There was a problem with the way this blog appeared today and I apologize. I will try to do a correction. Sorry about that – Jill
We learned to slow down when we talked to our son.We learned to give him space and to avoid making him feel trapped.
- We learned to use short, simple sentences.
- We learned to avoid sudden movements.
- We learned to give clear instructions and directions.
- When he spoke about his hallucinations or delusions, we learned to talk about his feelings rather than the content of what he was saying.
- We always showed him that we were really listening.
WE ALSO LEARNED WHAT NOT TO DO.
- We learned not to take control if we didn’t have to do so.
- we learned never to argue with our son when he was psychotic.
- We learned to look elsewhere and never to stare at him.
- We learned not to confuse him; rather to interact with him.
- We learned not to touch our son without expressly announcing our intention ahead of time.
- We learned not to give him multiple choices.
- We learned not to whisper, to joke or to laugh as he often thought we were joking about him.
- We learned to be honest all the time.