Exploring Empathy Through the Lens of Schizophrenia
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- Опубліковано 27 вер 2024
- Hi everyone! I’m Stephen. Empathy is a complex human capacity that involves both emotional and cognitive components. The emotional aspect refers to the ability to feel what another person feels and share in their emotional experience. The mental component involves intellectually understanding what someone else is going through by putting yourself in their shoes.
For someone living with schizophrenia, a serious mental illness characterized by disruptions in thoughts, perceptions, and emotions, the capacity for empathy can be impacted. In this video, Steve (Stephen’s dad) sat down with Stephen, who has been living with schizophrenia for 12 years, to discuss his personal experience with empathy and how schizophrenia has affected his ability to empathize with others emotionally and cognitively.
Emotional Empathy and Schizophrenia
From an emotional perspective, Stephen shared that while he doesn't always pick up on social cues immediately, he still feels empathy and shares sadness when he sees someone crying or in distress. Stephen noted that he sometimes takes on the stress and emotions of those around him. His ability to feel what others feel remains intact.
Cognitive Empathy and Schizophrenia
However, the cognitive side of empathy - the intellectual processing and understanding of what someone is going through - can be more challenging with schizophrenia, according to Stephen's experience. He gave the example of attending a funeral and inappropriately asking the grieving person if they were okay, even though he knew logically it was the wrong thing to say. At the moment, he struggled to figure out the appropriate response. Stephen attributes this to sometimes missing social cues, having his mind go blank, or getting confused in social situations as a result of his schizophrenia. It takes more conscious effort on his part to try to understand another person's perspective and situation.
The Unique Experience of Empathy in Schizophrenia
We discussed how schizophrenia is fundamentally a thought disorder that disturbs cognitive processes. During periods of active psychosis, one would not expect the person to be able to empathize or reason. But as Stephen highlighted, psychosis often lifts with proper treatment, while some of the cognitive difficulties and "slowness" can persist as residual symptoms for many people with schizophrenia. This can impact the interpretation of one's feelings and the feelings of others.
Our conversation illuminated the complexity of empathy and how schizophrenia can impact this vital capacity while highlighting that the ability to empathize emotionally very much remains. Cognitive empathy may require more time and effort and can be affected by the stage and severity of one's illness, but it is not lost. As Stephen powerfully demonstrated, people with schizophrenia can feel and show empathy, even if it manifests a bit differently due to their condition. Ultimately, everyone's experience with schizophrenia is unique.
Conclusion
If you'd like to learn more about empathy and schizophrenia, check out the articles listed below that take a research-based look at this important topic. Thank you so much for watching, and we hope you'll join us again for future videos! Take care.
1. Bonfils, K. A., Lysaker, P. H., Minor, K. S., & Salyers, M. P. (2017). Empathy in schizophrenia: A meta-analysis of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index. Psychiatry Research, 249, 293-303. This meta-analysis found that individuals with schizophrenia showed lower levels of empathy compared to healthy controls, particularly in the domains of perspective-taking and empathic concern.
2. Michaels, T. M., Horan, W. P., Ginger, E. J., Martinovich, Z., Pinkham, A. E., & Smith, M. J. (2014). Cognitive empathy contributes to poor social functioning in schizophrenia: Evidence from a new self-report measure of cognitive and affective empathy. Psychiatry Research, 220(3), 803-810. This study found that individuals with schizophrenia had lower levels of cognitive empathy compared to healthy controls, which was associated with poorer social functioning.
3. Horan, W. P., Green, M. F., Kring, A. M., & Nuechterlein, K. H. (2006). Does anhedonia in schizophrenia reflect faulty memory for subjectively experienced emotions? Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 115(3), 496-508. This study suggested that individuals with schizophrenia may have difficulty remembering and experiencing positive emotions, which could impact their ability to empathize with others.
4. Sparks, A., McDonald, S., Lino, B., O'Donnell, M., & Green, M. J. (2010). Social cognition, empathy, and functional outcome in schizophrenia. Schizophrenia Research, 122(1-3), 172-178. This study found that individuals with schizophrenia had impairments in both cognitive and affective empathy, which were related to poorer social and occupational functioning.
Thank you, Stephen. You are very brave and generous to share your struggles with others. You are doing a lot of good. Many blessings for your continued well-being.❤❤❤
Stephen, You are amazing.You are helping lots of people .Your videos are informative and inspirational.Happy to see that your father is so understanding and supportive.
My mom and I talk about feeling empathy all the time regarding my schizoaffective disorder. Sometimes on our channel I feel people may think my flat affect is a lack of empathy, but it's not. It's a combo of my meds and my anhedonia from the schizoaffective. Great episode you and your Dad are great!
