Everything You Need to Know About Schizophrenia | A Mini Guide 

One of the most severe mental health disorders is schizophrenia. Known as the mother of all mental health disorders, schizophrenia is a lifelong psychotic illness. Yes, in order to keep up with schizophrenia, you need to continue treatment for life. 

Apart from that, speaking of a disorder like schizophrenia, prompt treatment is necessary. It’s the only way to manage the symptoms and lead a relatively comfortable life. In this article today, I’m going to share with you all the tiny bitsy details of schizophrenia. Have a look:

Symptoms of Schizophrenia

• Visual and auditory hallucinations 
• Erotomanic and grandiose delusions 
• Disorganized speech and catatonic behavior 
• Withdrawal from friends and family 
• Flattening of emotions 
• An absence of insight

Treatment Options for Schizophrenia 

Schizophrenia isn’t simple to treat. As mentioned earlier, it requires lifelong treatment. As sad as it is, as per the World Health Organization, schizophrenia affects more than 20 million people worldwide on an annual basis. 

It is further said that people with schizophrenia are twice or thrice more likely to die earlier compared to healthy individuals. It is because of many preventable physical ailments, including metabolic inflammations, cardiovascular disease, and many more.

First and Second-Generation Antipsychotics 

It’s not possible to skip allopathic medicines when treating schizophrenia. It’s a severe psychotic disorder and antipsychotics are mandatory to treat it. 

Antipsychotics work by altering the effects of certain chemicals in the brain such as acetylcholine, noradrenaline, serotonin, and dopamine. For schizophrenia, both first and second-generation antipsychotics are prescribed and they’re mostly given intravenously. 

Herbs and Plants 

Apart from the antipsychotics, your physician may also suggest antidepressants and sleep-inducing agents. They’re prescribed to calm your nerves down and alleviate stress. The good news is that skipping antidepressants and tranquilizers is possible. 

Allopathic medicines have various side effects. Thus, I suggest you take herbs and plants instead of antidepressants and tranquilizers. Several herbs and plants like ashwagandha, chamomile, and wonderland mushroom bars work as a natural alternative to nerve relaxants; hence, a wise choice. 

Body Massage 

As you know, schizophrenia brings along a few physical symptoms as well. They include lethargy, body aches, muscle tension, and restlessness. To fix all such physical symptoms, getting a body massage is a perfect option. 

The gentle strokes of body massage will release physical tension, boost your energy, and ease out muscle soreness. Needless to say, it’s one of the most effortless remedies to treat additional symptoms of schizophrenia.

Regular Exercise 

Speaking of managing a mental health disorder, increasing physical activity is the key. As you know, fatigue and low mood are two prominent symptoms of schizophrenia. Well, increasing physical activity can help fix both. 

Regular exercise increases the number of endorphins in your bloodstream. A higher number of endorphins means increased energy and a delighted mood. Also, it eliminates stress naturally while increasing stress tolerance.

A Healthy Diet and Sleep Cycle

Last but not least, maintaining a healthy diet and sleep cycle is essential when treating schizophrenia. Whether it’s a physical ailment or a psychological disorder, your diet and sleep pattern play a critical role in them all. 

Make sure to add more proteins, vitamins, and minerals to your diet and sleep for 7-8 hours regularly. It will help you function actively throughout the day. It’s also one way to control the symptoms of schizophrenia or at least, reduce their intensity.

The Takeaway 

Life with schizophrenia can be daunting. It isn’t easy living with delusions, listening to voices, having imaginary friends and enemies, and feeling like a mess. However, one thing that you must do is not give up. In case it’s not you but a loved one who’s going through schizophrenia, please remember to be gentle with them and make sure not to give up on them either. A little support and care go a long way, after all!