Schizophrenia is a prevalent mental illness affecting nearly one percent of the world’s population. It distorts the person’s perception, thinking, behavior, and emotions. Delusions and hallucinations are common symptoms, which can be chronic and severe. Though the condition can occur at any age, it is often diagnosed in late adolescence or the early 30s. Here are a few valuable tips patients can follow to manage the symptoms of schizophrenia effectively:

Follow a healthy meal plan
A nutritious meal plan is vital for managing most health conditions, physical or mental. Food provides the body and mind with the nutrients it needs to function and also helps boost energy and mood. Those with schizophrenia should consider a wide variety of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein sources like skinless poultry, fish, eggs, and nuts. Many treatments for this mental health condition can lead to complications and side effects like high cholesterol or blood pressure. They could also worsen allied health disorders. But nutritious and healthy home-cooked meals, like those mentioned here, will help prevent this.

Besides adding healthy foods to the meals, patients should avoid items that can aggravate the problem. For instance, one should steer clear of packaged foods as they contain artificial preservatives and flavors that could worsen the symptoms.

Exercise regularly
Regular exercise is necessary for mental and physical well-being. It can boost mood and encourage positive thoughts. Activities like walking enable a person to spend time outdoors, which can help increase vitamin D levels in the body. Another great form of exercise is yoga, which can calm the body and mind, keeping stress levels in check. One can find activities they love and set aside time for those activities every week.

Set a routine
Setting a daily routine is the best way to manage and sometimes even overcome a few mental health conditions. It can be helpful for schizophrenia too. A planned routine ensures certain activities essential for personal hygiene, such as brushing the teeth or taking a shower, are performed even though the person might not feel like doing them. Planning the day also makes it a bit more predictable and stable, which can be of significant help.

Get enough sleep
Sleep is critical for mental health as it can improve mood, thinking, and focus. Those with schizophrenia should sleep for at least seven to eight hours every night. In some cases, patients might sleep more than 12 hours, which is also harmful. Oversleeping can make people lethargic and inactive and interfere with their daily schedule. One can get quality sleep by setting a bedtime routine, such as taking a warm shower and going to bed and waking up at the same time each day.

Engage in social activities
Those with mental conditions like schizophrenia often withdraw from social gatherings, resulting in isolation. It can even make one feel depressed and give rise to negative thoughts. So, patients must try to build a support network by interacting with people who can listen to them and make them feel better, such as family or close friends. A few daily or weekly outings could also work wonders. One can attend community programs, go out for a meal, or watch a movie with someone they are comfortable spending time with.

Follow the treatment plan
Individuals dealing with schizophrenia often feel it is not necessary to follow the treatment advised by the doctor. They think there is nothing wrong with them. But treatment is crucial because it keeps the symptoms in check. Not following it can not only worsen the disease but also lead to muscle cramps, fatigue, giddiness, and other problems. Patients should make the doctor aware of any uncomfortable side effects so that the treatment option or dosage can be modified accordingly. Many cellphone apps allow people to set alerts so they do not miss a dose.

Schedule regular appointments with the doctor
Studies have revealed that regular visits to a healthcare professional are essential for patients suffering from this mental health condition. Doctors can examine the patient and modify treatment plans accordingly. To avoid missing a doctor’s appointment, individuals can use calendar reminders on their mobile phones. Professional help is vital in the early stage as it can impact the disease’s progression.

Manage stress
Stress is terrible for everyone, especially those with mental health conditions like schizophrenia. A chaotic or noisy household that is very loud with constant arguments and issues can intensify specific symptoms of the disorder, such as anxiety and hallucinations. This is because high stress levels trigger the production of a particular hormone in the body, and a high amount of that hormone can lead to psychotic episodes.

Schizophrenia can take a severe toll on the patient and their family. But the good news is that this condition can be managed effectively with the support of loved ones and by working with healthcare providers for the best advice and treatment. For the best results, one must visit the doctor immediately after experiencing any symptoms and get diagnosed at the earliest. The sooner the condition is identified, the easier it is to treat and manage.