Severe mental illness or schizophrenia can actually be cured with medication, but most families feel embarrassed if any family member who suffers from schizophrenia that tends to cover it and did not want to seek treatment.
In fact, open attitude it will help reduce the negative stigma which is often carried schizophrenic patients and their families. "Openness indicates the family was able to receive state family member who suffers from schizophrenia," said Dr. Bambang Eko Sunaryanto, Sp.KJ, Director of the Mental Hospital Dr.Rajiman Wediodiningrat.
Active role of the family to explain to the public the disease schizophrenia is also very helpful explaining the negative myths are false. Misunderstanding causes the disease often linked with schizophrenia as a curse or supernatural.
Society more understanding and tolerant of people with mental disorders, more able to accept such patients in their environment. "A conducive environment will humanize schizophrenia patients so that they can perform various activities like a normal person, with no stigma or perceived slant on him," said Bambang.
Treatment of mental patients in the community, known as community care, can help patients seek treatment in case of recurrence. Treatment also should not be done in a mental hospital, but could also in health centers.
Schizophrenia should be treated. Scientific data shows, the sooner patients are treated, the greater the chance of recovery. After receiving treatment for two weeks to a month, usually the patient can be returned to society.
According to Bambang, the length of treatment depends on the response to treatment, the patient's personality, stress levels, until the rationality of patients.
"Patients who are rational, with stress levels low and steady personality more easily receive and give a positive response to treatment. While private are not mature, more easily stressed and difficult to receive treatment," he said.
Before being returned to the community, the family will be given the knowledge of how to care for and treat patients. Families are also invited to recognize signs of relapse. "Families should also not be too cool or chatty. Do not let too many people stunned and develop a sense of suspicion, "said Bambang.
Patients who quickly adapted, could soon be active and have a life like other people.
