"I continued with my exercise and voluntary work and the weight just came off so quick... it was unbelievable; I looked and felt great. I was no longer sedated and full of hope! I was ALIVE again and I thought that was it."

David

• Spot the signs of an acute schizophrenic episode

  Learning to recognise the signs that you’re becoming unwell can help you manage your illness. These signs can include losing your app...
  Learning to recognise the signs that you’re becoming unwell can help you manage your illness. These signs can include losing your appetite, feeling anxious or stressed or having disturbed sleep. You may also notice some of the milder symptoms developing, such as feeling suspicious or fearful, worrying about people’s motives, hearing voices quietly or occasionally, or finding it difficult to concentrate. You might wish to ask someone you trust to tell you if they notice your behaviour changing. Recognising the initial signs of an acute schizophrenic episode can be very useful. It may be possible to prevent a full-blown schizophrenic episode through the use of antipsychotic medicines and extra support.
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• Avoid drugs and alcohol

  While alcohol and drugs may provide short-term relief from your symptoms of schizophrenia, they are likely to make your symptoms worse ...
  While alcohol and drugs may provide short-term relief from your symptoms of schizophrenia, they are likely to make your symptoms worse in the long run. Alcohol can cause depression and psychosis, while illegal drugs may make your schizophrenia worse. Drugs and alcohol can also react badly with antipsychotic medicines. If you are currently using drugs or alcohol and you are finding it hard to stop, ask your care coordinator or GP for help.
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• Take your medication

  It is important to take your medication as prescribed, even if you don’t start to feel better immediately. Continuous medication can ...
  It is important to take your medication as prescribed, even if you don’t start to feel better immediately. Continuous medication can help prevent relapses. If you have any questions or concerns about the medication you are taking or side effects, talk to your GP or care coordinator.
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• Have regular reviews

  As part of the care program approach, you will be in contact with your healthcare team regularly. A good relationship with the team mea...
  As part of the care program approach, you will be in contact with your healthcare team regularly. A good relationship with the team means that you can easily discuss your symptoms or concerns. The more the team knows, the more it can help you.
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• Self-care

  Self-care is an integral part of daily life. It means that you take responsibility for your own health and wellbeing with support from ...
  Self-care is an integral part of daily life. It means that you take responsibility for your own health and wellbeing with support from the people involved in your care. Self-care includes the things you do each day to stay fit, maintain good physical and mental health, prevent illness or accidents, and effectively deal with minor ailments and long-term conditions. People living with long-term conditions can benefit enormously if they have support for self-care. They can live longer, have less pain, anxiety, depression and fatigue, have a better quality of life and are more active and independent.
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List all your questions

Make a list of questions you want to ask your doctor or therapist and take it with you to your next visit. You won’t forget to ask an...

Make a list of questions you want to ask your doctor or therapist and take it with you to your next visit. You won’t forget to ask anything you want to know and will get all the answers you need.

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Don’t neglect your physical health

Even though you may be visiting your doctor to get over an addiction or mental illness, don’t forget that your physical health is ver...

Even though you may be visiting your doctor to get over an addiction or mental illness, don’t forget that your physical health is very important too. So remember: do some exercise, control your weight, establish healthy eating habits, have your blood pressure checked…

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Recognise the signs

Learn to recognise the signs that you are getting unwell – these can include basic things like such as going off your food, feeling a...

Learn to recognise the signs that you are getting unwell – these can include basic things like such as going off your food, feeling anxious or sleeping badly. Someone you trust may be able to warn you if they see you becoming unwell.

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Avoid stress

Try to avoid getting too stressed, or using drugs or alcohol to feel better. Make sure you are able to do things that you enjoy....

Try to avoid getting too stressed, or using drugs or alcohol to feel better. Make sure you are able to do things that you enjoy.

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Medication

Taking medication can be a hassle for most persons – even when it is just for a few days. One of the hardest aspects of schizophrenia...

Taking medication can be a hassle for most persons – even when it is just for a few days. One of the hardest aspects of schizophrenia treatment is sustaining the regime of medication.However, sticking with the medication is the best way to control the condition, and cope with living with schizophrenia.

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Avoid stress and other environmental triggers

Stress and trauma are considered possible causes of schizophrenia. In any event, stress and unpleasant situations can serve as triggers...

Stress and trauma are considered possible causes of schizophrenia. In any event, stress and unpleasant situations can serve as triggers for those living with schizophrenia, so it is important to maintain a mentally and physically healthy environment to prevent relapses.

