A schizophrenia diagnosis can come from a variety of emotions – confusion, relief, shame, surprise, or anger. While diagnosis can help ease some worries, it also produces a big question – now what? What happens next?
Patients and their support group can find some solace in knowing the next steps after diagnosis and how to navigate the patient journey. Read through this article to begin your journey towards treatment, stabilization, and empowerment in your condition.
What to expect after a diagnosis
After a diagnosis, a patient typically is set-up with a personalized care team. The “head” of this team will usually be a psychiatrist who will guide your treatment plan and work with you to prescribe medications.
The care team can also include a social worker, psychiatric nurse, and case manager based on your condition and experience.
All members of your care team should be there to help navigate your diagnosis and make arrangements in other areas of your life in order to enable your healing. However, be sure to advocate for yourself or your loved one while talking to doctors. If you can, ask for second opinions regarding treatment.
Go into the appointment educated through reading materials and have some questions prepared beforehand. While treatment for schizophrenia is a lifelong commitment, being on top of your treatment plan, in the beginning, can make a huge difference in your lifelong treatment plan.
Living with Schizophrenia: Finding Support Outside of the Doctor’s Office
While medication is an important part of treatment, there are other holistic ways to help with the coping process. Number one is maintaining social ties. While a diagnosis can feel isolating, know that a diagnosis can also seamlessly connect you to a community.
According to the World Health Organization, schizophrenia affects more than twenty million people worldwide. Thus, there is a vast community of others living with the same condition. Want to find a community that is more niche?