After I was in jail and in the hospital my mother kept a journal of every official she came into contact with. She recorded names, conversations, and resources for schizophrenia. Educate yourself about the illness.

Third, find a good psychiatrist, not just a psychologist or therapist, but someone who specializes in schizophrenia. It is better if you get a recommendation from another family experiencing the same thing you are going through. You can find another family, to get a referral from, at a support group such as NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness, www.nami.org).

In my case, we went to the county mental health clinic fo rhelp. There my therapist and psychiatrist interviewed me. They asked me questions about my background and family medical history. There we discovered classes to discuss symptoms and to learn how to cope with the illness.

Again, to bring about awareness be observant, keep a journal, adn get connected with a great support system in order to find a good psychiatrist.

What has been a useful tool in bringing about awareness of a close one's illness? What signal did you notice that seemed out of the norm, and encouraged you to seek professional help?