Guidelines for People Who Have Psychotic Symptoms
1. Understand your symptoms and their treatment.
- Ask your doctor or therapist for information about symptoms, medication and other treatments.
- Keep a record of your symptoms and the treatment you have received
- Don’t blame yourself or other people for your illness.
2. Get the best treatment for your symptoms.
- Find and stick with a psychiatrist you can trust.
- Take medication as prescribed.
- Tell the psychiatrist or your family about the effects of medication.
3. Learn how to manage your symptoms from a good therapist or program.
- Learn to control your own thoughts and feelings.
- Remove yourself from stress that feels overwhelming.
- Use time alone to quiet yourself.
- Learn to recognize the early signs of relapse.
- Ask for help when you need it.
4. Have and work towards realistic goals.
- Go slowly but steadily towards being what you want to be.
- Know your limits (what you can’t do now).
5. Do something constructive every day.
- Help someone.
- Make something.
- Fix something.
- Learn something.
6. Be with and talk to friends or family every day.
- Dress and talk normally.
- Discuss important issues only when you are relaxed.
- Don’t talk about odd ideas or experiences, except to people who understand you and your symptoms.
7. Be physically active every day.
8. Be as independent as possible.
- Cherish your good days and the things you can do.
- Live the most complete life you can.
- Get out of your home for a while every day.
- Be close—but not too close—to your family.
9. Avoid street drugs and alcohol.
Source: Dr. Christopher S. Amenson, Pacific Clinics, 128 East Palm, Monrovia CA 91016