Thank you for sharing and watching!
One of the most compelling aspects of this channel is Stephen's ability to connect with so many people through unconscious empathy with all of us which is demonstrated in the words and topics he selects It is clear that you are empathetic, Stephen. It is clear that you are caring, loving, and honest.
Thank you so much! That makes me feel so happy!
Couldn’t agree more.
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Very interesting video about an aspect of schizophrenia that I hadn't considered. Your honesty is very admirable. Stephen, I don't have schizophrenia myself, but many days going to the store is too much for me as well! There are so many of us with different mental issues, and we sometimes feel that the "normies" don't understand. And sometimes they don't. Your videos always make me feel hopeful and positive. I hope you feel the same way! Thanks!
Thank you so much! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!
Of course they can. Some of my patients are the kindest and most emphateic people I know 🎉🎉❤❤❤❤❤
Yes! When I was in the hospital for two weeks at UCLA the people I met there were some of the best and kindest people I have ever met.
@SurvivingSchizophrenia thank you for sharing Steve. I'm so blessed to be able to do my job everyday and work with amazing people. Thank you for sharing your journey and best of luck to you ❤️❤️
A body language professional I listen on UA-cam said that people actually show empathy with their chin. They tighten their lips and lift the chin a bit. You can subtly pick it up if a person is telling a hard, maybe sad or uncomfortable story. Narcissists can be easily identified because they do not do this. Stephen does it a lot when he is telling his story. He shows his thoughtfulness in trying to share information correctly. He is such a sensitive, loving person. Also, I have worked in funeral service for thirty years. Asking a person if they are O.K. is a perfectly normal question. People say it all the time. It is a great question because it forces a person to stop and think, "Am I o.k.?" thinking maybe yes, I am going through a lot but I am actually getting through it. Or they might say no, because they need more time. You are being a good friend by even asking. Nice video.
Thank you very much! That is fascinating information! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!
😅
Is the body language expert Dr. G? I love him, and also respect his analysis. Have A Wonderful Week ✌️
You are an amazing inspiration and hope to others who also have schizophrenia. My brother has schizophrenia paranoia but chose drugs to cope…. Has been in the same place for over 25 years now. He’s almost 50…. Very sad situation for him and my parents who are almost 80. I’m so proud of how you chose your life route. Keep fighting through your daily life. You’re doing great! God is on your side for sure 🙏🥰
Thank you for sharing and for your encouragement.
Good topic. We all can experience trying to say the right thing, and saying something we don't always mean. Very good video.❤
Thank you very much! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!
Your channel seems to have blown up congrats Stephen long time friend mcdizzle here
Thank you very much McDizzle! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!
This was such an interesting video and I LOVE THIS FORMAT! I want to get my own dad in my videos one day, but that will take some convincing….Anyways, thanks for breaking down what empathy really is, because I actually didn’t know the psychology behind it at all, just that I have issues with it, whether it’s the schizoaffective or something else. Never thought too much about it really. But for me I can realize and understand emotions (and “feel” them somewhat) but I don’t always respond “correctly”. I’ve found that I can respond right most of the time, but it’s an A + B = C situation, meaning if they do this I should respond in this way etc … so it’s definitely learned for the most part. And I think it’s okay TO learn it for sure. Thanks for another awesome video and heck yes for articles in the description!!! Love me some good research 🧬
Thank you so much for watching and commenting! I appreciate you sharing as well!
thanks Steven. I have some MH issues that hinder my ability to step away from own needs in order assess others’ needs & support them. This has given me some new ideas of how to alter my functioning
Super helpful video! Individuals with schizophrenia are capable of experiencing empathy and share sadness, when they see someone crying or in distress, like anyone else. Rarely, negative symptoms may interfere with their expression of empathy during a psychotic episode, when they become disorganized and disoriented, so they're unable to meaningfully communicate or interact with others. Many thanks Stephen and Steve for sharing this useful video with us! 🙌❤👍
Thank you Jim! I like the way you put that! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!
@@SurvivingSchizophrenia Thanks Stephen! Have a Peaceful day and Take Care!👋❤
for me its the sound that people makes when cleaning the throat that makes me crazy. Or when someone dont think i deserve to feel good, like toxic people. i also have schizophrenia.
Thank you very much for sharing. For me it’s the sound of people eating and breathing heavily. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day.
Thank you both for sharing about schizophrenia, my son was diagnosed with it when he was 19 (8 years ago), he lives with me and it has been a roller coaster with some ups and downs. I find your channel very helpful in understanding it from his point of view.
