Schizophrenia - General Indicators •Breakdown of personality

•Withdrawal from reality

•Distortion of thought (absurd, illogical, bizarre)

•Hallucinations; Sight, Smell, Hearing

•Auditory problems; “God (Voices in my head) told me….”

•Delusions; False beliefs with no reality, grandeur

•Delusions and behavior is Anxiety and Suspiciousness

•Excessively religious

•Frequent hostile or aggressive behavior Bipolar Disorder (Depressive) Indicators

•Lasting sad, anxious or empty mood

•Feeling hopelessness and/or guiltand fatigued

•Loss of interest in their normal activities

•Chronic pain – Persistent body problems/symptoms

•Thoughts of death, suicide or suicide attempts

•Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions

•Change in appetite – Unintended weight loss

•Sleep too much or not at all

•Talking fast, irritable and increased increase in energy

•Excessive alcohol or drug abuse

•Denies that anything is wrong Do's or Should Do's

•Mentally ILL people are PEOPLE with feelings & rights

•Always assess for the degree of danger when contacting

•Maintain adequate space for your safety/level of training

•BE CALM

•Be helpful to them (ask about their basic needs)

•When time…..give firm and clear directions

•Respond to general feelings not content of their discussion

•Respond to hallucinations & delusions by discussing them as their FEELINGS rather than what they are saying. Dont's or Should Not's •Don’t join into their behavior related to their crisis •Don’t stare at them – normal eye contact (50%) •Don’t confuse them (follow through -Directions/commands) •Don’t Touch unless you are moving them forcefully •Don’t give them multiple choices •Don’t whisper, joke or laugh •Don’t deceive them – Don’t make promises you cant’ keep •Don’t demand their obedience or power struggle •Don’t call their bluff, act afraid, act laugh inappropriately •Don’t take issues personally with them