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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

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