Do You Feel Challenged?

Now that you have schizophrenia do you feel challenged? My step-father asked me this earlier today.

The issue with having schizophrenia is that you are constantly concerned with the fear of having a relapse and being sent back to the hospital. Or having recurring symptoms that make it hard for you to function, despite medication compliance.

Schizophrenia is a challenge, however, I turn it into motivation. Schizophrenia makes me take things more slowly compared to past activities and/or events, however, I still believe I can fulfill goals. I do not limit myself or stigmatize myself because of the illness. However, I do acknowledge I have an illness and find ways to cope with it. For example, people with schizophrenia frequently display flat emotion. Accordingly, I try to be more vocal about my feelings.

I believe everyone has an issue or challenge whether it be an addiction, a medical ailment, a mental disorder, a personality disorder, or problems with relationships and family, and so on; nobody is perfect. I still push myself to be independent to an extent and to take a part in the community. For instance, my goal is to complete college. I will carry out this goal, but it will take a little longer because I will have to go to school part-time, or less than part-time in order for the course load not to trigger symptoms.

I strongly believe I can overcome this illness with medication compliance, therapy, and support. Without these elements I would not be able to do half the things I am doing now. In other words, I feel challenged, but not as much as a result of the treatments I am taking advantage of. I will turn this ordeal around to work in my favor. I know that if I perform too many activities at once it could lead to unnecessary stress, and that would lead to symptoms returning. Therefore, I will take baby steps with everything I do, while returning to school, doing my marketing internship, and living life.

What challenges do you face?