Schizophrenia Self Care
Describes schizophrenia, covering potential reasons it occurs and ways to find treatment and support and offers advice for self-help.
Many individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia manage to lead joyful and satisfying lives, despite ongoing symptoms. Read on to find out more about self help tips.
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Plan for difficult times
If you’re not feeling your best, you might find it difficult to express to others what kind of support you need, so planning in advance could be beneficial. Additionally, discussing with a trusted person about the kind of assistance you’d prefer during a crisis can be advantageous.
This conversation can ensure that if you find yourself in a tough situation, those around you will have a clear understanding of how to offer the support you need. Planning ahead like this can provide a sense of security and make it easier for both you and your support network to manage any challenging moments more effectively.
Cut down on stress
Having too much stress can make schizophrenia symptoms worse and might make you feel more unwell. It’s a good idea to spend time outside in nature or do some exercise like walking, swimming, or yoga. These activities can help calm your mind and make you feel better.
You might also think about doing less, especially if you have a lot on your plate. Looking for groups or services nearby that can help you out could be really useful. Getting some help can take the pressure off, so you can focus more on feeling better.
Use peer support
Living with schizophrenia might sometimes leave you feeling misunderstood or isolated. Chatting with others who share your diagnosis, or have similar conditions like schizoaffective disorder or psychosis, could be incredibly beneficial. Peer support is an excellent avenue for this, offering a space where you can:
- Boost your self-confidence
- Share and learn coping strategies
- Proactively handle your condition
- Spot early signs of a potential crisis
- Make new friends
- Notice patterns in your own experiences
- Gain a more hopeful outlook on life
There are many organisations that provide peer support services. For instance, the Hearing Voices Network organises groups throughout the UK for individuals who experience auditory, visual, or sensory perceptions that others may not. Participating in such groups can be a supportive way to connect with others who understand what you’re going through, offering both practical advice and emotional support.
Early warning signs
If you’re starting to feel unwell, there may be early indicators you can spot. These signs vary from person to person but can include:
- Feeling unusually suspicious or scared
- Feeling anxious or under stress
- Wanting to be alone
- Struggling to focus
- Experiencing trouble sleeping
- Hearing voices
You may be able to learn how to identify when you’re not feeling your best. Doing so can be really helpful. Here are some tips:
- Keep an eye on what sets off your symptoms. Certain activities, scenarios, or people might trigger them.
- Get support from those around you. Consider asking a trusted friend or family member to point out if they notice shifts in your mood or behaviour.
- Stick to your medical appointments. It’s important to continue with any planned treatments, support sessions, or check-ups, even if you feel okay.
- Use a mood diary. Many mood diaries are available online, which could be useful for tracking mood changes and spotting early warning signs.
Sharing what you notice with your close ones or care team can make a big difference. They can offer support in various ways, like being there to talk during tough times, helping you manage daily tasks, or understanding what might cause your symptoms to worsen.
Do things you enjoy
It’s really good for your mental health to keep doing things you like. If you’re not sure what you enjoy, try out different things until you find something that makes you happy.
Doing stuff you enjoy can make you feel more confident and keep you feeling good. This could be anything like cooking, listening to music, or doing some DIY.
Also, being creative by doing things like drama, drawing, or sewing can help you show your feelings and deal with tough emotions. It’s a great way to let out what you’re feeling inside and can make you feel better.
Maintain relationships
Being connected with others plays a crucial role in maintaining good health. It helps you feel appreciated, boosts your confidence, and equips you to handle tough situations better.
Feeling lonely or cut off can make any problems you’re facing feel even bigger. If you find that you’re not really connected to many people or you want to meet more, looking into support services and joining groups where you can meet people who understand what you’re going through might be a good idea.
These connections can make a big difference, giving you a sense of belonging and support when you need it most.
Look after your physical health
Taking care of your physical health is crucial. Being in good shape physically can help you manage mental health challenges more effectively. This includes eating well, staying active, getting enough sleep, and avoiding harmful habits.
Having strong connections with others is key to maintaining your well-being. It can make you feel important, boost your self-esteem, and better prepare you to deal with tough situations.
Feeling lonely or isolated can intensify any difficulties you’re experiencing. If you find your social connections are lacking or you’re keen to expand your circle, seeking out support services and joining groups where you can meet like-minded individuals might be beneficial.
These steps can provide a sense of community and support, making it easier to navigate through challenging times.
Get support
Talk with a trained professional about your thoughts and feelings with out free counselling and private counselling service for people over the age of 18.