Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a prevalent mental health condition that can significantly disrupt an individual's daily life. It is imperative for patients to promptly seek medical attention and undergo treatment. Alongside professional medical care, self-care practices are equally vital, with family members playing a pivotal role in supporting and assisting the patient. Continuous encouragement, support, and regular psychological interactions are essential. Additionally, patients can engage in self-assessments, such as monitoring symptoms related to neurasthenia. This article delves into conducting self-assessments for schizophrenia and presents four preventive measures.

1. How to Self-Assess Schizophrenia

Several symptoms may indicate the presence of schizophrenia. Firstly, patients may experience neurasthenia symptoms, including headaches, insomnia, frequent dreams with easy awakening, forgetfulness, inattention, physical manifestations like semen leakage or menstrual irregularities, and fatigue. Despite discomfort, patients may neglect seeking medical help due to the absence of acute pain. Secondly, abnormal behaviors and movements, such as silence, unresponsiveness, hesitation, lack of facial expressions, preference for solitude, avoiding social interactions, self-talk, or performing bizarre actions, may be observed. Thirdly, personality changes manifest as unreasonable anger over trivial matters, suspicion towards others, and a belief that everyone is against them. They may also become overly attentive to unrelated conversations. Lastly, a decline in willpower, negligence in work or studies, a lack of responsibility, and reduced ambition or enthusiasm for life may be evident.

2. Four Methods for Preventing Schizophrenia

Firstly, learning to self-regulate and alleviate stress from work and study pressures is crucial. By organizing work efficiently and maintaining a work-rest balance, individuals can prevent overexertion, enhancing work efficiency and guarding against mental illnesses. Secondly, fostering an optimistic personality significantly reduces the risk of schizophrenia. Although personality change is challenging, maintaining a positive outlook benefits mental health. Thirdly, effective interpersonal relationships are vital for prevention. Being tolerant, understanding, and avoiding petty disputes in personal and professional relationships, especially within families, colleagues, neighborhoods, and subordinate relationships, is essential. Lastly, avoiding overstretching oneself by accepting tasks beyond one's capabilities and refraining from stubbornness or rigidity are crucial to preventing schizophrenia.

3. Methods for Self-Regulation in Schizophrenia

Firstly, avoiding exposure to stimulating or frightening situations is critical to managing schizophrenia symptoms. Creating a peaceful environment fosters emotional stability and prevents schizophrenic episodes. Secondly, a noisy or chaotic living environment can exacerbate schizophrenia. Family members should provide a serene and comfortable environment or consider rural treatment options to shorten illness duration. Thirdly, dietary adjustments are important. Avoiding spicy, stimulating foods, smoking, and drinking, while maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, is beneficial. Lastly, the support and assistance of others, particularly family members, are vital for recovery. Encouragement, support, and psychological communication create a harmonious environment conducive to the patient's healing process.