In the summer of 2026, I will celebrate 18 years of complete recovery from schizophrenia. I was told in 2007 when I was diagnosed that I would be totally disabled, but today I am fully recovered.
Thomas Insel has said that recovery in schizophrenia involves “people, place, and purpose” (1). Today I enjoy close relationships with family and friends. I live independently in my own home and spend my days balancing between a full-time job and my favorite hobbies.
During my recovery, the following are the things I prioritize as self-care.
Medication
The mainstay of the life I enjoy today is my antipsychotic medication. I have never missed my antipsychotic at night since I decided to take it in 2007. I always plan to get my medicine from the pharmacy as soon as possible. When I travel, I carry extra pills on me, some in both my pocket and purse.
When I travel on the West Coast, I usually go to bed early and take my pills three hours earlier, as if I were on Eastern Standard Time. This keeps my medication blood levels stable. It is important to take the medicine at the same time every day.
Diet and exercise
I believe that I am healthy diet keeps me sharp and active. I try to eat green vegetables, leafy greens and other fruits every day and drink milk for calcium and protein. I eat salmon, one of the healthiest sources of vitamins and protein.
Many people living with schizophrenia have a drug-induced illness called metabolic syndrome. This can include weight gain and high blood sugar, and people can gain weight, sometimes a lot, even if they don’t eat more calories than they did before taking the drug.
My first antipsychotics made me gain about 20 pounds very quickly. I remember a guide, uncontrollable appetite. After a few hours of a big breakfast, I felt like I hadn’t eaten at all that day.
It is worth noting that there are no biomarkers or tests that determine who gains weight at what antipsychotics.
Today I am on another antipsychotic medication which has allowed me to lose some of the ones I was on before and has stopped me from developing metabolic syndrome. But in order for me to manage my weight, I have to work at it. I fast intermittently and avoid sweets.
People, place and purpose
People who struggle with schizophrenia often isolate themselves. I remember living outside homeless and paranoid, days where I didn’t see anyone I knew. And people I thought were friends were really just acquaintances. I developed a cycle where I would hang out with people I met at parks or libraries and then cut them off, paranoid they might wonder if I was homeless. Without a stable place to live, healthy relationships were almost impossible.
Today, in recovery, I make it a priority to meet a close circle of friends regularly for lunch or coffee. Every week I go to church where I enjoy meeting people I have known for years. Sometimes I volunteer with my church, feeding the homeless, which allows me to help others through the hardships I have experienced.
Over the years I have learned that my balance is important public life with work and hobbies.
When I was young, my life was out of balance. I practiced violin and piano for up to four hours a day. It became very isolating as I avoided parties and social gatherings and preferred to be alone.
Today I don’t practice that much, but I enjoy playing in church services. I enjoy teaching piano. Music relaxes me and makes me feel happy.
What I do makes me excited to get up every morning. I serve as the founder and president of a non-profit organization, helping families with information and hope. I feel like I’m contributing. I move carefully to conserve my energy so I can give my best.
Working full-time allows me to meet interesting people who enrich my life.
One of the great joys I’ve had over the past few years through my work with a non-profit organization is getting to know people like me who are thriving despite having schizophrenia. As we share the stories of our travels, we learn from each other.
Conclusion
Self-care is important for everyone to help them feel their best. As I age, I hope that my good choices will keep my mind active and sharp so that I can find joy in helping others.
