Schizophrenia is one of the common mental disorders and it is a serious psychotic disorders, mostly chronic and takes a toll on not only the individuals, but also on the family members who are the primary caretakers. Earlier Schizophrenic patients used to be metalized and taken away from their home and put in centers with very little contact with the outside world. However this has changed, schizophrenics can be treated at home with proper guidelines given to the care takes. No doubt it is very stressful to have a schizophrenic at home, but sometimes it is important for the caretaker sand the family members how they can take care of the person in addition to help themselves. Unless one is emotionally strong enough, they cannot help the weaker patient. So first have compassion on the mentally ill person. He or she did not ask for that affliction on himself and it is a combination of neurological, biological, social, genetic, psychological factors that have bought this disorder on the person. Secondly educate about this illness, a lot of misconceptions are there that the person may be extremely violent, they may pose a threat for the other family members or neighbours, and may be a poor role model for other family members, it may be true but accept them as family members and see all this dysfunctional behavior and can be contained very well with present generation of medication, treatment and psychotherapy. So there is no need to fear having a mentally ill patient. One should look at these mentally ill patients with compassion and with cheerfulness. After educating yourself well about the disease, you do well to look at all the various resources because the patient will not seek the professional help, it is you who have to see where is the best professional help you can afford, in your community , in your family you can seek. One needs to have realistic expectations about the schizophrenics course of illness because it can wax and wane at regular intervals at hourly basis, yearly basis, monthly basis. Don’t forget to be part of the treatment. Talk to the doctor, the psychologist, the psychiatrist, the social worker to find out what you could do, when to take the medications, when to take, other lifestyle modifications, that is in exercise, in diet, in family support, so you will have a good acceptance and leading to a healthy and harmonious family at home.

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