Thank you so much.
Another well done and informative video! It’s obviously challenging to express everything you might be feeling all at once, but I believe that to be true with most people. Throughout the years while spending time with you, I saw you express a great deal of emotions including empathy. Believe me, most people stumble their words when they face someone who has just lost a loved one. I hear many stories from my clients on that subject. We are a large society of people who really never discuss the etiquette or right things to say to a grieving person. Stephen, you usually speak from your heart….it’s there even when the words do not come out right!
Thank you very much Gayla!
My adult 23yr old child with schizophrenia is the kindest most considerate person i know. They have empathy for sure! By any chance does anyone reading this comment know of a great psychiatrist in FL and or a great therapist with experience of helping with schizophrenia : coping techniques and social anxiety/ low self-esteem. They also could use a friend like Stephen, kind and considerate.
I've been out of action for a while, congratulations Stephen on how your channel has grown 🙏
Thank you very much! I appreciate you watching and commenting. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day and I hope to see you in the next video!
Ciao caro Stephen mi chiamo Renata e sono una nuova iscritta,ci divide un Oceano Atlantico,sono italiana e vivo a Lecco vicino a laghi e bellissime montagne...Io non so molto della vita in generale ma,ho imparato che ognuno di noi ha un talento,una caratteristica fisica o mentale tale da essere importante e utile per qualcuno altra persona... probabilmente non potrò esserti di aiuto, fisicamente intendo ma, posso pregare e se avessi desiderio di venire in Italia,con la tua famiglia,sarei felice di ospitarvi... buona vita mio caro Stephen...un abbraccio forte forte 😘
Thank you very much! I really appreciate it!
Hello, I have a close one who has schizophrenia, what a strange and special illness ! I read that diet calms down mental health symptoms including in the case of psychosis. Did you guys experience with diet? Apparently gluten free or ketogenic are the way to go. Thank you for the great videos!!!
Not watched this video but it seems a bit obvious that people with mental health problems can feel empathy and a full range of feelings and emotions. I am schizophrenic and feel a bit offended if people suggested otherwise. Most of the time when schizophrenics say horrible things it’s a very temporary lapse in judgement due to stress or delusions etc. And they nearly always regret it because of the precise reason of having empathy. We are all different and some Nuro typical people lack in empathy.
I live with schizophrenia and I can definitely relate to putting other peoples emotions as your own since I was around 14! Never thought about it until you mentioned it!
Thank you for sharing and watching!
My Doctor pecribed me Haloperidol, i am scared to take, i have all my life, Anxiety, avoid Social interaction with People, depression, none of the antidepresant didnt work, so now Haloperidol, should i try??
Brilliant channel.
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it!
I'm also trying to find the right help
I think everyone's struggles and mixture of struggles can be unique to them. It can be looking beyond labels of diagnosis and seeing daily life and thought processes around them that perhaps can be addressed just by having a different view on things. I'm no health professional etc. but I do have depths of understanding from over coming many challenges of my own in this life. I have made a number of videos, perhaps browsing them may help, and I am always happy to help, even if it's just through giving support and a listening ear. 🙂
Interesting video.
Thank you very much Shelley! I appreciate all the support you have given me on my channel!
I have schizo effective disorder too I can totally relate👍🏼
What's wrong with asking a bereaved person if they are ok?
What medications do you take?
Thank you for asking. I take 200mg Clozapine, 5mg Abilify, and 5mg Lexapro.
What du you think over the ketogenic diet from Dr. Chris Palmer ? It helps for schizophrenia.
Its all about the dad
Lack of empthy, mostly
පැඑඑහමදස😊ස
Im sorry you are experiencing this Stephen, I will pray for you God Bless! Schizophrenia is hard...
Valuable videos man, hope you're doing well my friend
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!
Stephen, why does my son seem to hate me so much? When he's in psychosis, he verbally attacks me. After ten years of this (he's 25) I have no self esteem left.
I don't know what to do.
I am very sorry to hear that. I had a difficult time with my Mom when I was in psychosis.
I'm no health professional etc. but I do believe in order to help others and fire on all cylinders we need to be in a good place ourselves. Toxic encounters even if they are from one's own flesh and blood can take their toll, which points for a need to set and uphold personal boundaries so that our well-being isn't being infringed upon. Yes you have a duty to your son, but you also have a duty to yourself.
