What Is It Like Living With Schizophrenia? Understanding Mental Illness
Schizophrenia: Support for daily life challenges for people with schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a complex mental illness that often impacts cognitive, emotional, social, and physical functioning. This spectrum disorder can make independent living difficult for some people, potentially causing challenges with self-care, finances, work, and relationships. However, individuals with schizophrenia may be able to effectively navigate daily life with a healthy support system and various treatment options, often including therapy.
Understanding schizophrenia: Symptoms and presentations in mental health
Schizophrenia is a spectrum disorder listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) and International Classification of Diseases, 11th Edition (ICD-11). In the fourth edition of the DSM, the DSM-IV, schizophrenia was classified into subcategories. However, this classification has since been updated to reflect the spectrum of diverse symptoms and experiences with which individuals may live. Diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia normally include the following:
- Hallucinations (sensory perceptions that are not genuinely occurring)
- Delusions (strongly held false beliefs)
- Disorganized thinking and speech
- Disorganized or catatonic behavior
- Negative symptoms, such as social withdrawal and a lack of emotional expression
- A significant lack of functioning in one or more major areas of life, such as relationships or self-care
Diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia spectrum disorders
In general, to be diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorder, an individual must experience positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms for at least six months, with at least one month of active-phase symptoms or a psychotic episode.
In addition, a diagnostic provider usually must rule out schizoaffective disorder and bipolar disorder as causes of symptoms. Individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) generally must show psychotic symptoms in adulthood to be diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Daily functioning challenges when living with schizophrenia
Functional challenges are typically a part of the diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia. Some people who are currently in treatment for schizophrenia or who are not in an active phase or psychotic episode may not experience as many challenges in these areas.
Below are some challenges people might face due to schizophrenia symptoms.
Social functioning
People with schizophrenia may have difficulty forming and maintaining healthy or long-term relationships with others due to symptom severity, difficulty trusting others, isolation, or personal beliefs about relationships. Studies report that some people with schizophrenia may also have lower social knowledge than those without the condition.
Professional opportunities and symptoms for people living with schizophrenia
Symptoms of schizophrenia can be severe and life-altering. Some people may struggle to find or keep jobs due to difficulty practicing self-care and hygiene. Others might have trouble due to often-noticeable symptoms like delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized speech or behavior. If someone requires time off for an episode, it may not be possible for a workplace to accommodate long-term absences. In addition, people with schizophrenia may have difficulty performing their duties at work when an episode is occurring.
Education
Individuals with schizophrenia might struggle to attend school due to symptoms. In addition, studies show that individuals with this condition usually have lower educational attainment than the general population. People with schizophrenia who did obtain higher education typically had a slightly lower risk of younger death.
Despite potential barriers, people with schizophrenia can and do obtain college degrees. In a paper published in the Schizophrenia Bulletin by the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Bethany Yeiser described her experience of going from being homeless to graduating from college, despite her schizophrenia diagnosis. After starting treatment, she achieved her molecular biology degree, graduating with high honors. Many other people with schizophrenia achieve degrees and work in distinguished industries, with some aiming to reduce mental health stigma in their respective fields.
Self-care
Self-care can involve personal hygiene, self-regulation skills, spending time with loved ones, maintaining a healthy schedule, eating nutritious meals, and sleeping enough. People with schizophrenia can struggle with all aspects of self-care and may neglect specific health needs to the point of developing physical health challenges.
Studies show that people with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia tend to be more likely to practice self-care when they have attained higher education, have a support system, and are not living with a physical health condition. Support systems and professional help can promote self-care, even during an episode.
Life organization and executive function
Because schizophrenia can cause disorganized thoughts and behavior, it might be difficult for some people to organize a routine, daily to-do lists, paperwork, and requirements to achieve professional or educational goals. Disorganized thought and speech patterns can cause someone to get stuck on certain ideas that may not make sense to others.
Meanwhile, psychotic episodes can make it challenging for someone with schizophrenia to focus on anything other than the hallucinations or thoughts they may be experiencing. They may become fixated on their delusions, which can lead to a lack of sleep and potential cognitive decline.
