5 Tips for Coping with Schizophrenia

In the United States, approximately 2.8 million adults 18 years old and over are diagnosed with schizophrenia. 

Schizophrenia is a brain disorder. It is chronic and severe, interfering with how an individual thinks, and hindering how they manage emotions, make decisions, relate to others, and think clearly.

While a diagnosis like this is challenging, coping with schizophrenia is possible. You can discover brighter days ahead.

If you or your loved one has a schizophrenia diagnosis, follow these important tips to help achieve better mental wellness. 

1. Practicing Self Care

Mental health begins with self-care. It’s an important component to success in life, but with schizophrenia, it’s crucial. 

How can you practice self-care with schizophrenia? 

First, get enough sleep. This means at least seven to eight hours of quality sleep every night. Next, make your hygiene a priority. 

Do something for yourself each day too, such as listening to music, painting a picture, etc. Finally, maintain the friendships you have. Isolating yourself will hurt your mental wellness, making schizophrenia more pronounced.

2. Regulate Stress

This is challenging but important. If you work to manage your stress level, the good news is that it will get easier in time.

With schizophrenia, stress is devastating. Your symptoms can get worse, and treatment can be more difficult.

To regulate stress, start with practicing deep breathing exercises. Next, begin keeping a journal. For mental health, it is good to release your thoughts on paper.

Try yoga or working out to relieve stress. Last, when you need it, seek therapy to help.

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3. Healthy Lifestyle

This will be a tremendous benefit to making your schizophrenia easier to manage. Healthy living begins with eating healthily. Fresh vegetables and fruit, along with whole grains, are good.

Keep yourself hydrated. Do not drink alcohol.

Begin a regular schedule of meditation. Exercise a few times during the week, even if it is just walking.

4. Join a Support Group

This is another way to combat isolation. Support groups are a significant help for anyone coping with schizophrenia and their family. Your healthcare provider could help with a recommendation.

You can search the National Alliance on Mental Illness too for support groups.

5. Be Consistent With Treatments

Following a health provider’s instruction is essential. If you stop taking medication or if you miss a health appointment, even if you feel better, this could lead to an enormous setback. Do not stop taking your medication unless a provider tells you it’s okay.

With continued treatment, over time, it is possible to achieve effective, long-term outcomes.

Coping with Schizophrenia

Put yourself and your mental wellness first. Coping with schizophrenia is challenging, but possible. Keep the advice in this article in mind, and you find you will feel better and better each day.

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