Can People With Schizophrenia Live Independently?

After they are diagnosed with schizophrenia, many people fear that they will never be able to live a full, independent life. While in the more extreme cases, it is likely that individuals suffering from schizophrenia will need constant supervision and care, this is not the case for everyone who has schizophrenia.

Understanding Schizophrenia in Order to Better Live With It

According to an article by Dr. Douglas E. Severance, understanding a few of the most important facts about schizophrenia can help people living with the disorder to better cope with their symptoms and therefore to live a more independent life. Some of these facts include:

• Early diagnosis and treatment leads to better outcomes
• Stay on the medication and therapy treatment plans recommended by their doctors and mental health professionals
• Continue long-term group therapy, especially peer to peer therapy, to learn how to manage the illness and take care of daily responsibilities
• Participate in vocational rehabilitation to learn money management and job skills
• Develop an understanding of the illness and how to prevent a relapse

Outside Support

Additionally, having the support of family and friends throughout the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery processes can provide the support necessary to maintain an independent lifestyle that is as close to “normal” as possible. Knowing that they always have someone to turn to and to lean on can be incredibly comforting and stabilizing for someone dealing with schizophrenia.

Another way for people with schizophrenia to live independently is to have the support of mental health and nursing professionals who can stop by and check in with their patients, ensuring that they are taking their medicines and caring for themselves properly.

Getting A Job

One important part of maintaining an independent lifestyle is the ability to hold a steady job and earn an income. Some people with schizophrenia greatly struggle with social skills such as communicating and maintaining relationships, skills which are necessary in getting and keeping a job. Other symptoms of schizophrenia which may impede working ability include memory trouble, lack of organization, and lack of awareness of their illness and its impact on themselves and others.

While overcoming these impediments can certainly present a challenge, many psychiatric rehabilitation programs offer services that can help people with schizophrenia land and maintain a job so that they can support themselves and live a more fulfilling life.

According to Dr. Severance, these job placement and rehabilitation programs are usually most effective in conjunction with regular, recommended therapy sessions and relevant support groups. This combination of private and public therapy allows schizophrenic patients plenty of opportunities to work on their communication and cognitive skills.

With all of these programs available to them, people with schizophrenia can learn to live independently by gaining specialized job training, money management training, and communication instruction.

Keep in Mind

It is important to remember that while some people with schizophrenia can manage themselves and live independently, there are others who require extra help in their self-care and should live with family, close friends, or in another supportive group setting.

For more information on how you or a loved one can remain independent while dealing with schizophrenia, reach out to us. We want to help you take back control of your mental health and wellbeing.