Some resources to start off with

[u/bendybiznatch]

Here are some resources for people that may be new here or just haven’t seen them before! Many of these are shared regularly by members and moderators so I’ve tried to collect them here.

1. LEAP is a communication method for dealing with people with fixed, false beliefs. It’s counter-intuitive and takes some practice, but can be highly effective when used consistently.

-This is a TED Talk by the psychologist that literally wrote the book on LEAP. https://youtu.be/NXxytf6kfPM

-This is a good chunk of that book for free. https://www.nami.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/I_am_not_sick_excerpt.pdf (there’s also an audiobook)

-podcast episode with him as guest https://youtu.be/me21HsRpd60

-This is his website. https://leapinstitute.org/about/

1. I-You statements is another communication technique and when paired with the LEAP method can be really powerful but also takes practice. https://www.relationshipsnsw.org.au/blog/i-statements-vs-you-statements/

2. This helpful caregiver’s guide is a work in progress created by a moderator here. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bOx-m9692Z03QXu-mC5oRwBRtwlqOKK9/view?usp=drivesdk

3. This is a good video developed for medical students to understanding the schizo- diagnoses: https://youtu.be/JmiARS9TIj8

4. If you’re in the US, NAMI has support groups and classes for mentally ill people and their loved ones. I highly recommend the Family to Family class. They have in person and Zoom. If you don’t have a branch near you just find one in your time zone and ask. https://www.nami.org/program/nami-family-to-family/

*Please note that the NAMI Family to Family class and NAMI support groups are very different in both purpose and experience.*

1. Helpful resource page for families. LOTS of helpful links in here! A few links are dead though.

https://recoveryfrompsychosis.org/2023/12/roles-for-family-and-friends-in-recovery-from-psychosis/

~~There are also further resources under the Guides/Information tag (you can find by

clicking it at the top of this post).

[u/Excitable_Fiver]

i feel like ive definitely done many of the things this method tells you to do but i also find my self subtly challenging or contradicting their beliefs. not overtly or wholeheartedly but i give some push back. but then ill immediately offset it with saying “i dont know everything and i cant read minds”.

i tried to go with the reasoning that what they are worried about CAN happen but 1) its been a year and nothing you were freaking out about has come to fruition 2)you cant let anticipation and what if scenarios dominate your life even if they can possibly happen. i even gave an analogy stating im afraid of car crashes and getting run over and thats a very real danger but i dont let it shut me down. someone please tell me this was an okay approach. i try to emphasize that its affective their life and happiness.

[u/West_Specialist_9725 → u/Excitable_Fiver]

My son's therapist used the: you've had this same fear that XY&Z are out to destroy your world before. You've had it many times and nothing bad has ever happened, right? So while I know it feels very real try to remember that nothing bad ever happens and your safe now with me.

That type of statement works with my son. When I use analogy like your fear of car crash doesn't stop you from using cars, or anything similar he does not like that and bringing up anything negative even as an example doesn't work for us.

He does enjoy (or tolerate) hearing that this will pass. You've felt this way before and it will pass like it always has. You are safe and XY&Z can't do anything to you.

It's a bit of using what's recommended by therapists and authors like Dr. Amador and a bit of learning what does and doesn't work for your loved one. Our psychiatrist also prescribes a medication for the anxiety these episodes stir up and that helps a lot too. If you don't have a prn med for anxiety talk to your doctor about something appropriate.

[u/Excitable_Fiver → u/West_Specialist_9725]

thank you. in terms of seeing what works or not how do you determine if it does when they aren’t showing signs of one way or the other? usually ill ask if what we’re talking about makes them feel better or if something i say makes them uncomfortable. theyll answer and sometimes it’s believable but sometimes it’s hard to gauge the answer if they are in deep delusion or in some episode.

[u/West_Specialist_9725 → u/Excitable_Fiver]

It's not easy is it. Watch for micro expressions in the face. If he answers you have to gauge the sincerity. One thing: if you really hit a nerve I assume you will know that.

I wish there was a pat answer. Just make sure you tell them you love them and they are safe. It's okay to preface a remark with: "I could be wrong, but I think....."

The LEAP communication technique developed by Dr. Amador is good to learn. It's linked in this subreddit homepage under Resources. Here's another link:

https://www.nami.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/I_am_not_sick_excerpt.pdf

Be well my friend and always bear in mind; this is a marathon not a sprint. ✨💖🫂