Overview

Preventing a relapse

When you have schizophrenia, your symptoms can sometimes come back. This is called a relapse. There are things you can do to help prevent a relapse.

• Be active in your own recovery. Work with your doctor and take care of yourself.
• Take your medicine, even if you're feeling better. Not taking medicine is the main cause of relapse.
• Talk to your doctor about your medicines. If side effects are making your life hard, talk with your doctor to see whether you can try a different medicine. Your doctor may be able to change the medicine or how much you take.
• Stay in counseling or therapy. Go to your sessions, and continue with your recovery plan.
• Get support from family. If your doctor recommends family therapy, be sure to have all family members attend each session.
• Join a self-help or support group. Self-help and support groups are usually run by the members of the group, not health professionals.
• Find ways to reduce stress in your life.
• Avoid drinking alcohol or using drugs.
• Learn how to recognize the first signs of relapse. And share them with your friends and family. Have a plan for what you'll do when you notice signs, and get help right away. Common signs of relapse include:
  • Staying away from or not being interested in other people.
  • Forgetting things.
  • Having problems concentrating.
  • Daydreaming.
  • Not paying attention to what is going on.

Relapse action plan

An action plan says in writing what you can do to help prevent a relapse of schizophrenia and what you need to do if you have signs of a relapse. You will need the help of others to get through a relapse.

An action plan also lists the general signs of a relapse and those that may be special to you.

• Write down the common signs of a relapse. They include:
  • Staying away from or not being interested in other people.
  • Forgetting things.
  • Having problems concentrating.
  • Daydreaming.
  • Not paying attention to what is going on.
• Work with your doctor to find out if you have any special relapse signs.

An action plan lists things that need to be taken care of during a relapse. Think about:

• Who will take care of your children if you have any.
• Who will manage your money and finances.
• Which hospital or other facility you'd like to go to.
• Who to tell if you have a relapse.

Action plans also can include legal documents. Write these when you have few or no symptoms, and ask your doctor and lawyer to help you.

• An advance directive tells your wishes for treatment during a relapse. It can be very useful if you have severe symptoms of fear or suspicion of others during a relapse.
• A durable power of attorney says who will be in charge of making decisions when you can't decide things yourself. This document is very helpful if you refuse treatment during a relapse when you would otherwise accept it.
• A power of attorney lets you choose someone to help you deal with money during a relapse. Find someone you trust to co-sign financial documents, such as credit card applications or mortgages, to protect yourself financially while you are having a relapse.