Mental Health Wellness Strategies

Wellness is essential to mental health recovery when you’re living with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Work with your doctor and treatment team to create a plan for overall wellness and talk about what might work for you.

Start today by

Setting reachable goals, both short term and long term
Making small changes, like eating better, taking a walk around the block, or quitting smoking
Taking it one day at a time to improve your physical health and well-being

Meet With a Primary Care Physician Regularly

Get yearly checkups and laboratory tests to identify changes in your health. People taking antipsychotic medication should have blood work to check for cholesterol, lipids, and triglycerides, as well as a diabetes test at least once a year, or more often if in a high-risk group.

Create a Healthy Routine

Developing healthy habits can help you feel more stable and improve your mental health.

Get enough sleep
Quit smoking
Eat healthy and exercise
Take your medication regularly as prescribed

Manage Stress

Stress is a part of life, but too much stress can affect your body and make you feel run down. It is important to understand the cause(s) of your stress and find ways to help manage it, such as:

Relaxation techniques, such as yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises
Talking to people in your support network
Being creative (writing poetry, creating art)

Listening to music
Writing in a journal
Doing other activities you enjoy

Avoid Alcohol and Illegal Drugs

Using drugs and alcohol can worsen your mental health symptoms and increase the chance of relapse or other physical health conditions. Talk to your treatment team about available substance abuse programs and how you can get help.

Have a Safe and Stable Home

Not having a safe and comfortable place to live can contribute to health problems and make it difficult to stay on track with your recovery. Talk to your treatment team to find supportive housing in your area that meets your needs.

Reach Out for Support

Connecting with others and developing positive relationships can help improve your mood and well-being.

Mental Health Recovery