My big advice #1: Do not argue with delusion. I don't mean accept it all, I mean avoid the subject.

Advice #2: Instead of making statements which might be true or false, have an emotion and experience focused dialogue: ask how they feel about what's happening around them.

Advice #3: If your friend is telling long stories about experiences, I think comments like "that's so strange" or "I can't imagine that happening" is better than "that's impossible" or "that didn't happen".

In conclusion, there are many conversations probably happening between your friend and their other peers and relations. So they are likely getting a mixture of disbelief and acceptance (after all, there are "normal" people who disbelieve delusions and "normal" people who believe conspiracies, so it is a mixture for sure.)

I hope you connect with your friend and help them get through this time. These days, with better meds and less stigma, outcomes are better, so keep at it and keep being a friend!
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nednednerB the Schizophrenic
http://www.nednednerb.com

Mostly, in my videos I discuss schizophrenia, mental health, and philosophy.
To ease suffering through mental health education.

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