Lechowick, C. (Photographer). (2012, December 15) Betty's Sweet Tea [digital image]. Retrieved from http://www.americanphotomag.com/photographer-documents-his-mothers-life-as-paranoid-schizophrenic
Coping and Self- Management
Coping with a mental disorder as serious as schizophrenia can be challenging, both for the person with the condition and for friends and family. This is because there are no known cures for the disease, and because there are no real ways to prevent it. However, listed below are some ways to cope and manage the disorder:
Although there's no sure way to prevent schizophrenia, early treatment may help get symptoms under control before serious complications develop and may help improve the long-term outlook.
Sticking with the treatment plan can help prevent relapses or worsening of schizophrenia symptoms. In addition, researchers hope that learning more about risk factors for schizophrenia may lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Schizophrenia. (2016, October 11). Retrieved April 26, 2017, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/schizophrenia/manage/ptc-20253240
Lee, C., McGlashan, T. H., & Woods, S. W. (2012, August 29). Prevention of Schizophrenia. Retrieved April 26, 2017, from https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00023210-200519030-00002
Prediction of psychosis: A step towards indicated prevention of schizophrenia. (n.d.). Retrieved April 26, 2017, from http://psycnet.apa.org/psycinfo/1998-04528-003
- Learn about schizophrenia. Education about the disorder can help motivate the person with the disease to stick to the treatment plan. Education can help friends and family understand the disorder and be more compassionate with the person who has it.
- Join a support group. Support groups for people with schizophrenia can help them reach out to others facing similar challenges. Support groups may also help family and friends cope.
- Stay focused on goals. Managing schizophrenia is an ongoing process. Keeping treatment goals in mind can help the person with schizophrenia stay motivated. Help your loved one remember to take responsibility for managing the illness and working toward goals.
- Ask about social services assistance. These services may be able to assist with affordable housing, transportation and other daily activities.
- Learn relaxation and stress management. The person with schizophrenia and loved ones may benefit from stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga or tai chi.
Although there's no sure way to prevent schizophrenia, early treatment may help get symptoms under control before serious complications develop and may help improve the long-term outlook.
Sticking with the treatment plan can help prevent relapses or worsening of schizophrenia symptoms. In addition, researchers hope that learning more about risk factors for schizophrenia may lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Schizophrenia. (2016, October 11). Retrieved April 26, 2017, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/schizophrenia/manage/ptc-20253240
Lee, C., McGlashan, T. H., & Woods, S. W. (2012, August 29). Prevention of Schizophrenia. Retrieved April 26, 2017, from https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00023210-200519030-00002
Prediction of psychosis: A step towards indicated prevention of schizophrenia. (n.d.). Retrieved April 26, 2017, from http://psycnet.apa.org/psycinfo/1998-04528-003
(n.d.). Retrieved April 25, 2017, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia/index.shtml
*** Refer to the 'Symptoms and Treatment' page for more information on how to treat schizophrenia