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It is possible for adults with a schizophrenia diagnosis to lead fulfilling lives.

Parenting strategies can go a long way to help make that happen.

Being patient, caring, and supportive is key while maintaining realistic assertiveness.

Reduce internalized stigma in yourself so that you can support your child.

I’ve lived with a psychotic disorder for 10 years now, and I wouldn’t be here without the devoted support from my father. He has been one of the few people who can bring out my true self while also accepting my psychotic symptoms as part of my whole person. He has been kind yet assertive when reminding me of the reality that I live in. As a result of our recovery “teamwork,” I have accomplished a lot. I got two master’s degrees, live in New York City, and am now a writer.

Recently, people have been very curious about how best to support their child with a schizophrenia diagnosis. I decided to interview my father so that he can share his wisdom for himself.

Jim Myers is a father and sibling of three family members who lived and live with a schizophrenia disorder. He has been my mental health advocate for 20 years. He has often told me that his childhood experience with his siblings prepared him for caring for an adult child with the same illness. Professionally, he has a Ph.D. in electrical engineering, worked as the director of engineering at a small company making security cameras, and loves the outdoors, animals, and maintaining childlike joy. He is now retired and enjoys simple things like sitting on the backyard patio with the cats and playing handball with his friends. This is some of his wisdom.

1. Most parents feel a sense of guilt and shame when their child is diagnosed with schizophrenia. The symptoms appear unmanageable, and the family can be left in a crisis, unsure about what resources and help are available. Mothers and fathers of adult children with schizophrenia report that they wonder what they've done wrong and how they can immediately push their child into recovery. How can you relieve the sense of guilt........

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