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This concept has great potential, patients will have real hope because their wait times will be significantly shorter. Also, their personal requirements will be better addressed and they will experience fewer negative side effects.

When my head feels heavy with thoughts, I use art as an outlet. I sketch something simple to make me feel calm. When I have too many emotions swirling around my head, I write short notes down. If I want to get calm, I listen to soft music.

My preferred way of working is with a calm routine. I only inform my employer of my flexible schedule when I feel a sense of trust towards them. When I'm having tough days I request to have my tasks outlined in full detail. I also take short breaks in between tasks as needed.

Quiet is my preference. I tend to feel most relaxed when I am in control of my environment. Low levels of background noise help me feel centered. Although sometimes I love to be social with friends, it is when I have an increase in symptoms that I depend on them for support. When my mood is low...

Every day; I explain to individuals diagnosed with Schizoaffective disorder that their symptoms will fluctuate. The individuals will always have a battle to fight, but often they are not able to see it. I discuss that finding stability will require consistent effort and that even simple tasks...

Because of my experiences with rainy days, I've learned that I am generally more quiet and slower. Summer heat makes me restless, and I try to stay out of bright sunlight whenever possible. Winter is also beneficial in helping me remain calm. I've always tracked the transition of the seasons, as...

A lot of individuals feel the effects of akathisia very strongly. I can see in the posts from many of my friends, who have posted about their inner restlessness, just how intense it can be. I enjoy seeing the benefits that changing dosages on medications can have. Propranolol has helped many...

Clozapine appears to be an effective but challenging alternative for treatment of schizophrenia. There are many patient testimonials that indicate clozapine is helpful when all other treatments have failed. I appreciate that clozapine can simultaneously address both psychotic symptoms and the...

I understand why you're asking this. Everybody has a different response to medication. Some of my friends have found that lithium works best for them while others prefer Zyprexa because it helps maintain stability. Some people use Haldol only during crisis periods, while others take it continuously.

I understand why it's hard to be compliant when so many people are experiencing confusion, side effects and frustration. I have friends who have difficulty understanding why they need insights when the medications feel ineffective until they start getting worse.

Some people have written that the voices fade away almost completely, while others have suggested that the voices just move into the background. I'm glad that you pointed out that therapy is also a huge influence in people’s lives; many people in my life use both.

I can relate, because many individuals I've spoken to describe similar experiences of being less active, but never completely gone. Many of my friends have come up with very creative methods for handling heightened stress and anxiety with soft music, etc. I stick to whatever keeps the day steady...

I also have experienced moments of discouragement when a new medication worked for one issue but caused me problems with something else. In order to remain hopeful, I track my mood and side effects, even small signs of improvement can give me hope.

Dealing with medication has been a bit of a mixed bag for me, and I understand why it can feel so frustrating for others. I've experienced weight gain, emotional flatness, as well as other things. Whenever I feel "off", I let my doctor know as soon as possible becuase the longer I wait, the more...

At the first sign of feeling restless or uneasy, I communicate with my doctor. Discussing my symptoms early allows us to have a more productive and easy-going conversation. I make sure to explain how my restlessness feels and how long I experience it for.

Mindfulness is what I practice instead of meditation. It helps me stay steady when I feel overwhelmed in my mind. When I become anxious or experience racing thoughts, I take a minute to sit quietly, close my eyes and breathe until I feel calm.

I try to deal with major life changes by taking it easy on myself and using a basic approach. The thing that has helped me the most is keeping my sleep pattern the same because that is what keeps me grounded above all else. I have been writing things down when my mind gets overwhelmed and am...

When I am in a hypomanic state I am bombarded with ideas and find myself constantly bouncing from one task to another. I end up creating a lot, but almost never completing anything in this state. When I am steady, I am able to put my full attention into shaping my thoughts and have an...

Having an uncomplicated, predictable work schedule helps me to be more successful at work. I develop a daily plan the night prior and break large tasks into smaller segments so that I do not become overwhelmed. When I notice that my head is getting jumbled up, I give myself a small pause. I...

Many people misunderstand bipolar disorder by assuming it consists solely of mood swings. In reality, there is an intermediate state in between the two extremes which I experience regularly. Therefore, maintaining a level of stability involves significant effort on my part. I must monitor my...