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Finding Reality with Schizophrenia


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What is Schizophrenia?


Schizophrenia is a mental disorder in which a person experiences symptoms that make them lose touch with reality. A person with schizophrenia will most commonly hear, see, or feel things that aren’t there, and hold fixed beliefs of things that aren’t true. This most often leads people to see them as having disorganized thoughts or actions and being less present and motivated. 


Along with schizophrenia, a person might experience other conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or diabetes. 


The onset of schizophrenia is found to happen earlier in men, but usually occurs in early adulthood. Though it is a chronic condition, severe symptoms are found to occur less with age and proper treatment. The right support system and treatment are key to reducing symptoms and decreasing the likelihood of an episode occurring.



The Stories of Another



No matter how difficult it might get, remember that there are people out there who understand, because they went through the exact same thing. And they’ll tell you too, that you can recover from schizophrenia, that the symptoms can go away, and you can get better, because it does happen.



Managing Schizophrenia

Talk to someone.

Schizophrenia can become really lonely, but it doesn’t need to be. Talk about your experiences and emotions with someone you’re comfortable with, whether it’s family, a friend, or a support group.

Learn your warning signs.

Try to pay attention to what sorts of things cause the onset of an episode. Tell a family member or a friend so you can create a plan in advance for next time. 

Keep a calm mind.

Reducing stress can lower the risk of an episode being triggered. Take a walk in nature, meditate, do something that makes you happy! 

Keep a diary.

Whenever you’re feeling something that isn’t easy to explain, write or draw it out!

Take care of your body.

It is important to care for your body as much as your mind. Eat healthy, sleep well, and exercise. This will reduce stress and help your mental health, too.

Talk to your doctor.

To ensure you’re getting the best treatment for you, keep going to check-ups and appointments, even if you’re feeling better. Talk to your doctor openly about your emotions, thoughts, and concerns.



Helping a Loved One with Schizophrenia


Inform yourself and others.

Learning about symptoms your loved one might have or treatment that could help them is important so that you can help make informed decisions when it comes to managing their episodes.

Discuss a plan.

Ask them how you can help them deal with an episode. This might include giving them personal space or avoiding eye contact.

Listen to them.

Even if your loved one is telling you about an experience you don’t understand, listen to what they’re trying to tell you. Schizophrenia can feel really lonely, so it’s important your loved one knows they can talk to you.

Empathize, don’t explain.

When your loved one is having delusions or hallucinations, telling them what they see isn’t real won’t help. Instead of reasoning with them, tell them that you understand that what they’re experiencing might be frightening, but that you’re there if they need you.

Encourage them to continue treatment.

The side effects of antipsychotic medication is usually the reason why people stop taking them. It is important that you remind your loved one of their recovery goals, and encourage them to listen to mental health professionals.



Supporting You


An online discussion group for people with schizophrenia to support and learn from each other. 


A peer-led support group for adults living with a mental health condition in America. It’s a safe space to share your experiences and connect with people who know what you’re going through. 


A support group with weekly meetings across the globe for anyone living with schizophrenia, or a related illness. The meetings are led by people who have also experienced schizophrenia or psychosis, and who are willing to hear your story.



Helpful Resources


Organizations


Medical information


Medical Support

Programs and Services by Ontario Shores

The Ontario Shores Center for Mental Health Sciences offers several services for support and care in Ontario. 


Canadian Institute for Advancements in Mental Health

The IAM mental health institute offers many ways to receive support, such as individual medical support, recovery services, and services for families and caregivers.


Hear other people’s stories

Blogs:

  • The SANE Blog

    The SANE Blog is from an Australian mental health organization and focuses on sharing stories of people living with complex mental health problems. 

  • Overcoming Schizophrenia

    Overcoming Schizophrenia is a blog written by Ashley Smith about her journey in recovery from schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type. 


Videos:

  • Living Well with Schizophrenia

    A Youtube channel dedicated to sharing what it’s like to live with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder. 

  • Voices: Living with Schizophrenia

    A video from WebMd that has several personal accounts on life with schizophrenia. WebMd also has many other videos on schizophrenia, that discuss topics such as treatment, or caring for a loved one. 


Podcasts:

Family Resources

Books: 

  • Promoting Recovery from First Episode Psychosis by Sabrina Baker and Lisa Martens

  • "Mind Gone Astray" by Wayne Kallio

  • "Surviving Schizophrenia: A Manual for Families, Consumers and Providers" by E. Fuller Torrey

  • "When Someone You Love Has a Mental Illness: A Handbook for Family, Friends and Caregivers" by Rebecca Woolis

  • "Mad House: Growing Up in the Shadows of Mentally Ill Siblings" by Clea Simon


Podcasts:

Schizophrenia: Three Moms in the Trenches

A podcast created by three moms with sons who are living with Schizophrenia to discuss their experiences and share their stories with families going through something similar.  




References


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