It was a few years ago.
I still ran a large homeless shelter.
I was outside the shelter.
I think it was sunny.
I was tired.
It showed in my voice and facial expression.
“Good morning” I said—without any real enthusiasm—to one of the residents.
To my surprise he snarled, “Why are you talking to me!?!?!?”
I apologized and walked off.
I wasn’t sure what happened.
I had never had a bad interaction with the man before.
I knew he had Schizophrenia, but it manifested exclusively as “negative” symptoms (mostly social withdrawal).
Had I done something wrong?
I had been too tired to be my normal charming self, but I hadn’t done anything to warrant that reaction…
Hostility Bias
One of the lesser known (but more important) symptoms of Schizophrenia:
- Someone with Schizophrenia is more likely to interpret ambiguous/neutral facial expressions as hostile.
It is a cognitive distortion called a “hostility bias.”
And it isn’t just Schizophrenia.
Alcohol can cause the same cognitive distortion.
(Our team is still compiling the research, but my experience tells me it is a common cognitive distortion for many substances and many mental health diagnoses.)
So, what should you do?
This might sound like the advice of Captain Obvious, but…
Make sure your nonverbal communication is NOT neutral or ambiguous.
Make sure it is CLEARLY respectful.
Yes, I know you are tired.
Yes, I know you are overworked.
Yes, I know you are afraid of people with serious mental health issues.
It isn’t easy, but it is in your best interest to make sure people clearly feel respect from you.
Have a great week!
Peace,
Ryan
