It's natural to feel a little annoyed or bothered when someone contacts you at an inconvenient time, especially if it happens regularly. However, considering your casual friendship and the fact that your friend has schizophrenia, it's essential to approach the situation with empathy and understanding.
People with schizophrenia may have difficulties with their sleep patterns and may not always be aware of appropriate social norms, such as when it's an appropriate time to message someone. It's possible that your friend's medication or other factors are contributing to her messaging behavior.
Before jumping to any conclusions or reacting negatively, consider these steps:
Communicate with empathy: If you feel comfortable doing so, talk to your friend about her messaging habits, but do it gently and with empathy. Instead of calling her out, express your concerns in a non-judgmental manner. Let her know how the late messages impact you and your sleep or daily routine.
Set boundaries: If you find the late messages disruptive, establish some boundaries. Let your friend know that you appreciate her reaching out but ask if she could try to message you during more appropriate hours.
Be understanding: Keep in mind that your friend may not have complete control over her actions, and the late messages might be unintentional. Mental health conditions can affect social behavior, and your friend might need understanding and support.
Suggest other ways to communicate: If your friend tends to send late messages due to her sleep patterns, you could suggest other means of communication that don't require an immediate response, like email or leaving messages that you can respond to at your convenience.
Offer support: Show your friend that you care about her well-being. If you're concerned about her mental health, gently inquire about how she's doing or encourage her to stay in touch with mental health professionals.
Remember that everyone's mental health journey is unique, and your friend's schizophrenia may impact her actions and communication. By approaching the situation with compassion and understanding, you can maintain a positive and supportive friendship while setting reasonable boundaries for your own well-being.