Recommendations: (Specify to individual, family or community health

agencies).

INDIVIDUAL:

 Seek for more information and educate yourself about the disorder. The more you

know about schizophrenia, its process and treatments, the higher the chance you

will be better. For instance, understanding the symptoms of hallucinations,

delusions and psychosis can help you react appropriately during onset of disorder

 Being patient. Don’t expect an immediate and total cure. Have patience with the

treatment process. It can take time to find the right program/ treatment that works

for each person.

 Communicate with a treatment provider/doctor. The treatment program will

change over time, so keep in close contact with your doctor or therapist. Talk to

your provider if your condition or needs change and be honest about your

symptoms and any medication side effects.

 Take your medication as instructed. If you’re taking medication, follow all

instructions and take it faithfully. Don’t skip or change your dose without first

talking with your doctor.

 Getting therapy. While medication may be able to manage some of the symptoms

of schizophrenia, therapy teaches you skills you can use in all areas of your life.

Therapy can help you learn how to deal with your disorder, cope with problems,

regulate your mood, change the way you think, and improve your relationships.
 Monitor your symptoms and moods. In order to stay well, it’s important to be

closely attuned to the way you feel. By the time obvious symptoms and psychosis

appear, it is important to keep a close watch for subtle changes in your mood,

sleeping patterns, energy level, and thoughts. If you catch the problem early and

act swiftly, you may be able to prevent the symptoms and initial episode of

psychosis from turning into a full diagnosis of schizophrenia.

 Develop a wellness toolbox. If you spot any warning signs of decline level of

functioning, withdrawal from friends, families, and hobbies and interests or

exhibit peculiar behavior, it’s important to act swiftly. A wellness toolbox

consists of coping skills and activities you can do to maintain a stable mood or to

get better when you’re feeling “off”. Take time for yourself to relax and unwind,

increase your exposure to light, exercise, talk to a supportive person, attend a

support group, call your doctor or therapist, write in your journal, and ask for

extra help from loved ones.

 Encourage vigorous exercise as this may improve a person's cognitive ability,

enhance emotional intelligence and improve quality of life.. Keep it simple at

first, such as walking with a friend. Gradually, work up to working out for at least

30 minutes a day on most days of the week.

 Limit or avoid caffeine as this can exacerbate positive symptoms, such as

delusions and hallucinations. Don’t drink a lot of soda, coffee, or tea. And take it

easy on chocolate, too, because it has caffeine.

 Reach out for face-to-face connection. Having a strong support system is essential

to staying happy and healthy. Often, simply having someone to talk to face-to-
 face can be an enormous help in relieving schizophrenia and boosting your

outlook and motivation.

 Encouraging to have adequate sleep. Being sleep-deprived can sometimes trigger

delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia. It can also be a sign of a flare-up of

symptoms. For instance, just a few nights of less sleep may mean that a manic

episode could be coming on.

FAMILY:

 Family need to understand that long-term treatment is necessary.

 Each family member should be educated with the prognosis of the disorder to

ensure that they understand the do’s and don'ts.

 Be an inspiration and a guide to the patient.

 Teach them to recognize early signs and symptoms of schizophrenia and onset od

psychosis and how to prevent them.

 Be a champion. Patients with schizophrenia, it can sometimes feel like the whole

world is against them . Assuring the person that you’re on their side can help them

feel more stable. You don’t have to agree with the person’s behaviors and actions,

but telling them that you’ll always have their back can be very beneficial.

 Listen, offering your acceptance and understanding. You don’t always need to

provide answers or advice to be helpful. As a family member with schizophrenia,

simply being a good listener is one of the best things you can do for them,

especially when they want to talk to you about the challenges they’re facing and

helping them feel more comfortable with their condition.

 Attend family therapy or family coping.

COMMUNITY:

 Teach about de-stigmatization and non-discrimination and promote positive

mental health environment.

 Promote mental health awareness and define roles of community members in the

recovery of patients with mental illness.

 Educate the importance of social inclusion in decreasing the risk of mental health

crises.

 Educate the community regarding their influence in a person’s sense of

belongingness, support system, purpose and roles which can help improve their

mental health.