Schizophrenia is a treatable mental illness characterized by distortions in speaking, thinking, and behavior accompanied by auditory and visual hallucinations. It is estimated that 3.5 million people in the country have been diagnosed with schizophrenia and other related mental illnesses. However, most symptoms significantly improve with treatment. But since there are too many myths and half-truths about the condition, you must learn the following tips to manage schizophrenia:

Learning the truth and facts about schizophrenia

Lack of awareness has resulted in the proliferation of myths about schizophrenia. It can confuse the person affected and their immediate circle of family and friends who may be their caregivers. Knowing the truth is essential for both patients and caregivers.

Schizophrenic patients are not dangerous.

They have a mental illness.

They do not have a split personality or multiple personality disorder.

They can get better with a structured and continuous treatment.

Parental or societal influences do not cause schizophrenia.

Learning about symptoms

A person with schizophrenia may exhibit one or more of its typical symptoms. Knowing the typical symptoms can help one prepare to take adequate preventive measures per the doctor’s advice. While an individual can work on managing stress independently, it is advisable to go to a doctor if they experience severe and intense mood changes, thoughts, or symptoms of a psychotic episode. Some typical symptoms of schizophrenia include:

Absentmindedness

Changes in behavior and mood

Frequent bickering with people around you

The inability to focus, concentrate or plan for activities

Inability to express any feelings

Lack of energy and constant fatigue

Lack of interest in routine activities

Paranoia

Seeing or hearing things

Unusual thoughts

Being optimistic

Though schizophrenia is a chronic condition with no cure, extensive studies and research have helped doctors create new and effective treatment methods and therapies. Behavioral therapies, cognitive behavioral therapies, psychotherapies, counseling, social skills training, and supported employment have helped improve their lives. Do not hesitate to talk to family, friends, and caregivers about the condition and seek their support whenever it is needed. There are numerous examples of people becoming better after receiving continuous treatment. Being positive about an individual’s or their loved one’s health can help recover faster.

Working proactively to cope with stress

Stress can worsen schizophrenia, as the affected person may be unable to cope with too many things around them. Loud noise or too much activity around them can cause stress and trigger symptoms. Faster heartbeat, nausea, headache, sweating, and grinding of teeth are some physical symptoms that they are going through stress. They may also repeatedly process old and unhappy memories. They will likely go through phases of fear, irritability, mood swings, and paranoia. They may walk up and down, cry without reason, take drugs or alcohol, isolate themselves, hide or lash out at people next to them. If the following symptoms are noticed, one can do the following to manage stress:

Turn off the lights, lie down or take a nap

Listen to music or do anything relaxing

Practice deep breathing

Stop doing high-energy activities

Talk to a dear one about the symptoms

Connecting with support groups

Numerous organizations work with people with schizophrenia. These groups educate them, provide advocacy, support employment, and can connect them with other people with schizophrenia. One can register with leading support groups like National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Schizophrenia Alliance, or any active group. One can also connect with other patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and learn how they managed their illness.

Being prepared for an emergency

Despite best efforts, there may be a situation where a person could not read the symptoms correctly. An individual could face a situation where they may experience abnormal symptoms or see a loved one experience symptoms like:

Inability to differentiate between real and unreal situations – this is known as a psychotic episode

Hearing and seeing things others cannot hear or see

Repeated suicidal thoughts or thoughts of hurting themselves or others

Inability to wean off drugs or alcohol

In such cases, it is best to reach out immediately to family, friends, or 911 so they can receive appropriate treatment. Doctors may also suggest hospitalization based on the intensity of the symptoms.

Preparing a detailed plan for recovery

Relapses during treatment are common and could be triggered by stress, use of alcohol, other illness, abrupt treatment discontinuation, or fatigue. It is best to discuss with the doctors and plan to do things that help reduce stress. Pay attention, identify the early warning signs, and contact the doctor immediately if the signs are noticed. Please do not assume that the symptoms may go away on their own. Set up a routine and plan the day so that one has adequate time for rest and a minimum of eight hours of sleep.

What are the early warning signs of a relapse in schizophrenia?

There are multiple early warning signs that one may have a relapse after a period of lull. Develop awareness of the physical and mental changes an individual may go through. Some early warning signs of a potential relapse are:

Blushing

Decision-making problems

Feeling numb

Hastened heartbeat and breathing

Hearing voices

Hiding

Inability to take part in or listen to conversations

Isolation and withdrawal

Mood swings characterized by anger

Sudden sweating

Unnecessary worry about mundane things and situations

Talk to the caregivers, and take time to figure the thoughts out. If one cannot do it independently, talking to primary responders and requesting medical attention will be beneficial.