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SchizophreniaConnection.com

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Tuesday, November, 24, 2009
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Hello *****,   You love your boyfriend, so I'm going to tell you something you'll need to process: he needs to work on his recovery and develop coping skills to deal with his symptoms.  Was he diagnosed with schizophrenia by a professional?  If not, he could possibly only be possessive, and that isn't a good thing, isn't healthy for you to be involved with.   So if he has schizophrenia, you need to see if he will consider cognitive behavioral therapy so that he can learn techniques to cope with the symptoms.  Is he aware, after he's gotten angry, that it was a symptom he was having?  Is he able to cool down and realize you were cheating on him?   His ability to have insight into his illness will be aided with cognitive behavioral therapy specific to someone who has schizophrenia.   The road will be long if you stay with him because recovery is a process, not an endpoint.  Like anyone without schizophrenia, he will have as a matter of course good days and bad days.  Added to that will be his symptoms and how he manages them.  He will need to stay in treatment.   Your question is, "what support can I give my boyfriend?"  You can suggest he see a cognitive therapist.  You can read up on the schizophrenia and educate yourself.  You can take the Family-to-Family course sponsored by NAMI.  Call (800) 950-NAMI (6264) to find a local affiliate in your area that offers the course.  It is for family members, however, I'm sure you could also attend as your boyfriend is a loved one.   Best wishes, Chris
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