Be aware that, even with this information, your doctor can offer you a risk profile, but not a diagnosis or a guarantee that you will or will not get one of these conditions. Identifying genetic markers for conditions like schizophrenia is in early stages, and there is no test used to diagnose schizophrenia yet. [2] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Even when risk factors are very high, some people still do not develop schizophrenia, though the reason for this is unknown.
Alzheimer’s Parkinson’s Brain tumors HIV Malaria Hypoglycemia Acute intermittent porphyria Schizophrenia Bipolar disorder Endocrine diseases Liver or kidney failure Syphilis Seek medical advice to prevent your condition from developing into a psychotic break.
One of the most effective ways to prevent drug-induced psychosis is by slowly reducing your use of drugs. Tell yourself that you want to quit and seek help, either through therapy, a 12-step program, or by reaching out to friends and family. Stay away from friends or peers that encourage you to use the drug. Get away from all the things that trigger your habit of dependency. Motivate yourself by keeping a picture of your loved ones with you to remind yourself that you are affecting their lives as well. Get involved in all the activities that you used to do before you began taking your drug. Keep yourself busy at all times so that you do not feel the need to take your drug.
Talk to a therapist about your experience. It can be dangerous to try and treat your trauma on your own or to ignore it. A therapist can help you learn healthy ways to deal with and work through the trauma. Face the trauma head-on. Accept what happened and acknowledge that while you cannot change what happened, you can change your reaction to it. Stay away from drugs and alcohol, as abuse of these substances could lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Create supportive relationships with people who care for you and take your problems seriously. If you don’t have family and friends to rely on, find a good doctor you can trust. [9] X Expert Source Noel Hunter, Psy. DClinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 18 December 2020.
You can get a list of certified therapists from your general practitioner. He or she can also recommend the best therapy for your specific situation. Your therapist might also prescribe you with medication. Follow the medication’s directions carefully. [11] X Expert Source Noel Hunter, Psy. DClinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 18 December 2020.
Feeling on edge Being suspicious of others Not enjoying the things you usually enjoy Skipping work or school Feeling depressed Feeling anxious Not showering or maintaining proper hygiene
To keep stress from affecting your mental capabilities, manage the things that are stressing you out. Avoid, take control of, or adapt to whatever is causing you undue stress. [14] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source Keep a stress journal and write down all the things that are causing you stress. [15] X Trustworthy Source University of Rochester Medical Center Leading academic medical center in the U. S. focused on clinical care and research Go to source When possible, avoid people that make you feel anxious. Drop responsibilities that aren’t necessary. Make a list of the tasks you have to do and separate them into things you absolutely have to do, and things that you can get away with not doing, or do at a later date. Do things that make you happy. This includes being with people that make you laugh. Get plenty of exercise. Exercising releases endorphins in your body that act as a natural stress reducer. Talk to a therapist about your anxieties. Sometimes talking to someone about what is stressing you out can lead you to a solution.
Seek the advice of a trusted friend or family member, and listen to other perspectives on your situation. Learn to say no. You are not obligated to do all that others ask of you. Helping others is important, but be sure that you’re taking care of yourself first. Talk to a therapist about your thoughts and feelings. Sometimes opening up to someone who is not close to you can be hard, but therapists are specially trained to address mental health issues, and can offer a more objective point of view than a friend or family member. Try writing, playing music, or painting. Creative acts can reduce stress and serve as outlets for emotional energy. [17] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Thoughts like “There is nothing I can do” or “I am weak” may pop up. Respond to them by saying: “I can overcome this” and “I am strong enough to deal with this situation, and ask for help if I need it. ” Focus on your strengths and achievements. You can also come up with a game plan to strengthen the aspects of yourself that you think could be improved. Thinking positively involves acknowledging that even though you are at risk for psychosis, it’s not the end of the world. Understand that you’re not crazy, and you’re not a bad person; you’re just having a rough experience and you can get through it.
Incorporate omega-3 fatty acids into your diet. [20] X Trustworthy Source Nature Respected Multidisciplinary Scientific Journal Go to source Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in foods like fish, eggs, flax, and hemp, or in supplement form. Exercise daily. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins. Endorphins are responsible for making you feel happy and less stressed. When you are happier and less stressed, you are less likely to get bogged down by negative thinking that can lead to psychosis. If you are worried you might develop psychosis, exercise as often as you can. [21] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise five times a week. Pick activities that you enjoy, like running, swimming, biking, hiking, or rock climbing. [22] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Get around eight hours of sleep each night and practice relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation. [25] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source Keep a sleep diary to figure out what helps you to get the rest that you need. Write down you ate before bed, what activities you performed, what you were thinking about, etc. You’ll then be able to establish what relaxes you and helps you get a fulfilling night’s rest, as well as what makes you anxious and prevents sound sleep.
Write down all of the tasks that you need to accomplish. Writing everything down will serve as a visual aid, and is more useful than just thinking about the tasks you feel you need to do. With a list in hand, you can begin to decide which tasks are not that important and can be removed from your daily routine. Having less to do will make you feel less stressed and more in control of your life.
Construct a timeline charting the objective events you experienced (such as breaking up with your partner, starting a new job, or graduating from college) and the subjective feelings you had about them at the time (especially if you were feeling dejected, miserable, lonely or confused). Being stressed or feeling like you’re in a situation where there’s no way out can often be triggers. [28] X Expert Source Noel Hunter, Psy. DClinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 18 December 2020. Try talking to your support system to find out what signs you might have showed before your break with reality. You might also ask them to let you know if you start to exhibit some of those same signs. [29] X Expert Source Noel Hunter, Psy. DClinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 18 December 2020.
Practice self-instruction. This is a technique in which you consciously reject negative, defeatist thinking with positive affirmations. For instance, when an idea like “I will never be healthy,” enters your mind, let it slip away and counter it with a thought like “I am a strong person and I will overcome my psychosis. ” Self-instruction can and should be practiced even in the absence of negative thoughts. Distract yourself. Use different sensory inputs such as television or the radio to prevent hearing voices or switch your attention away from obsessive thoughts. Develop personal coping strategies. Not everyone will feel their stress relieved by the same activities. Some people may take a warm bath to relieve stress, while others may go for a bike ride. Some might paint a picture, while others might go swimming. Find out what works for you.
Inform your family about your struggles with psychosis and open up to them about how it makes you feel. Let them help you financially and materially if necessary, and encourage their feedback. Enlist your family and friends to stay vigilant in looking for changes in your behavior which may indicate that a psychotic break is close. Direct them to consult you and your doctor in the event your condition deteriorates. Get a list of certified therapists from your general practitioner. He or she can also recommend the best therapy for your specific situation. Attend therapy regularly. Therapists are specially trained to address mental health issues, and can provide a more objective point of view than a friend or family member. Your therapist can help you better understand the reasons for your condition and offer specialized coping strategies. As you build a relationship with your therapist, they will be better able to identify changes in your condition.
Carry a crisis card with you at all times. A crisis card should be a laminated, pocket-sized card with your name and emergency information on it, including your doctor’s name; the address, phone number, and hours of your medical clinic; names and phone numbers of family members; a list of symptoms which may indicate you are beginning to experience psychosis; and a list of steps to take in the event you might be relapsing. [32] X Trustworthy Source Mind U. K. -based mental health charity focused on providing advice and resources to anyone facing mental health problems. Go to source
