may not be ready to discuss.
Encourage reflection on daily life and coping mechanisms
Ask questions that gently nudge the individual to reflect on how their mental health is affecting daily activities, such as sleep, social interactions, or substance use. This can help them recognize the impact without feeling judged.
Example conversation about current feelings and mental state
Caregiver: “I’ve noticed you’ve seemed a bit more withdrawn lately. How are things going for you?”
Individual: “I don’t know…everything just feels like too much.“
Caregiver: “It sounds overwhelming. Do you feel like talking about what’s been weighing on you? I’m here to listen.”
Individual: “It’s just…I don’t feel like I can control my thoughts.”
Caregiver: “That sounds really hard. Has anything in particular been on your mind that you’d like to talk about?”
This kind of interaction gives the person the space to open up in their own time, with emphasis on empathy and non-judgment.
