If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, this can be devastating. However, it is important to remember that even if you feel alone and lost now, you can still live a happy and meaningful life. Starting therapy early is always best, as this increases your chances of recovery. This article will show you some steps you can take to minimize the symptoms of schizophrenia - read step 1 to get started.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Relieve the Symptoms at Home
Step 1. Stay away from drugs and alcohol
People with schizophrenia should stay away from drugs and alcohol. These substances interfere with neurotransmitters in the brain, causing serotonin levels to rise and creating a false feeling of well-being. this can worsen symptoms such as hyperactivity and insomnia.
- Indulging in these substances in an excessive way allows a schizophrenic person to voluntarily lose the sense of reality, which can be very dangerous for a person with these conditions.
- In addition, alcohol abuse can lead to a number of other conditions that can make schizophrenia worse.
Step 2. Avoid social isolation
Isolating yourself from family and friends is one of the most common symptoms of schizophrenia. However, people with schizophrenia must fight against this tendency to isolate themselves as much as possible and surround themselves with friends and family who can offer them support.
- When people with schizophrenia withdraw from their friends and loved ones, they often compensate for the void by creating their own imaginary world, populated by fictional people. This is very dangerous, because it will be very difficult for the schizophrenic person to break away from this world.
- Hence, it is extremely important to have a strong support system around you, as it will reduce the need to build a comfortable imaginary world. It will also help you minimize symptoms, and can be a crucial factor in avoiding a relapse.
Step 3. Deal with any negative feelings
It is important for people with schizophrenia to deal with any negative feelings or thoughts they may have, otherwise all of this negativity can implode and manifest itself in non-constructive ways, such as talking to yourself or getting injured.
- Conversely, people with schizophrenia would have to deal with their negative feelings, no matter how difficult it is, in order to overcome them. These negative feelings may be directed towards another person - if this is the case, you should talk to this person and let him know how he made you feel, addressing the matter calmly and firmly.
- If the negative feelings are directed at yourself, talk and express your feelings with a trusted friend, family member, or even a therapist. Simply getting rid of these sensations will make you feel better and help reduce symptoms.
Step 4. Face negative experiences and memories head on
Many people with schizophrenia tend to hide negative experiences and memories under the surface, repressing them. Unfortunately, this negativity can manifest itself later in the form of psychosis.
- Hence, it is essential that you face your negative experiences and memories as soon as possible. Try to find a positive outlet for these experiences, be it writing, painting, or just talking to someone.
- If you have repressed negative memories so deeply that you can no longer access them, you can try to unblock them with hypnosis. Once these memories are released, you will be able to face them and move on with your life.
Step 5. Keep busy
It is imperative that people with schizophrenia keep themselves busy as much as possible to minimize symptoms. Keeping yourself busy will keep you from having too much time to think and ruminate and allow negative thoughts or scenarios to overwhelm you.
- If possible, keep your job. if you can't keep a job right now, see if any volunteer positions are available. This will allow you to be around people, enriching your life and keeping your mind away from negativity. You might also consider joining some religious group or club.
- In addition to keeping your mind busy, keeping yourself busy will also help make you tired, thus making you sleep better at night. This is very important, because insomnia is one of the main factors that aggravate the symptoms of schizophrenia.
Step 6. Stay fit and healthy
Staying physically healthy and fit can go a long way in helping a schizophrenic person to control their mental symptoms. Eating healthily provides both the body and mind with the vitamins and nutrients they need, while exercise helps the mind stay focused and prevents insomnia.
- Aim for a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grain products, lean meat and poultry. If you're having trouble planning meals, consult a nutritionist or take cooking classes to learn new things and keep your mind busy.
- In terms of physical activity, a team sport such as soccer, basketball, or rowing can help you develop new relationships and prevent social isolation. On the other hand, individual activities like yoga or meditation can help you calm your mind and control your thoughts.
Step 7. Experiment with some homemade natural remedies
When dealing with schizophrenia, trying some natural remedies that can reduce the severity and frequency of schizophrenic episodes may not do you any harm. Even if they don't have a significant impact on your condition, they will still help improve your overall health. Before trying any method, talk to your doctor or therapist.
- Asian Ginseng: This is a plant that provides antioxidants and has neuroprotective properties. try drinking a tea containing Asian Ginseng twice a day. Dried and powdered Asian Ginseng should boil for about ten minutes. Drink it daily for six months.
- Green Cardamom: These seeds have a healing power that benefits the nervous system. The best results are seen with tea. Follow the same instructions for herbal tea.
