Best coping mechanisms for schizophrenia: tangible ways to manage your symptoms

Schizophrenia is a complex mental health condition that can affect how you think, feel, and behave.

It can cause a range of symptoms, including hallucinations, delusions, disorganised thinking, and difficulty in processing emotions, all of which can have a significant impact on everyday life.

These symptoms of schizophrenia can also lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression.

If you have schizophrenia, you may already know how stigma in the community can be a huge problem.

Many people find this illness hard to understand, as there are a variety of symptoms and many myths about schizophrenia.

As Health Direct make clear, people with schizophrenia do not have a split personality, and the condition does have a large variety of symptoms.

Below we explore part of the support that can be vital in helping people with schizophrenia to manage symptoms and get back to living life on their terms.

Head to Health Direct to see more about the symptoms and diagnoses of schizophrenia, and the treatments currently being used to support people with the condition.

Remember, if you or someone you know seems to be experiencing signs of schizophrenia, see your doctor as soon as possible.

And if you or someone close to you is in crisis, or is at immediate risk of harm, call triple zero (000). To talk to someone now, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Coping mechanisms for schizophrenia

Finding coping mechanisms that work for you and help you manage the impact schizophrenia has on your life can be hugely beneficial.

By practising good coping strategies, you can start to understand your triggers, manage your symptoms, and take action towards improving your overall quality of life.

Let's take a look at some coping mechanisms you might like to try.

1. Establish a routine

Stability and predictability are invaluable for people living with schizophrenia.

Establishing a consistent daily routine can drastically reduce anxiety and stress, which are common triggers for schizophrenia symptoms.

These can provide a sense of accomplishment and normalcy, which is important for building confidence and self-esteem.

Regular meal times, a consistent sleep schedule, and a structured plan for each day create a framework that can bring a sense of order and control to your day.

This is not just about managing time – it’s about creating a familiar pattern that you can go through every day.

This kind of structure can also help you stay on track with taking medication, and provide a sense of accomplishment and normalcy.

2. Adopt healthy lifestyle choices

Embracing a healthy lifestyle is a positive step towards keeping your physical and mental wellbeing.

This includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep.

Regular physical activity not only promotes physical health but also supports mental wellbeing.

Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins provides essential nutrients that support overall health and wellbeing.

Adequate sleep is a crucial part of a healthy lifestyle, ensuring best brain function and emotional regulation.

3. Practise stress management techniques

Stress can worsen symptoms of schizophrenia, making its management a key part of your coping strategy.

Mindfulness, meditation, and even gentle yoga can be excellent tools to foster inner peace and mental stability, and reduce the impact of distressing symptoms and negative thoughts.

4. Seek peer support

Building and keeping a supportive social network provides a comfortable place of understanding, empathy, and practical support.

Peer support can take many forms, including friends, family members, or a support group of people who also live with schizophrenia.

5. Try journaling or creative outlets

Creative expression is a powerful therapeutic tool for people living with schizophrenia.

Journaling serves as a safe space to articulate any thoughts, emotions, and experiences that might be difficult to express verbally.

It can be a form of self-therapy, offering a way to pause and observe your emotions and thoughts, and track your progress.

6. Develop your skills

Engaging in activities that develop or enhance your skills can be incredibly empowering.

This might involve educational courses, vocational training, or hobbies.

Such pursuits not only provide a constructive focus but also help in building confidence and a sense of accomplishment, which is particularly beneficial in managing schizophrenia.

These activities offer a constructive focus, helping to channel energy into positive and rewarding endeavours.

They also provide opportunities for you to meet new people and surround yourself with new social groups, further supporting your mental wellbeing.

7. Practise mindfulness and grounding exercises

Grounding yourself in the present is a useful technique, especially during intense symptom episodes.

Simple practices like focusing on sensory experiences or mindful breathing can help bring you back to the now, reducing the impact of distressing symptoms.

8. Seek professional support

Regular engagement with healthcare professionals is an essential part of managing schizophrenia.

Mental health professionals such as therapists and psychiatrists can help with more than just medication management.

They also work with you to create tailored coping strategies, therapy sessions, and consistent support.

Alongside healthcare professionals, there are also plenty of other support services out there to help you manage your condition and do the things you want to.

For example, if you're facing challenges in finding and keeping a fulfilling job due to the impact, or misconceptions of others around schizophrenia, a Disability Employment Services provider like APM can help.

APM specialises in helping people living with a disability, injury or health condition find and keep meaningful work, including those with schizophrenia.

No matter what form it takes, remember that seeking professional support should play a big part in your treatment, and getting back to a well-rounded and more independent life.

Implement some coping mechanisms

By exploring some of these coping mechanisms into your daily life, you’ll be on the path to better managing your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.

By building a supportive network, developing healthy lifestyle habits, practising stress-management techniques, setting up a regular routine, and generally working on your overall wellbeing, you set yourself on a path to navigate this condition with confidence and resilience.

Resources and further reading

• Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
• National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing - ABS
• Schizophrenia - SANE
• Factsheet about Schizophrenia - Head to Health
• Schizophrenia - Health Direct

About this article

APM supports people with disability, injury, or a health condition through various programs and services across its businesses, including Disability Employment Services in Australia.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

When discussing disability, APM’s copy style is to use person-first language and the social model of disability in the first instance. Some articles may use identity-first language or refer to the medical model of disability for clarity or to better suit a specific audience.

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