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What Is Remission?

Remission is the absence of symptoms for at least six months with the support of medication. In other words, a doctor who has never seen you before may not diagnose you as a person with schizophrenia anymore. Remission is also high functioning in several aspects of life, living independently, goinig to school or to work, and socializing with other people. However, this does not mean the patient is cured or the illness has went away, the illness is still present, however, under control. Remission is achieved with the assistance of medication.

"Published studies suggest that 10% to 20% of people with schizophrenia have remission of their illness as they get older, 20% get worse, but in a large majority (60% to 70%), the course of illness remains relatively unchanged."

To reach remission it is recommended that you aim for a stress-free environment. Therefore, do things to relieve stress such as journaling, exercising, talking to friends, listening to or creating music, making art, and cooking to list a few. Also, communicate with other people your feelings about different things to prevent a misunderstanding. And whenever a stressful event comes into your life take it slow. For example, starting a new job could be a stressor, it may be best to start working less hours and then gradually increase your hours.

If you have a mental illness and it is in remission, how long have you been in remission and what helped you to reach that level of recovery?

Rsources:

1) Remission of Schizophrenia: A Possibility?- http://www.healthrising.com/stories/schrem.html

2) Schizophrenia Remission: Does it Exist?- http://www2.healthtalk.com/go/mental-health/schizophrenia/ask-the-doctor/content/schizophrenia-remission-does-it-exist

3) Remission- How Antipsychotics Help to Control the Symptoms of Schizophrenia- http://www.psychiatry24x7.com/bgdisplay.jhtml?itemname=remission&page=ecall

Comments

Laura said…
What brought me back from my breakdown in 1994 was a combination of time, medication, and learning new coping techniques. I take everything very slowly so I don't overwhelm myself.
jennifer said…
I'm in remission from Borderline Personality Disorder. I was in a violently abusive marriage and finally kicked my husband out back in September, and my symptoms suddenly started going away. Yes, I'm on a mood stabilizer but it didn't help near as much as getting rid of the abuser.
Kim said…
Hello Ashley
Wish you a speedy recovery.I have just started a blog where I review some of the best blogs of the day, may be you would like to go through them. Some of them will really make you feel happy and will give you a positive strength.
Get Well Soon
Your fellow blogger
Kim
Francesca Allan said…
Your definition of remission: "absence of symptoms for at least six months with the support of medication" seems unnecessarily restrictive. What about absence of symptoms withOUT medication? Why would that not be considered remission?
Lisa said…
I have been symptom free for about 2 years now, and I would have to say that changing my lifestyle to a simple approach in life helped a great deal.I took it very slow, going from the hospital, to outpatient, to a transitional living center for 2 years, and finally into my own place.Now, I utilize the help of AA, church, family, and therepy to get my head right in order to go to work, school,and be a single mother of a two year old. I've also continued to take my meds religiously.I hope this brings a little faith to somebody struggling in the early stages of their diagnosis. Recovery is achievable. Remember:Baby steps.
Anonymous said…
I became unwell, resulting from various experiences of sexual abuse, some which occurred whilst working within a peep show. The voices of my illness mirrored those experiences. After being forceble detained in hospital, and forcible medicated, which was very frightening, I followed to rules simply to get out of that place. Four years on with much social intervention (I took medication for the first year only) I have rebuilt every aspect of my life and an symptom free. Yet I still have the heavy stigmatising label of schizophrenia in remission attached to me. I feel angry that my choices and rights are tied up to the psychaitric systom and in the hands of others, to a large extent, due to this label and a system which depowers vulnerable peole who have experienced abuse, illness of which is a natural reaction, not as implied by the medical/pharmaceutical model a brain dysfunction.
Charlie Evison said…
Hello, my name is Charlie Evison, and the psychiatrist, has informed me in a letter that I am in remission from paranoid schizophrenia. I am on a small amount of medication by injection, and am pursueing a career in rock music. I said to the docter that hypotheticaly if possible I would like to reduce or come of medicine but that I am happy to take it and stay in remission if necessary, as far as I know remission means you are basically well, and capable etc. I have just received the news.
Anonymous said…
Thank you for all the posts on this board. You all have inspired me to keep trying.
Anonymous said…
Thank you for the blog and responses. You all have given me hope today.

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