Overcoming Schizophrenia

 In the previous blog article: "Depression: Lost Mail," I identified strategies to combat depression despite medication management where symptoms still dominate. Now I'll discuss ways that I manage lingering symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Medication is highly effective to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder for me. There are many pharmaceutical drugs that helps control symptoms. Classic symptoms of schizophrenia are hallucinations, delusions, and psychosis. Yet, several more symptoms take form which are not widely discussed enough. Typical symptoms of bipolar disorder include: mania, depression, mood swings, and more. Still, it is common for some of these symptoms to persist despite treatment. And, knowing the cues, studying the diagnosis, and learning myself is essential. I'll focus on lack of expression and tone of voice, irritability, and mood swings. First, lack of expression and tone of voice is a symptom of schizophrenia. A lot of times...

I am fighting schizoaffective disorder every day through my spirituality! Living with mental health concerns is challenging. Constantly, I am reflecting on my relationships, self-care demands, and responsibilities, and commitments. Currently, I am challenged most by controlling my high energy, and thought-processes regarding my general interactions, and work. But I maintain hope. A combination of mania, the side effects of my medication, and concerns with self-motivation to perform is a frequent concern. However, I strive to practice balance among my list of general coping skills that I use. I communicate closely with my treatment team; psychiatric doctor and therapist, and I also vocalize concerns with those that I can trust within my circle of influence. In other words, I am managing both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder daily through medication, faith in my medication, and effort to maintain optimism, and self-care! Every day I strive to maintain wellness by focusing on bala...