Holidays and Schizophrenia: Effective Approaches for Families Managing Seasonal Stressors

Stress often soars during the holidays and is particularly damaging to people with schizophrenia. Stress leads to the production of cortisol, a hormone. This, in turn, can trigger episodes of schizophrenia. Anything you can do to combat and prevent stress at this time of year will be helpful.

First, know what causes your loved one the most stress and avoid or minimize those factors. For instance, maybe they are most stressed out by spending time with extended family or being in large groups. If you have to say no to parties or if one person needs to stay home with them, you’ll be preventing one major trigger.

You won’t be able to avoid all stressors, of course, so also engage in positive and healthy stress management strategies. Get everyone involved to keep the entire family calm. Here are some things to try:

• Get outside for some exercise. Even a quick walk together can be a great way to relax.
• Take a yoga class.
• Meditate daily.
• Watch television or movies together in the evening.
• Try deep breathing exercises or progressive muscle relaxation for instant stress relief in difficult situations.

Routines are helpful for people with schizophrenia. The holidays are anything but routine. When things change too much it may trigger symptoms. You may not be able to stick to the exact routine you normally have, but you can minimize disruptions and prepare your family member for them so that the impact is less.

Plan and schedule holiday activities and parties together so that everyone has input on what you’ll do and which events you’ll skip. Your loved one with schizophrenia will benefit from knowing what to expect in the days and weeks ahead. If any of the events present particular stressors or triggers, talk about them in advance and discuss how you’ll decide when it becomes necessary to leave early.

It’s a boozy time of year, and even if your family member with schizophrenia is old enough to drink, it’s best to avoid alcohol altogether. Alcohol only complicates the condition, especially if your loved one is using medications as part of treatment. Adding alcohol to a party or event that is already risky and stressful will only make the situation worse.

Using alcohol to cope, for anyone in the family, is tempting. To help everyone manage better and to support your loved one who can’t drink at all, consider a family-wide ban on drinking. Agree to abstain for the holidays, or at least to avoid drinking at all in front of the person with schizophrenia.

Sometimes the stresses of the holidays necessitate a little extra support. Studies have found that family interventions and therapy improve conditions for patients and their families. The individuals with schizophrenia see improvement in symptoms and social functioning and also adhere to their medications more consistently with family therapy.

The caregivers benefit by experiencing a decreased perception of burden and increased self-efficacy. They also find that they are more socially supported with family interventions and that they have more knowledge and skills to help the member with schizophrenia. Those participating in therapy report overall greater satisfaction.

Helping to care for someone with a serious mental illness takes a toll. Even at less hectic times of the year, having a family member with schizophrenia presents a lot of demands and challenges. Adding seasonal demands and stresses can quickly take any one individual to the edge. Rely on your support network of extended family, neighbors, and trusted friends to lighten your load.

This kind of support can take any number of forms, from making you something to take to a younger child’s school party to being there to listen to you talk about your challenges. Let other people you trust in, to help and support in any way they are willing and that you can accept.

When one member of a family needs more support, it’s easy to lose sight of the needs of others. All members must take care of their own physical and mental health. Set boundaries, take time off, and manage your own health so you can provide the best care and support to your most vulnerable family member.

This may mean taking turns away from the house, enlisting other friends or family to help out, or just ensuring you have enough time for the things that improve your own wellness. Make time for exercise, sleep, and your favorite activities.