{"id":6311,"date":"2025-09-08T09:21:27","date_gmt":"2025-09-08T08:21:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/schizophrenia.life\/public\/?page_id=6311"},"modified":"2025-09-08T09:21:27","modified_gmt":"2025-09-08T08:21:27","slug":"sod-chapter-8-subchapter-1","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/schizophrenia.life\/public\/sod-chapter-8-subchapter-1\/","title":{"rendered":"SOD Chapter 8 &#8211; Subchapter 1"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full square-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"212\" src=\"https:\/\/schizophrenia.life\/public\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/8.1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6329\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"lh-n mb-2 mt-1 has-text-color has-link-color has-large-font-size wp-elements-35bba2f3c6502977fa66113351c0dd6e wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#b69cc9\"><strong>8.1 Current feelings and mental state<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"mb-0 has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d1961be0b3f22ab15b7b9590628414a3 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#58595b;font-size:16px\">When initiating a conversation with a person living with schizophrenia and substance use disorder about their current feelings and mental state, it is essential to create a safe and non-judgmental space.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"sod_highlight py-4\"><div class=\"rea-main rea-page-default\"><div class=\"rea-page-default__wrapper my-0\"><div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Encouraging <strong>OPEN DIALOGUE WITHOUT IMPOSING DIRECTIVES<\/strong> can help the person feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and emotions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are some suggestions on how you, as caregivers, can gently approach this topic:<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"rea-main rea-page-default\"><div class=\"rea-page-default__wrapper\"><div class=\"\"><div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2c9e5d53729fbbf83be9f9e53ae98f52 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#b69cc9;font-size:26px\"><strong><strong><strong>EMPATHETIC AND OPENENDED QUESTIONS<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Asking open-ended questions <strong>calmly, and non-intrusively<\/strong> encourages your loved one to share their thoughts without feeling pressured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These questions allow them to lead the conversation and focus on what is most important to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Example:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bubble left bubble-ddd2e8 wp-block-paragraph\"><em>&#8220;I\u2019ve noticed you\u2019ve seemed a bit quieter lately. How have you been feeling about things?&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"sod_highlight py-4\"><div class=\"rea-main rea-page-default\"><div class=\"rea-page-default__wrapper my-0\"><div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1805ab2951048fb92de808eff52cc961 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#b69cc9;font-size:26px\"><strong><strong><strong>ACTIVE LISTENING AND VALIDATION<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As the person you&#8217;re supporting expresses feelings, it&#8217;s crucial to use active listening techniques.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This involves <strong>paraphrasing <\/strong>their words to show understanding, making them feel heard, and validating their emotions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Example:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bubble left bubble-ddd2e8 wp-block-paragraph\"><em>&#8220;It sounds like things have been tough lately, and you&#8217;re feeling overwhelmed. Is that right?&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"rea-main rea-page-default\"><div class=\"rea-page-default__wrapper\"><div class=\"\"><div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5306d85d5d1d715e6ba5c7f42495f4b9 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#b69cc9;font-size:26px\"><strong><strong><strong>Non-stigmatizing language<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Avoid using terms that could carry a stigma or imply judgment. This is particularly important for individuals with schizophrenia and SUD, who often face social stigma. Use neutral language that focuses on behavior rather than identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Example:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>&#8220;I understand that sometimes things might feel out of control. Is there something in particular that&#8217;s been on your mind?\u201c<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"sod_highlight py-4\"><div class=\"rea-main rea-page-default\"><div class=\"rea-page-default__wrapper my-0\"><div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9fd5b1a39a95d9e7526c71e55b18b4a8 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#b69cc9;font-size:26px\"><strong><strong><strong>Give the person you&#8217;re caring for control of the conversation<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Allow the individual to guide the <strong>pace of the discussion<\/strong> and decide how much they want to share. You can express your <strong>willingness to listen without pushing<\/strong> them to talk about things they may not be ready to discuss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Example:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bubble left bubble-ddd2e8 wp-block-paragraph\"><em>&#8220;I\u2019m here to listen whenever you feel like talking about what\u2019s going on.\u201c<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"rea-main rea-page-default\"><div class=\"rea-page-default__wrapper\"><div class=\"\"><div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a684df8c31dd6fd4ced2b71f4bd26ab8 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#b69cc9;font-size:26px\"><strong><strong>Encourage reflection on daily life and coping mechanisms<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2022 Example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bubble left bubble-ddd2e8 wp-block-paragraph\"><em>&#8220;How have things been for you lately &#8211; like with sleep or feeling like you\u2019re keeping up with things you enjoy?&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"sod_highlight py-4\"><div class=\"rea-main rea-page-default\"><div class=\"rea-page-default__wrapper my-0\"><div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-f5dc2ced7d3e153a2b1a5472c14c6442 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#b69cc9;font-size:26px\"><strong><strong>Example conversation about current feelings and mental state<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bubble left bubble-ddd2e8 wp-block-paragraph\"><em>&#8220;I\u2019ve noticed you\u2019ve seemed a bit more withdrawn lately. How are things going for you?&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right bubble right bubble-eee9f3 float-right wp-block-paragraph\"><em>&#8220;I don\u2019t know\u2026everything just feels like too much.\u201c<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bubble left bubble-ddd2e8 wp-block-paragraph\"><em>&#8220;It sounds overwhelming. Do you feel like talking about what&#8217;s been weighing on you? I\u2019m here to listen.&#8221; <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right bubble right bubble-eee9f3 float-right wp-block-paragraph\"><em>&#8220;It\u2019s just\u2026I don\u2019t feel like I can control my thoughts.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bubble left bubble-ddd2e8 wp-block-paragraph\"><em>&#8220;That sounds really hard. Has anything in particular been on your mind that you\u2019d like to talk about?&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>This kind of interaction gives the person the space to open up in their own time, with emphasis on empathy and non-judgment.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"rea-main rea-page-default\"><div class=\"rea-page-default__wrapper\"><div class=\"\"><div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center button__primary button-text sod-subchapter-button-b69cc9 wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/schizophrenia.life\/public\/sod-chapter-8\/\">Back to chapter<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center button__primary button-text sod-subchapter-button-b69cc9 wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/schizophrenia.life\/public\/sod-chapter-8-subchapter-2\">Next subchapter<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>8.1 Current feelings and mental state When initiating a conversation with a person living with schizophrenia and substance use disorder 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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-sod.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"rea_page_title_signed_in_meta_block_field":"","rea_page_title_signed_out_meta_block_field":"","rea_page_description_signed_in_meta_block_field":"","rea_page_description_signed_out_meta_block_field":"","rea_page_footer_id_meta_block_field":"","rea_page_footer_date_meta_block_field":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-6311","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/schizophrenia.life\/public\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6311","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/schizophrenia.life\/public\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/schizophrenia.life\/public\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/schizophrenia.life\/public\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/schizophrenia.life\/public\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6311"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/schizophrenia.life\/public\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6311\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/schizophrenia.life\/public\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6311"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}