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The management of symptoms, daily routine, relationships, and personal goals is referred to as "long-term stability" in schizophrenia. It does not mean that a person will be "symptom-free" but rather that a person may achieve a "balanced" and "meaningful" life. A person with schizophrenia who...

The development of schizophrenia is not static, it is lifelong, with alterations in the individual’s presentation of symptoms, treatment needs, and coping methods as he/she ages. Subjects with schizophrenia may experience a decrease in the number of severe episodes they suffer from in their...

People with schizophrenia often doubt that their doctor's answers can explain a multitude of thoughts like "Why me?" or "Will I ever feel normal again?". While science may shed light on some of the factors contributing to this condition there are many unknowns in regard to future symptoms as...

Brain scans and tests are beneficial for providing specific information about schizophrenia and helping to clarify the basic structure of the brain. Unfortunately, they cannot provide a thorough understanding of a person's experiences with their symptoms or what their specific difficulties are...

A number of people wish to see scientists conduct research on schizophrenia that goes beyond focusing strictly on symptoms (e.g. characteristics of schizophrenia). Focusing on research into causes, prevention, personalisation of treatment and recovery would provide a more balanced view...

Mentally ill or mental health labels are both good and bad. They allow for change as conditions fluctuate over time and lessen the stigma, shame, and self-judgment associated with labels. Labels are beneficial by providing clear treatment and support guidelines. Therefore, creating a balance...

Acceptance of the label of schizophrenia can take time to achieve and will vary for each individual. Some people may accept the label very quickly compared to others who may experience stigma, fear, or lack of confidence and are struggling with coming to terms with their diagnosis/misdiagnosis...

Yes, a diagnosis provides relief from not knowing what's going on and fear due to uncertainty, stigma, and challenges ahead. Acknowledging the relief and fear associated with a diagnosis is important because both emotions help you better understand your journey to recovery.

Receiving a first diagnosis can be a confusing and frightening experience, with lots of unanswered questions. For many people, there is a sense of relief at finally having a label for what they have been experiencing. Yet, for some individuals, a label can create feelings of being overwhelmed...

When people hear the term “schizophrenia,” they may think of someone who is an outcast or dangerous. This can lead to negativity and stigma attached to that term. There can be both positive and negative aspects to hearing the word schizophrenia, depending on how society chooses to view it...

The primary focus of respectful support for schizophrenia is to listen without making judgments, provide choices, and encourage individuals to be independent rather than dependent on others. It is important to keep in mind that when people feel respected, trusted and valued, their recovery will...

If you live with, or understand, Schizophrenia, your view of society and your own humanity may change over time. Living with Schizophrenia can create greater empathy, greater patience and increase your capacity to understand mental illness within others. Typically, once someone has experienced...

A widely held belief about schizophrenia is that it is referred to as “split personality,” which has been widely discredited as a true belief. Another often-held belief regarding schizophrenia is that people diagnosed with this illness have hostility/violence tendencies. However, most diagnoses...

My journey has also been greatly impacted by peer support. The most helpful types of peer support are the ones that listen without judgment and provide reminders that you are not alone. Through simple check-ins, relatable experiences, and honest conversations, my peers lifted me up when I...

This week has been about appreciating small things, and it really boosted my spirits. I continued my regular schedule and routines, took all of my medications on time, and I was able to use grounding techniques when I felt overwhelmed with stress. While these may seem like small solutions, they...

I found it challenging to deal with medication side effects, but by using a variety of methods, I was able to manage them more effectively. Staying hydrated, taking medication with food, and going on light walks helped reduce the fatigue I was experiencing. I'm still trying to figure out what...

Each person who experiences Schizophrenia will have their own different set of medications that they try. Different medications have worked for some people and helped alleviate their symptoms (such as reducing hallucinations and providing stability to their thought processes). But for others, it...

Even though life with Schizophrenia is unpredictable, certain simple routines can provide needed stability and comfort. Many individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia spend time by performing small tasks such as making their bed or stretching. They often feel in control as a result of this act of...

Although reaching out feels like a difficult thing to do when you are feeling isolated, there are little things you can do to help yourself stay connected. You can begin by sending a short “hi” to someone you trust. If you keep a light routine and try to find activities to do with others (like...

The effect that sleep has on an individual’s mental health is profound. This is especially for those who suffer from schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder. An individual’s ability to sleep well or to establish a regular sleep cycle will determine how well they function...