Recognizing a Relapse in Schizophrenia

Even with the best medical and mental health care, and the best of intentions and efforts, schizophrenic relapses still happen.

Relapses can occur when you least expect them to, even after you have made significant progress in your recovery. It’s important to remember that if you relapse, it isn’t your fault. You live with a mental condition, and even though you may follow your medication and therapy regimens, you may still find yourself relapsing. That’s okay, and you can work through it: a relapse is just a part of the journey, not the end of it.

If you feel you may be relapsing, it is crucial that you tell a caregiver or a doctor when you first start experiencing symptoms. Don’t wait, even if you are unsure whether or not you are actually experiencing a relapse. If you are, catching the relapse early gives you the best chance at recovering from it.

Early signs of schizophrenic relapse can include:

• Social withdrawal
• Lack of sleep
• Sleeping too much
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Drastic changes in behavior
• Restlessness

If you notice symptoms of schizophrenia returning, call your doctor immediately. They can adjust your care plan by changing your medication or the types of therapy you are undergoing. When you begin to relapse, make sure you go to a safe space and call a loved one. Do not put yourself in harm’s way by forcing yourself to go to work or school. Ignoring the signs of relapse or trying to push through them is possibly the worst thing you could do in a relapse situation.

We want to see you beat relapse and recover as quickly as possible. Reach out for help in taking back control of your mental health.