Fighting schizophrenia illness is difficult in itself. It is a very serious illness, and it requires immediate treatment. But, along with treatment, it is necessary to self-care. Treatment can only help a person to a limit. But, self-care and support help the person to recover faster and stay in better shape.
Hence, below are 7 self-help tips if you are suffering from Schizophrenia Illness:
1. Social-Support:
Keeping yourself socially engaged is one of the most important things. Social support doesn’t only limit to family and friends. But, it also means to engage yourself with activities and other people. Engaging and having social support will help in reduction of stress. If you are not able to join your work, then engage yourself in different modes and mediums which help you keep engaged with others. Also, having a social support will make you feel good about yourself.
2. Control Your Stress:
Increased stress levels release chemicals into your body which triggers schizophrenic episodes. Hence, it is important to manage your stress levels. Apart from engaging yourself socially, you can manage stress by doing relaxation techniques or engaging yourself with yoga, meditation or deep breathing.
3. Regular Exercise:
It is a well-known fact that exercise has many physical and mental benefits. Hence, it is important to keep yourself indulged in exercise daily. It is shown that regular exercise helps in controlling the symptoms. Hence, it is important to exercise daily for at least 30 minutes. You can engage yourself with three 10 minutes sessions. Also, focus on exercises which engage both your arms and legs, like, walking, jogging, running, dancing, swimming etc.
4. Plenty of Sleep:
It is important to get more sleep than the required 8 hours, especially when you are on medication. Many people who are suffering from schizophrenia have too much difficulty in sleeping. But, if the person is engaging in regular exercise, and avoid caffeine, then it is possible to get the desired amount of sleep.
5. Avoid Alcohol, Drugs and Nicotine:
Substances might seem like a relief object, but in reality, it interferes with the chemicals which are being secreted. Also, there is always a risk of addiction to the substances, which can complicate the situation more. Moreover, if you are on medication, then substances, including nicotine, can worsen the symptoms of schizophrenia.
6. Eat Regular and Healthy Meals:
Proper and timely meals can elevate your moods and keep a check on the symptoms. Hence, it is important to have proper meals. Also, remember to include Omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. It helps to improve focus, remove fatigue as well as helps in stabilizing the mood.
7. Write:
Writing helps in keeping the mind in control as well as handling all the thoughts which are going inside your head. Also, it helps in stress management. Hence, writing out your thoughts and emotions in a diary will help you understand yourself better as well as help you in your cognitive activities.
As mentioned earlier, schizophrenia is a very serious mental illness. The above tips can only help if you are already in treatment and trying to get better. Hence, if you or someone you know is suffering from schizophrenia then visit a mental health professional immediately.
