I once confided in a friend about problems I was having with my family. They advised: “Think about a worse problem for a while, then return to your problem. You may find you aren’t quite as worried about it, which will help you solve it.” At the time, I was somewhat crestfallen that my friend did not help me directly. It occurred to me later that they probably couldn’t think of a solution to my issues. These issues had to be faced, but that goes better if you gain a better perspective. Eventually, my friend’s philosophy did help.
It can be overwhelming to be in the midst of a psychotic break brought about by living with schizophrenia. However, if you can bring yourself to listen to someone else’s problems, that can give you some relief from yours and a warm feeling that you may have helped someone by listening to them.
The support groups set up by mental health advocacy groups can help you fulfill that goal of listening to a friend. For example, as I have mentioned in a previous blog post, in the USA, where I live now, NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) has support groups for mental health consumers (those living with a mental illness) and their caregivers. They hold these support groups all over the USA. At their meetings, the other participants listen to you, and you listen to them. There are also chat groups online for mental health consumers: it’s great to meet someone face to face to talk with them, but the online version can also work well.
If you live with a caregiver, remember that they are under pressure when you struggle with your mental health. Ask them to tell you a story from their life that has nothing to do with you but that challenged them. You may be surprised by how little you know about your own family. I know I am still learning about mine.
You should never diminish your problems, but you can take a short vacation from them and return to them in better shape.