Final Thoughts on Delusions and How You Can Help Someone Who Suffers from Them
At some point, the person will need professional psychological help. However, you can take steps to help them at home or in their daily life. The first thing you need to do is be patient. Keep in mind that these delusions are very real to the person suffering from them, so it’s important to be patient, calm, and understanding.
According to the British Columbia Schizophrenia Society, the worst thing you can do is challenge or disprove the delusion. This will only create mistrust, and then you won’t be able to help the person.
Reassure them of their safety if that’s relevant to their delusion, and try to get them to verbalize what they’re feeling. However, don’t be the first to bring up the delusion if they aren’t experiencing it at that time.
If the person is in immediate danger of harming themselves, get help right away. Otherwise, assess the intensity and frequency of their delusions over time. See if you can identify any triggers. This information will be helpful when the person seeks out professional help for their delusions.
Please don’t treat them like they’re crazy. Above all, listen if they need someone to talk to. Sometimes they’ll drop the subject on their own. Other times you may need to redirect their focus.
Just remember that this delusion is real to them, so be their support system as if the delusion was real. It may seem dishonest to do this, but it’s the best way to help a delusional person without making matters worse.
