Relapse

One surefire way to go into relapse is not taking medications. Why or how would that occur? Degree of insight into the illness, disorganized thinking (forgetfulness of a complex meds regimen), prescription costs, negative side effects, or stigma towards taking anti-psychotics. For the longest time I thought that I was in control of my problem and that nothing really was wrong: I wrote the symptoms off as other things (PTSD or anxiety). Then I took meds for another more acceptable problem (depression). I shouldn’t have hidden my symptoms for so long; but I was afraid.

What are other possible reasons for a possible relapse? Susceptibility to stressful interpersonal conflicts, adherence to the complex meds schedule, or discouragement are but a few. My family knows to watch for the signs of relapse: withdrawal from social situations, changes in sleep patterns or eating habits, staying focused, controlling behavior, being obsessive or compulsive, fear of common things or places, strange or risky behaviors, feeling targeted, or definitely seeing or hearing things that aren’t there.

It is difficult enough with all the possibilities of relapse; but the one we shouldn’t have to worry about is stigma. Myths and misperceptions are preventable.People with schizophrenia aren’t serial killers or don’t have split personalities. Shame, humiliation, and/or isolation need not be another things that people with schizophrenia need to cope with in addition to all the other reasons for relapse.