I am a strong believer in yin and yang and equilibriums. Your Son is possibly in overload, so to off-set that he takes it out on you, a unload to his overload. It is a distraction for him which if taken away could leave him sitting/frying in his own juices. Of course no comfort for you. I wonder if he even knows what he is doing to you and the impact it is having on you and your health. Perhaps speaking to his health teams who know what his thought processes are may yield the best approach to return once again to healthy and respectful conversation and Mum and Son relationship. Sorry I can't be of much further help. Sending much love and respect your way. ❤
"Hi Diego], I just wanted to say thank you for being there and helping me find the will to live every day. Your support is incredible and makes all the difference in my life. Hugs!"
Thank you so much! That means a lot to me. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!
I can relate to this. I have undiagnosed s.f. Autism spectrum disorder, depression depression, anxiety disorder, functional nueroligal disorder syndrome, chronic pain disorder and spinal injury level 4 and 5.
Do you need to ingest someone's emotions
You couldn’t handle the ingestion 😂
Actually I don't think you have empathy
Thank you. Very informative and great family ❤
The worst part is false beliefs they wont let go no matter how hard i try to get rid of it
Hey guys, thank you for this your latest upload/content. 🙂 If I can have a little of your time I would like to share my thoughts. 🙂
So firstly anyone struggling, debilitated, overwhelmed etc. may find it very difficult to set aside their own struggles etc. and clear their mind and thoughts to the point they can fully comprehend somebody else's struggles, and it's not because they lack empathy, it's just their struggles take up so much of their time and focus it can really be difficult to think of anything else...
I also think Stephen was particularly harsh on himself regarding asking the bereaved if they were okay. Funerals can be very difficult which is why so many think long and hard before making a decision if they are going to attend for the very reason they can be awkward and also emotionally upsetting. It is obviously different if someone is paying their respects and able to share meaningful memories or to celebrate and pay homage to who someone was, then there is a natural affiliation and a somewhat "sharing" of that loss. It's like when people get awkward when someone shares something personal about themselves (e.g. a mental health diagnosis), many clam up and have no idea what to say to someone in that situation and instead start to avoid someone rather than putting themselves into a awkward position, wanting to help etc. but not knowing the how...
Regarding schizophrenia from my understanding it is impaired ability to concentrate and process thoughts at any depth while stressed. This in my opinion is why people can become highly debilitated and disorientated when experiencing and encountering things that are alien to them. Fear quickly ensues and the imagination takes over from a place of panic as they aren't able to rationalise what they are going through. From a state of panic the mind often latches onto the first conclusion it draws, which is all the belief system coupled with the momentum that takes them down some really nasty rabbit holes. It is also important to remember the first outward signs of schizophrenia mostly happen before adulthood and this will impact the ability to come to any rational thinking hence the panic as someone is unable to calm themselves down and look beyond what they perceive to be experiencing. Also regarding the diagnosis/label to the affliction, the unprocessed trauma that often has no closure on can very much become their foundation of "understanding" of what they experienced. Any similar experiences will take their mind straight back to those first memories and what they perceived they were experiencing and their perception of themselves coupled with their perception of what others think of them given that "state of mind". In short it takes them straight back to a state of panic and disorientation often self-loathing all the while "living" what they are experiencing. Hope this has been of some help. ❤
PS: This is why it is so important for people to have a healthy and strong "foundation of self" (how they perceive themselves coupled with how they perceive others see them). Self-assurance and self-belief is the ability to weather all manner of storms. Also "reassurance" should be the first point of call to "calm" the panic, and help someone rationalise and "see beyond" what they perceive to be experiencing. Obviously in the case of experiencing headaches any kind of physical pain is going to take precedence over anything else. Physical pain in itself is highly debilitating and will have a knock-on effect on trying to concentrate and process any thoughts going on at the same time and in the case of any pain the younger someone is enduring such things the lower their thresholds are likely to be in tow. Again hope this has been of some help. ❤
Thank you so much John for sharing and all of your support! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!
This is not my experience. Only when taking medication did my empathy start to diminish. One of the main reasons I don’t use it. It’s part of who I am and I’m not losing myself.
I have been diagnosed with Schizophrenia for 37 years. I find as i get older, i am losing my feelings. I can still understand inan intellectual way but it's harder to feel the emotion of empathy.
You’re losing them because of the medication
Could it be your own personal struggles outweigh others' struggles. If we perceive our plate/burden to be heavier than others it's only natural that we may struggle to feel empathy at levels we would if we were in better places ourselves. It doesn't make us bad people or less caring than others, but injustices will always take precedence in our conscious thoughts and emotions. Hope this has been of some help my friend. ❤
@@John26767 That's a very insightful observation. It's food for thought! Thank you.
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