Schizophrenia and Dating: How to Build Meaningful Connections

Having schizophrenia and dating can be a difficult journey. The condition makes it difficult to interact with others and give them enough trust to enter into a relationship. It is possible with a trusting partner and the right treatment.

Schizophrenia is more than a mental disorder. Research by Larson et. al. has shown it can even decrease life expectancy by approximately 15 to 20 years. That’s why it’s important to start learning how to live a full life now.

What Schizophrenia Is

Schizophrenia is a complex mental illness. It has a range of potential symptoms. It is primarily categorized by unusual thoughts, actions, or speech.

Disorganized Thoughts and Speech

Struggles in relationships and schizophrenia can be common because of difficulties in expressing oneself. Examples of disorganized thoughts and speech include:

• Rambling
• Random groups of words (“word salads”)
• Jumping from topic to topic
• Made-up words
• Stopping mid-speech
• Not speaking much
• Flat tones

Disorganized Actions

One of the most well-known disorganized actions in schizophrenia is delusions. They may believe the world is out to get them or that someone is in love with them.

They can also struggle with movement. An example is known as cataonia. It’s a phenomenon that leads to an inability to move from a rigid posture.

They can also behave inappropriately for the situation. They may act like a child or suddenly become agitated.

What Schizophrenia Isn’t

There’s an important misconception to debunk when it comes to schizophrenia and dating.

Many assume that the condition makes those who suffer from it violent or dangerous. It’s rare for schizophrenia to lead directly to violence.

Research from the British Journal of Psychiatry indicates that the general risk of violence within the first year is only about 26%. That drops to less than 10% within 5 years of treatment.

Those who suffer from schizophrenia aren’t going out into the world committing violent acts like TV and film would have us believe. They often isolate themselves and don’t interact with the world much at all.

What Kind of People Are Prone to Schizophrenia?

Anyone can get schizophrenia, just like any other mental illness. There are a few risk factors that make it more likely. These can include:

• Certain brain structures
• Childhood trauma
• Autoimmune disorders

How Does Schizophrenia Affect Relationships?

Those with schizophrenia may want romantic relationships but struggle to have them. Many symptoms of the disease make it difficult.

Social Isolation

Schizophrenia can create a general loss of interest that leads to social isolation. That means fewer chances to get out there and try to find the one.

Emotional Expression

A lack of emotional expression can be read the wrong way as being cold or uncaring. Schizophrenic speech can come out too muddled to be understood.

It’s also not always easy to get the right level of emotion out. That can make true connections, from friendships to romantic ones, difficult.

Lack of Trust

Those with schizophrenia have a general lack of trust in others and the ability to gauge their intentions.

When coupled with paranoia from the condition, it can make them fear closeness. They may be in love, but their condition makes them unable to give the trust that a relationship requires.

Sexual Side Effects

Schizophrenia medications also have side effects that can make physical intimacy difficult, such as low libido or erectile dysfunction.

Other schizophrenia symptoms only make this worse. A lack of trust or low self-esteem can make you uncomfortable being intimate.

Tips for Schizophrenia and Dating

Maintaining a love life and schizophrenia management often compete against each other, but they aren’t incompatible. Those suffering from the condition can find the one. Those who love someone with schizophrenia can learn to help them manage it.

One of the most important parts of dating with mental illness is to learn as much as you can about the condition you or your partner has. It helps you understand they’re going through when they come to you for help.

Acknowledge the stigma around schizophrenia. There isn’t as much public understanding about it as more prevalent conditions, such as depression or anxiety.

Validate their feelings, not the delusion. If they can hear voices and are scared, let them know you understand that reaction and are here for them.

At the same time, you need to separate the person from their condition. Focus on everything you love about them. Look at them as a whole person.

Be empathetic and patient. Taking the time to learn how to communicate well is perhaps the best piece of schizophrenia relationship advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should You Avoid If You Have Schizophrenia?

If you have schizophrenia, there are triggers you should avoid. You should be especially careful to avoid harmful substances such as tobacco and drugs. Alcohol is also on the list. Unhealthy food and poor sleep can also be harmful.

Watch the environment that you’re in. If it’s too stressful or unsupportive, you may need to get away from it. That includes a romantic relationship.

Don’t skip your medications. Don’t be among the over 57% who, according to the mental health source DeconstructingStigma, avoid getting treatment. It’s the best way to keep your symptoms in check so they don’t interfere with your relationships.

What Calms a Schizophrenic?

Many mental illness symptoms are caused by excessive stimulation. If an area is too loud or has too many people, get them away from it. That can help you calm down.

Distractions can help keep their mind away from whatever set them off. You can also use calming techniques such as deep breathing.

Social support from friends and family is essential. Talking to a loved one can help calm them down quickly. That’s why a supportive romantic partner who validates the schizophrenic’s feelings can also go a long way.

Where to Go for Relationships with Mental Illnesses

Schizophrenia and dating are a difficult combination because the symptoms make it difficult to connect with others. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible with the right knowledge and communication strategies.

Special Bridge is a social community that supports meaningful relationships for adults with disabilities. That includes everything from friendships to romantic relationships.

Our matching tools join you with others in your area who have similar interests or disabilities. Our private messaging tools let relationships grow at their own pace.

Join our community today.