Schizophrenia is a serious mental health condition with a wide range of symptoms that affect the way you think, feel, and act. Depending on the severity, schizophrenia can be disabling. But the right treatments can ease symptoms and make it possible to live well with the condition.

Once you or your loved one has been diagnosed, you may be referred to various specialists for treatment. Schizophrenia often requires a team of professionals who manage different aspects of treatment, with the goal being early intervention after first-episode psychosis (meaning the first time schizophrenia symptoms appear). This is often referred to as coordinated specialty care.

Your or your loved one’s treatment team may also recommend various lifestyle changes and self-care activities to try alongside your treatment, which can keep symptoms at bay.

Here are some lifestyle changes you can make right away.

• Identify and avoid your triggers. Factors like alcohol, drugs, stress, and lack of sleep can trigger a worsening of symptoms.

• Get enough sleep each night. As mentioned, a lack of sleep can make schizophrenia symptoms worse. But the condition itself can make it hard to get good sleep every night. If you’re frequently having trouble falling or staying asleep, talk to your doctor.

• Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs. People with schizophrenia have an increased risk for substance abuse issues, which can worsen symptoms.

• Exercise regularly. Any physical activity that you enjoy — from a calming walk or yoga routine to an intense run or weight-lifting session — can help you cope with your symptoms.

• Eat a balanced diet. Although diet can’t cure schizophrenia, some research suggests that a nutritious diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, and legumes may help manage certain aspects of schizophrenia, such as weight gain from medications, or any coexisting medical conditions.

• Learn effective ways to manage life’s stresses. Science-backed relaxation techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, yoga, and meditation can help curb stress in your life.

• Make time for activities you enjoy. Your hobbies can offer emotional expression and healing, lessen isolation, increase your self-esteem, and improve your quality of life.

• Lean on your support system. The people in your life — like family or friends — can often provide support. It could also help to join a support group, which can allow you to connect with others facing similar challenges.

Even if you or your loved one is receiving treatment, you may need to reach out for additional medical help at times. Get medical help immediately by contacting 911 or your treatment team if you or your loved one experiences any of the following:

• Worsening or more frequent hallucinations or delusions
• New feelings of anxiety or depression, or being unable to get out of bed for days
• An inability to complete hygiene tasks like bathing
• Thoughts of hurting yourself or someone else

Community and family support can make a huge difference when you're living with schizophrenia. These organizations offer support groups, schizophrenia resources, and information on the latest research findings.

National Alliance on Mental Illness

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers information on schizophrenia, including educational videos, webinars, and podcasts. They offer resources to help you find stable housing, a mental health professional, and support groups.

Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance

Through research, education, and advocacy, the Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance (S&PAA) aims to support people with schizophrenia through peer support groups and a free resource line.

Mental Health America

Founded in 1909, Mental Health America offers screening, support, education, and resources for people with mental health conditions like schizophrenia. Specifically, it offers “warmlines,” therapeutic activities like an “Overcoming Negative Thoughts,” exercise, AI-based programs, and other mental health resources.

SANE Blog

The SANE blog publishes stories about people living successfully with schizophrenia. Read about their journeys and how they cope with their symptoms.

• Primary Care Provider Your primary care provider, who you likely see for the majority of your health needs, can help you manage certain health risks associated with schizophrenia. These include an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, due partly to weight gain that can happen as a result of medications like antipsychotics.
• Psychologist Like psychiatrists, psychologists can offer psychotherapy for mental health conditions like schizophrenia. But most psychologists cannot prescribe medication.

• Social Worker A social worker can help you live independently by providing assistance with securing housing and government benefits, and directing you to helpful resources.

• Pharmacist A pharmacist can be a helpful resource if you have questions about your medications and their side effects.
• Case Manager Case managers coordinate your care between all healthcare providers. They often serve as your main contact for care-related questions.

Finding out that you or a loved one has schizophrenia can be a lot to process. Know that there are effective treatments available to help your or your loved one manage symptoms and live well with the condition. You’ll work with a care team to create a plan that may include medication, therapy, psychosocial interventions, and lifestyle changes.