In the summer of 2026, I will celebrate the 18th anniversary of my complete recovery from schizophrenia. When I was diagnosed in 2007 I was told I would be permanently disabled, but today I am fully recovered.
Thomas Insel states that recovery in schizophrenia involves “people, place, and purpose” (1). Today I enjoy many close relationships with my family and friends. I live independently in my own apartment and spend my days balancing a full-time job with my favorite hobbies.
Here are some of the things I prioritize self-care during my recovery.
Medicines
The basis of the life I enjoy today is my antipsychotic medication. I have never missed a night antipsychotic since I decided to take it in 2007. I plan to get the medicine from the pharmacy as soon as possible. When I travel, I carry extra pills in both my pocket and purse.
When I travel on the West Coast, I usually go to bed early, and I take my medicine three hours before Eastern Standard Time. This medicine keeps my blood levels stable. It is important to take the medicine at the same time every day.
Diet and exercise
I believe in my health diet keeps me sharp and active. I try to eat green, leafy vegetables, blueberries and other fruits every day, and drink milk for calcium and protein. I enjoy eating salmon, which is one of the healthiest sources of vitamins and protein.
Many people living with schizophrenia have a drug-induced condition called metabolic syndrome. This can be associated with weight gain and high blood sugar, and people can sometimes gain a lot of weight even if they don’t eat more calories than usual before taking the medication.
My first antipsychotic made me gain 20 pounds very quickly. I remember the greedy, uncontrollable appetite. A few hours after eating a big breakfast, I felt like I hadn’t eaten at all that day.
It is important to note that there is no biomarker or test that determines who will be at what weight antipsychotics.
Today I am on another antipsychotic medication which has helped me lose some of what I was on before and stopped the metabolic syndrome from developing. But I have to work on it to manage my weight. I fast from time to time and avoid sweets.
People, place and purpose
People struggling with schizophrenia often isolate themselves. I remember living outside homeless and paranoid, spending days without seeing anyone I knew. And the people I thought were friends were really just acquaintances. I developed a cycle where I would spend time with people I met at parks or libraries, then cut them off, paranoid that they might suspect I was homeless. Without a stable place to live, a healthy relationship was almost impossible.
Today, in recovery, I make it a priority to meet friends for a meal or coffee on a regular basis. I attend church every week, where I enjoy being with people I have known for years. From time to time, I volunteer with my church and give food to the homeless, which allows me to help others who are going through the same hardships that I went through.
Over the years I have learned the importance of balancing myself social life with work and hobbies.
When I was young, my life was unbalanced. I practiced violin and piano for up to four hours a day. It was very isolating because I refused parties and social gatherings and preferred to be alone.
Today, I don’t practice much, but I enjoy playing in church services. I like teaching piano. Music relaxes me and makes me happy.
What I do makes me excited to get up every morning. I am the founder and president of a non-profit organization that provides information and hope to families. I feel like I’m contributing. I try to save my energy so I can give it my all.
A full-time job gives me many opportunities to meet interesting people who enrich my life.
One of the greatest joys I’ve had working with a nonprofit over the past few years is meeting people like me who are thriving despite their schizophrenia. When we share the stories of our travels, we learn from each other.
Summary
Self-care is essential for everyone to help them feel their best. As I get older, my good choices keep my mind active and sharp, so I hope I can continue to enjoy helping others.