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Take therapy

There is an assortment of therapies from which schizophrenics can choose. Therapy and the support of family and peers are complementary...

There is an assortment of therapies from which schizophrenics can choose. Therapy and the support of family and peers are complementary to the prescribed drugs. That is what would help those living with schizophrenia move beyond coping with their condition, and live a successful life.

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Establish routines

For some of the persons living with schizophrenia, taking care of themselves can be a problem. It is especially important for those who...

For some of the persons living with schizophrenia, taking care of themselves can be a problem. It is especially important for those who suffer catatonic symptoms to establish daily routines to follow. This can help them overcome the difficulty of coping with regular tasks through regular practice and inculcation of good habits.

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Communicate with family and peers

For a schizophrenic, isolation might easily lead to a relapse. Given the importance of proper support, it is advisable that schizophren...

For a schizophrenic, isolation might easily lead to a relapse. Given the importance of proper support, it is advisable that schizophrenics do not live by themselves. Finding support from loved ones can be a major boost to schizophrenics.

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Looking after yourself

Recent studies have looked at the possible advantages of improved nutrition for those diagnosed with schizophrenia. Some studies have s...

Recent studies have looked at the possible advantages of improved nutrition for those diagnosed with schizophrenia. Some studies have suggested there are benefits in EPA-rich fish oils that can be found in sardines, pilchards and supplements.

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Talking treatments

Talking therapies, such as psychotherapy, counselling and cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), can help to manage and treat schizophrenia...

Talking therapies, such as psychotherapy, counselling and cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), can help to manage and treat schizophrenia. Talking treatments help you to identify the things you have issues with, explore them and discuss strategies or solutions.

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Alternative therapies

Tai chi, yoga and relaxation techniques can also be of benefit, although it might be a good idea to discuss the possibilities beforehan...

Tai chi, yoga and relaxation techniques can also be of benefit, although it might be a good idea to discuss the possibilities beforehand with a qualified teacher.

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Alternative therapies

Tai chi, yoga and relaxation techniques can also be of benefit, although it might be a good idea to discuss the possibilities beforehan...

Tai chi, yoga and relaxation techniques can also be of benefit, although it might be a good idea to discuss the possibilities beforehand with a qualified teacher.

More

Self-help Groups

Self-help groups provide an important opportunity for you and your family to share experiences and ways of coping, to campaign for bett...

Self-help groups provide an important opportunity for you and your family to share experiences and ways of coping, to campaign for better services, or simply to support each other.

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Manage stress

Stress can trigger psychosis and make the symptoms of schizophrenia worse, so keeping it under control is extremely important. Know you...

Stress can trigger psychosis and make the symptoms of schizophrenia worse, so keeping it under control is extremely important. Know your limits, both at home and at work or school. Don’t take on more than you can handle and take time to yourself if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

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Try to get plenty of sleep

When you’re on medication, you most likely need even more sleep than the standard 8 hours. Many people with schizophrenia have troubl...

When you’re on medication, you most likely need even more sleep than the standard 8 hours. Many people with schizophrenia have trouble with sleep, but lifestyle changes (such as getting regular exercise and avoiding caffeine) can help.

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Get regular exercise

Studies show that regular exercise may help reduce the symptoms of schizophrenia. That’s on top of all the emotional and physical hea...

Studies show that regular exercise may help reduce the symptoms of schizophrenia. That’s on top of all the emotional and physical health benefits! Aim for 30 minutes of activity on most days.

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Do things that make you feel good about yourself

If you can’t get a job, find other activities that give you a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Cultivate a passion or a hobby. He...

If you can’t get a job, find other activities that give you a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Cultivate a passion or a hobby. Helping others is particularly fulfilling.

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Set and work toward life goals

Having schizophrenia doesn’t mean you can’t work, have relationships, and get involved in your community. It’s important to set m...

Having schizophrenia doesn’t mean you can’t work, have relationships, and get involved in your community. It’s important to set meaningful goals for yourself and participate in your own wellness.

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Pursue therapies that teach you how to manage and cope with your symptoms

Don’t rely on medication alone. Supportive therapy can teach you how to challenge delusional beliefs, ignore voices in your head, pro...

Don’t rely on medication alone. Supportive therapy can teach you how to challenge delusional beliefs, ignore voices in your head, protect against relapse, and motivate yourself.

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Don’t buy into the stigma of schizophrenia

Many fears about schizophrenia are not based on reality. It’s important to take your illness seriously, but don’t buy into the myth...

Many fears about schizophrenia are not based on reality. It’s important to take your illness seriously, but don’t buy into the myth that you can’t get better. Associate with people who see beyond your diagnosis, to the person you really are.