- Basil: Drinking a tea and basil infusion regularly can help promote brain health. And this, as a result, can reduce potential symptoms. Mix basil and sage, thus creating an herbal tea. To see improvement more quickly, drink the infusion twice a day.
- Cold Water Fish: Fish contributes to brain health. Cold-water fish supplies your body with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Eat more trout, salmon and rainbow trout.
- Carrots: You should eat carrots every day, as they are rich in niacin. Eat them raw. You can also find niacin in fish, potatoes, whole wheat flour, and corn.
Step 8. Don't let schizophrenia define your life
If you take the necessary preventive measures and follow appropriate therapy, you can maintain a balanced and positive life, while suffering from schizophrenia.
- In fact, with the right support and proper care, you can reduce symptoms, maintain great interpersonal relationships, build your career and live alone.
- Don't let your schizophrenia define you as a person - it's just a small part of your life, and a part you can control.
Part 2 of 3: Seeking Professional Therapy
Step 1. Seek professional help as soon as possible
If you experience any of the symptoms of schizophrenia mentioned in the section below, go to your local mental health center to speak to a professional.
- A professional will be able to tell you whether or not you have schizophrenia. Starting therapy as soon as possible will increase your chances of recovering and being well.
- Be aware that each case of schizophrenia is different from the others and must be treated accordingly. Therefore, your doctor and therapist will devise a personalized treatment for you, specific to your needs.
Step 2. Be open and honest with your doctor / therapist
Maintain open and regular communication. If medications don't work or if you feel the dosage is too high, talk to your doctor about your concerns. Honesty is the best way to go, both for you and for your doctor. In fact, it will ensure that you receive the best care.
- Remember that you always have the right to have a say when undergoing treatment for schizophrenia. Express your concerns and needs, because they must be respected.
- Therapy should not only involve you, your therapists and your doctor, but also your family. Your family members should also be able to express themselves openly and discuss the impact schizophrenia has had on their lives.
Step 3. Maintain a positive attitude about your therapy
You must have a positive attitude towards your therapy, otherwise it will not be successful.
- While you are undergoing treatment for schizophrenia, you need to "want" to improve, just doing things apathetically is not enough.
- Don't start therapy by assuming the stigma often associated with schizophrenia. If you do, you may come to think you can't get off to a better start. You need to approach therapy with an open and available mind.
Step 4. Take your antipsychotic medications
Antipsychotic medications are an important part of schizophrenia therapy. While they don't cure the disorder, they help minimize symptoms, allowing you to lead a relatively normal life. There are two main types of medications that are usually prescribed for the treatment of schizophrenia: typical and atypical:
- Typical: Typical drugs are the oldest options. They are effective in the treatment of psychotic symptoms, hallucinations and paranoia; however, they have a multitude of side effects.
- Atypical: Atypical drugs are the most commonly used today because they produce fewer side effects. Since 1990, many new atypical antipsychotic drugs have been introduced to the market. Clozapine (also known as Clozaril) proved to be the most effective option. After clozapine, two new substances were introduced: risperidone (Risperdal), and olanzapine (Zyprexa). These two drugs are thought to be even more effective and safer.
Part 3 of 3: Recognizing the Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Step 1. Watch out for delusions
Manias are firm beliefs of the schizophrenic patient that are clearly unrealistic. There will be no evidence that these beliefs are true. This symptom is very common and is present in 90% of schizophrenia cases.
For example, many individuals believe that someone is following them, others believe that they are characters of supreme importance (for example they believe they are Jesus), still others are convinced that an alien is controlling their thoughts, etc
Step 2. Watch out for hallucinations
People with schizophrenia experience sensations that appear to be real. Auditory hallucinations are the most common, but some patients also experience visual hallucinations.
Step 3. Beware of disjointed speeches
Fragmented thinking is one of the most common symptoms of schizophrenia and manifests itself in the individual's way of speaking. The patient can jump from topic to topic without there being any logical thread between the various thoughts.
It is also common for schizophrenics to invent words or phrases
Step 4. Pay attention to disorganized behavior
It can be quite a challenge for a schizophrenic person to take care of themselves and interact with others.
- You may notice a decline in the person's daily functioning and problems with impulse control. The behaviors of the schizophrenic person can appear bizarre to the eyes of an outside observer.
- The schizophrenic person may also exhibit inappropriate emotional reactions to certain situations.
Step 5. Look for an absence of normal symptoms
When the explicit symptoms of schizophrenia are not present, but the person's behaviors are not normal and healthy, we are faced with what are called "negative symptoms".
