Psychiatric

A psychiatric disability is a mental disorder that may affect daily living.  This may include, but is not limited to, schizophrenia, biopolar disorder, multiple personalities, and phobias.

THINGS TO KNOW
Persons with a psychiatric disability

  • may have an expressionless appearance and/or show signs of tearfulness.
  • may exhibit changes in personal grooming habits.
  • may have changes in eating habits.
  • may show violent behavior.


THINGS TO DO
When ministering to a person with a psychiatric disability,

  • befriend the person and include him or her in activities.
  • offer to pray with the individual.
  • remain calm when the person becomes excited.
  • talk calmly and seek to avoid stressful situations.
  • avoid endorsing statements that you know cannot be true i.e., “can’t you see the bed moving.”


THINGS NOT TO DO
When ministering to a person with a psychiatric disability,

  • do not talk down to or speak about the person as though he or she was not in the room.
  • do not take his or her criticism or angry outbursts personally.
  • do not criticize, lecture, or argue.
  • do not overreact to the person’s peculiarities.


THINGS NOT TO SAY
The following terms are negative or inappropriate:

  • crazy
  • insane
  • nuts
  • fruit cake
  • mentally ill