How to improve daily functioning with proper medication
If you are struggling with daily functioning during episodes or because of your schizophrenia symptoms, you’re not alone. Below are a few options for managing daily life and meeting your goals in multiple areas.
Medication adherence in mental illness
It can be common for people with schizophrenia not to adhere to their prescribed medication schedule, with medication non-adherence occurring in approximately 50% of people with this disorder. Adhering to medication can reduce relapse rates and inpatient hospitalization rates. In addition, medication can often reduce or eliminate symptoms like hallucinations that may make it difficult to function in multiple areas of life.
Consult a medical doctor before starting, changing, or stopping a medication for any condition. The information in this article is not a replacement for medical advice or diagnosis.
Support systems for mental health for people with schizophrenia
A support system is often cited as the most critical factor for treatment success for people with schizophrenia. One study found that 43% of individuals achieved remission of symptoms due to having social support from family members. Family-centered culture likely played a role in this result. However, not all people with this condition have family guidance or a reliable social network.
If you’re struggling to build a social network and find mutual support, below are a few options for making friends and meeting people that you might consider:
- Support groups for people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and other psychotic disorders to find peer support
- Meetup groups
- Apps that match you with new friends
- Online groups or forums for people with schizophrenia
- School clubs
- Mentoring programs
Group homes and health services for severe schizophrenia
Some people with schizophrenia have long-term, severe symptoms and may not live with family members who can offer the care they need. In these cases, group homes or intensive mental health services, like residential living facilities, may be an effective way to receive treatment and meet others living with severe mental illness who may understand your experiences.
Group living can be a way to find “chosen family” members, which can build mental health and social skills. One study found that people with schizophrenia living in residential care facilities usually had improved mental well-being and lower biomarkers of aging.
Therapy and health services for schizophrenia
Alongside medication and social support, therapy can be a way for people with schizophrenia to build independence, coping strategies, and self-care abilities. In therapy, a mental health professional can guide you through specific exercises, notify you when you show warning signs or an increased risk of an episode, assign homework, build a treatment plan, and help you track symptoms so you have more control over your daily experiences and can respond to symptoms with a safety plan.
Benefits of online therapy for mental illness
In some cases, attending in-person therapy may be challenging for individuals living with mental illness, as it can come with financial and transportation barriers. In these cases, online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp may be helpful. Although online platforms are not a replacement for crisis services and may not be beneficial for a psychotic episode, they can be used from home to learn new coping skills and talk to a licensed provider. In addition, online platforms typically allow users to choose between phone, video, or live chat sessions, giving them control over the therapy experience.
Studies show online therapy may be helpful for psychotic disorders. More studies are likely needed to understand these treatments' benefits fully. However, in limited studies, online counseling has been shown to benefit people with schizophrenia and their family members.
Takeaway
Frequently asked questions
Can people live normally with schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that impacts thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. When left untreated, symptoms can significantly disrupt a person’s life. However, schizophrenia and other mental illnesses can often be effectively managed with strategies like:
- Medications: Drugs like antipsychotics, anti-anxiety medications, and antidepressants can effectively manage schizophrenia symptoms. These medications are typically prescribed by a psychiatrist or another medical practitioner.
- Talk therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, social skills training, animal-assisted therapy, and psychoeducation can effectively manage stress and reduce the risk that someone uses unhealthy coping skills, like alcohol use.
- Social care: Support groups, family members, friends, and the community can provide support and reduce isolation.
- Self-care: Things like regular exercise, getting enough sleep, a nutritious diet, meditation, spending time outdoors, personal hygiene rituals, faith or spirituality, avoiding drugs, and minimizing screen time can improve mood and mental health conditions.
What is it like to live with someone with schizophrenia?
Living with someone who has schizophrenia, or any other mental illnesses, can be challenging. Common symptoms of schizophrenia include:
- Delusions
- Hallucinations, like hearing voices
- Depression
- Abnormal thought patterns
- Challenges with daily activities, like grocery shopping, personal hygiene, or employment
- Difficulties managing stress
- Irritability
These symptoms can impact thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that can be difficult for loved ones to witness. At times, it may feel helpless, frustrating, or overwhelming to see someone you care for navigating these challenging symptoms. For this reason, family and individual therapy is often recommended to manage mental health, set healthy boundaries, and best support loved ones.
