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