Living with Schizophrenia Long-Term: What Stable Management Can Look Like

There’s no doubt that living with schizophrenia presents some challenges. But the good news is that long-term stability and recovery are possible with a commitment to ongoing care. This means people with this condition can live a long and meaningful life.

That said, every journey is different. Some may experience remission of their symptoms, while others will continue to have symptoms and need additional support. In either situation, recovery is possible and should be focused on personal goals and quality of life.

If you or your loved one are living with schizophrenia and just starting to see some stability in the recovery process, you may be wondering what’s next. Here’s what you need to know about long-term stable management of schizophrenia.

What Does Stable Management Look Like?

One common misconception about schizophrenia recovery is that it involves complete symptom remission. But, recovery isn’t that easily defined. It’s an ongoing process, not a one-time destination.

It’s also highly individualized. This means that “successful” recovery will look different for everyone. Mental health professionals recommend focusing on reducing the influence that schizophrenia has on you or your loved one’s well-being, rather than focusing only on resolving symptoms.

Here are some key elements that can help you or your loved one work toward recovery.

The Right Treatment Plan

When someone is first diagnosed with schizophrenia, it’s easy to get discouraged. Finding the right treatment can take time and patience. But recovery is possible, especially when the condition is treated early.

In fact, with early diagnosis and treatment, it is possible to recover from psychosis. For some, this may mean that they never have another episode of psychosis. For others, it may mean that symptoms may return, but ongoing treatment can help support long-term stability.

Your medication management should be tailored to your specific needs. This means that your healthcare team works with you to find the appropriate type and dose of medication. This can help address your symptoms and reduce psychosis.

Antipsychotic medications are a primary treatment for schizophrenia. Continuing treatment after symptoms improve helps reduce the risk of relapse. Antipsychotics are available as oral medications and long-acting injections. Long-acting injectable antipsychotics may be an option for people who prefer them or have difficulty taking oral medication consistently.

Long-term medication management can include:

• Regularly attending follow-up appointments
• Taking your medication as prescribed
• Letting your provider know about any side effects or symptoms you have
• Completing health-monitoring such as labwork and other testing to monitor for potential medication-related effects

Remember, you may need to try different medications or therapies before you find a treatment plan that suits your needs.

Even if you’ve been on a stable treatment plan long-term, there’s always a chance your treatment could change. If your symptoms worsen or you experience intense side effects, your provider may recommend switching medication.

Committing to finding a treatment plan that works for you is the first step toward achieving long-term stability.

Therapy, Education, and Support

A long-term treatment plan involves more than just taking medication. It can also include:

• Ongoing therapy to help with social skills and stress
• Learning how to identify signs of relapse
• Building life-management skills

These can help improve well-being, build confidence, and promote independence — all of which can help support you as you work toward symptom stability.

Different types of therapy can help you manage schizophrenia over time. Individual psychotherapy, for example, can help you develop ways to cope with symptoms, manage stress, and handle everyday challenges.

Family therapy can also help your loved ones better understand schizophrenia, improve communication, and learn how to support you. Talk to your healthcare team about which types of therapy might be most helpful for your needs and goals.

Personalized Goals

Once you’re on the right treatment plan, symptoms may start to stabilize. Then, the focus can shift to other priorities, such as:

• Improving daily functioning
• Building relationships
• Setting personal goals

This might mean:

• Continuing your education
• Building a career
• Living independently
• Improving your communication skills
• Spending time with loved ones

The key is staying on track with your treatment plan, following up with your healthcare team regularly, and developing healthy habits that help you achieve those goals.

Support from Loved Ones and Care Team

Creating a solid support system is important in the long-term management of schizophrenia. The right care and support can ensure you or your loved one remains healthy, but it’s also important for your overall well-being.

People who have larger or stronger support networks may experience fewer symptoms and better overall functioning.

Identify Your Personal Goals

For many people with schizophrenia, the overarching goal is to lead a productive and meaningful life. How exactly that’s defined will vary from person to person. So, think about your goals and what you want your everyday life to look like.

Then, you can put a plan together that helps you achieve those milestones. Here are some goals you may consider.

Maintain a Job or Finish School

Getting a job or continuing your education is a realistic goal for many people with schizophrenia. Researchers have found that 90 percent of people with schizophrenia want to work or return to jobs they had before diagnosis.

One way to find a job is to look for supported employment opportunities through state agencies, county boards, or local community programs. These opportunities, which spread across the U.S., are provided using the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model.

As for education, there are many services available under the Americans with Disabilities Act that may be available to make education an easier undertaking. These services include things such as:

• Modified testing
• Extended time on exams
• Training for effective learning habits

Find Stable Housing

Safe and affordable housing is an important part of recovery. Not only can it provide stability, but it also should be a safe space to work toward your goals.

When looking for housing, consider your specific needs. Options can vary from living alone to 24/7 care. The type that’s best for you will depend on whether you could benefit from daily assistance.

Here are some options:

• Supervised group housing — This type of housing offers the most support and has staff available 24/7 to assist with medication, meals, transportation, treatment management, and more.
• Partially supervised group housing — This housing has staff, but they aren’t there around the clock. People who choose this housing option can perform daily tasks and may even hold a part-time job.
• Supportive housing — People in these group homes live almost independently and aren’t visited by staff very often. But they do offer someone to call or other resources if help or assistance is needed.
• Living with a caregiver — This option is best for people who have a loved one or caregiver who can provide daily support that is tailored to your needs.
• Independent living — This type of housing can include renting or home ownership and is suited for for those who don't need regular assistance.

Foster Good Relationships and Participate in the Community

There’s no doubt that schizophrenia can cause isolation and loneliness. That’s why it’s so important to be engaged in a community of peers who understand what you’re going through. Not only can they offer support, but they may also be able to offer advice based on their own experiences.

Engaging in social activities is a big part of long-term recovery. Look for support groups that can help you build relationships and navigate the challenging moments.

Here are some organizations that can help you find a support group:

• Schizophrenia and Psychosis Action Alliance
• Mental Health America and the National Alliance on Mental Illness
• Clubhouse International

Remember There Is Hope

Living with a severe mental health condition is hard. But don’t underestimate the power of hope.

When life with schizophrenia feels difficult, remember that people often get better with treatment, problems can often be worked through, and you have strengths that can help you move forward.

Many people with schizophrenia who receive the right care get better over time. Remember that treatment is available and it can help. If you’re on a treatment that isn’t working well for you, there are other options to consider.

Also, for any challenges that arise, there are options for how they can be addressed. There are a variety of medications and therapies to try and there are many support programs available.

If you ever feel like you’re out of options, talk to your healthcare provider, therapist, or any person on your care team. They can help you uncover options you might not know about.

Remember, every person has their own strengths. If you’re a caregiver or loved one of someone with schizophrenia, it’s important to identify and celebrate these strengths in your loved one. This can help them move forward, toward a path of stability.