How does schizophrenia affect daily living?
Schizophrenia can be disruptive to daily life and functioning, with symptoms including:
- Symptoms of psychosis, like hearing things that are not real or delusional self-harm
- Behavioral changes
- Difficulty managing emotions
- Social withdrawal and disorganized speech
- Lack of motivation
- Memory loss
- Use of alcohol or other drugs as a maladaptive coping skill
Most people with schizophrenia experience periods when symptoms interfere with their ability to carry out daily tasks. However, many people develop healthy coping skills with professional treatment and lead fulfilling, productive lives.
What is the best way to cope with schizophrenia?
Some strategies to cope with schizophrenia include:
- Don’t stop taking prescribed medications even if you feel better
- Keep an eye out for your warning signs, like if you start to hear voices that aren’t there or stopping personal hygiene practices, and have a plan in place to get help right away
- Be aware of support options if you need immediate help, like inpatient facilities, day centres, or support groups
- Prioritize self-care, like spending time outdoors each day, minimizing stressors like exposure to news media, exercising daily, and keeping your space tidy
- Educate yourself and loved ones about schizophrenia
- Have a good relationship with yourself, treating yourself with the same compassion and empathy you’d have for a close friend
People living with schizophrenia can have rich and fulfilling lives even if symptoms sometimes interfere with daily life. Learning about the disorder, developing an understanding of your symptoms, prioritizing self-care, and staying on top of treatment plans can help you cope with symptoms.
What worsens schizophrenia?
Some things that can worsen schizophrenia symptoms include substance use, stressors, not getting enough sleep, stopping prescription medications, lack of exercise, excessive screen time, and social isolation.
Can you fully recover from schizophrenia?
There is no “cure” for schizophrenia. Many people reach a state of remission, in which they no longer meet diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia, but it’s still possible for symptoms to return (relapse).
Is life hard for schizophrenics?
People with schizophrenia may experience challenging or frightening symptoms that can interfere with daily life. However, proper treatment with medications, therapy, and social support can help people with schizophrenia achieve remission and lead satisfying lives.
How to calm a schizophrenic episode?
Some strategies that can help calm an acute phase of schizophrenia include:
- Removing yourself from overwhelming or triggering environments
- Taking a few deep breaths
- Reaching out to your care team for acute support
- Practicing mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or gentle stretching
- Taking a warm bath
- Using prescription medications as directed by your medical practitioner
- Self-reflection journaling
- Getting some exercise
- Trying Socratic questioning to evaluate thoughts and feelings
- Asking a loved one for help
If you start noticing warning signs of an acute phase of schizophrenia developing, it’s a good idea to call a crisis helpline, your medical practitioner, and trusted loved ones. Emergency resources, like in-patient psychiatric facilities, can also help patients get their symptoms under control.
What is the best living situation for schizophrenics?
People with schizophrenia are individuals with different needs, preferences, and circumstances. In general, it may be a good idea for people with schizophrenia and other mental disorders to avoid living alone. Living alone tends to increase self-isolating behaviors, loneliness, and symptoms of depression and anxiety. For this reason, it may be a good idea to live with family or others who are supportive.
What do people with schizophrenia struggle with?
Here are some common areas in which people with schizophrenia may struggle:
- Diagnostic challenges: Schizophrenia tends to become symptomatic during late teens or early twenties, which is often already a time when young adults may experience things like changes in sleep behaviors, substance use, a drop in school performance, or irritability. This can make it difficult to provide a prompt schizophrenia diagnosis.
- Psychotic symptoms: Symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thoughts can be scary and isolating.
- Social challenges: It can be difficult to maintain social connectedness during acute phases of schizophrenia, and social anxiety is a common co-occurring disorder that can make it more challenging.
- Stigma: People with schizophrenia may face discrimination, prejudice, and exclusion that impacts access to healthcare, education, employment, and interpersonal relationships.
While schizophrenia can significantly impact daily life, there are effective strategies that can help you manage it. Medications, psychotherapy, support groups, self-help, and a robust support system can help people with schizophrenia lead a richly fulfilling life.
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