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Communicate with your doctor

Make sure you’re getting the right dose of medication—not too much, and not too little. It’s not just your doctor’s job to figu...

Make sure you’re getting the right dose of medication—not too much, and not too little. It’s not just your doctor’s job to figure out the dosage and drug that’s right for you. Be honest and upfront about side effects, concerns, and other treatment issues.

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Most people with schizophrenia get better over time, not worse

People with schizophrenia can regain normal functioning and even become symptom free. No matter what challenges you presently face, the...

People with schizophrenia can regain normal functioning and even become symptom free. No matter what challenges you presently face, there is always hope.

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You can enjoy a fulfilling, meaningful life

When treated properly, most people with schizophrenia are able to have satisfying relationships, work or pursue other meaningful activi...

When treated properly, most people with schizophrenia are able to have satisfying relationships, work or pursue other meaningful activities, be part of the community, and enjoy life.

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Strange Behaviour

Don’t take it personally when your loved one behaves strangely. It’s a symptom of the condition....

Don’t take it personally when your loved one behaves strangely. It’s a symptom of the condition.

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Don’t threaten

The patient may interpret this is as a powerplay and increases the chances of scaring them or causing them to become agitated and viole...

The patient may interpret this is as a powerplay and increases the chances of scaring them or causing them to become agitated and violent.

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Don’t Shout

If your loved one isn’t listening, there are probably other “voices” interfering....

If your loved one isn’t listening, there are probably other “voices” interfering.

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Comply with requests

If the patient asks you to do something and it’s nothing harmful or unreasonable, do your best to do it. This lets them feel like the...

If the patient asks you to do something and it’s nothing harmful or unreasonable, do your best to do it. This lets them feel like they’re a bit more in control.

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You can’t fix schizophrenia with talk

Although addressing social complications is of course possible....

Although addressing social complications is of course possible.

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Person ? Disorder

Separate the person from the disorder. Love yourself, although if you hate the disorder. Separate medication side effects from the diso...

Separate the person from the disorder. Love yourself, although if you hate the disorder. Separate medication side effects from the disorder/yourself as well.

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Behaviour and family

Family members or friends must remind that strange behavior is symptom of the disorder. Don't take it personally....

Family members or friends must remind that strange behavior is symptom of the disorder. Don't take it personally.

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To treat with the ill family member

In general, treat the ill family member with dignity as a person and make communication brief, concise, clear and unambiguous....

In general, treat the ill family member with dignity as a person and make communication brief, concise, clear and unambiguous.

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Getting better over time

Most people with schizophrenia get better over time, not worse. People with schizophrenia can regain normal functioning and even become...

Most people with schizophrenia get better over time, not worse. People with schizophrenia can regain normal functioning and even become symptom free. No matter what challenges you presently face, there is always hope.

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Schizophrenia is treatable

Currently, there is no cure for schizophrenia, but the illness can be successfully treated and managed. The key is to have a strong sup...

Currently, there is no cure for schizophrenia, but the illness can be successfully treated and managed. The key is to have a strong support system in place and get the right treatment for your needs.

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About hospitalizations

Just because you have schizophrenia doesn’t mean you’ll have to be hospitalized. If you’re getting the right treatment and sticki...

Just because you have schizophrenia doesn’t mean you’ll have to be hospitalized. If you’re getting the right treatment and sticking to it, you are much less likely to experience a crisis situation that requires hospitalization to keep you safe.

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Find ways to stay involved with others

If you’re able to work, continue to do so. If you can’t find a job, consider volunteering. If you’d like to meet more people, con...

If you’re able to work, continue to do so. If you can’t find a job, consider volunteering. If you’d like to meet more people, consider joining a schizophrenia support group or getting involved with a local club, or other organization.

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Take advantage of support services in your area

Ask your doctor or therapist about services available in your area, contact hospitals and mental health clinics, or see Resources & Re...

Ask your doctor or therapist about services available in your area, contact hospitals and mental health clinics, or see Resources & References section below for links to support services in your country.

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Side effects of medication. Talk to your doctor

Schizophrenia medication can have very unpleasant—even disabling—side effects such as drowsiness, lack of energy, uncontrollable mo...

Schizophrenia medication can have very unpleasant—even disabling—side effects such as drowsiness, lack of energy, uncontrollable movements, weight gain, and sexual dysfunction. Your quality of life is important, so talk to your doctor if you or your family member is bothered by side effects. Lowering your dose or switching medications may help.

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