There’s no denying that schizophrenia takes its toll on mental health and wellbeing; this challenging disorder makes it difficult for you to distinguish between what is real and unreal, think clearly, manage your emotions, relate to others, and function normally. However, there’s still hope for your wellbeing as it is possible to successfully manage schizophrenia. First, you have to identify the signs and symptoms, then you need to seek help and finally, you must stick with the treatment. Get those steps in place and, with the right treatment and support, you can lead a happy, fulfilling life even with schizophrenia.
1. Signs and Symptoms.
As schizophrenia blurs the line between perception and reality, this can manifest in a number of symptoms. You may:
- See or hear things that don’t exist
- Speak in strange or confusing ways
- Believe that others are trying to harm you
- Feel like you’re being constantly watched
With such feelings going on, even negotiating the activities of daily life becomes difficult and even frightening. This may cause you to withdraw from the outside world or act out in confusion and fear. It’s a misconception that schizophrenia causes multiple personalities, as multiple personality disorder is a different and much less common disorder than schizophrenia. People with schizophrenia do not have split personalities. Rather, they are “split off” from reality.
Sometimes, schizophrenia occurs suddenly, but often it appears through subtle signs and symptoms. Early things to watch out for include:
- Social withdrawal
- Hostility or suspiciousness, extreme reaction to criticism
- Poor personal hygiene
- Flat, expressionless gaze
- Inability to cry or express joy, or inappropriate laughter or crying
- Depression
- Oversleeping or insomnia
- Odd or irrational statements, strange use of words or way of speaking
- Forgetfulness and inability to concentrate
2. Getting help.
When diagnosing your schizophrenia, your doctor or psychiatrist will ask you a series of questions about your symptoms, psychiatric history, and family history of mental health problems. The doctor may also ask your loved ones about these things, as the condition distorts your perception of reality. Your doctor will also perform a complete physical examination to check for medical issues that could be causing or contributing to the problem. You may undergo laboratory tests, such as giving blood or urine samples, just so your doctor can rule out other medical causes of symptoms. The doctor may also order brain-imaging studies, such as an MRI or a CT scan, in order to look for brain abnormalities associated with schizophrenia.
3. Sticking to treatment.
Despite the fact that schizophrenia is a chronic disorder, there is help available. Many people with schizophrenia are able to function independently and live satisfying lives, but this is because they have the right support, medication, and therapy. You have the best chance of success if your schizophrenia is diagnosed and treated right away. If not, the effects of schizophrenia can lead to:
- Relationship problems – This is because schizophrenia causes you to withdraw or isolate yourself from others, as well as being paranoid and suspicious of your friends and family.
- Disruption to normal daily activities – Delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thoughts typically prevent you from doing normal things like bathing, eating, or running errands.
- Alcohol and drug abuse – While self-medicating or relieving symptoms with alcohol and drugs seems like a good idea, people with schizophrenia frequently develop addictions to alcohol, drugs and smoking. The latter addiction can complicate the situation further, as cigarette smoke can interfere with the effectiveness of medications you’ve been prescribed for the disorder.
- Increased suicide risk – You’re especially likely to commit suicide during psychotic episodes, during periods of depression, and in the first six months after they’ve started treatment.
