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.
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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?
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Search for groups within your area or research groups that cater to women or Black individuals. These groups can provide you a space to vent and reflect on your experiences with those who might share the same ones.
You can also find best practices, recommend doctors, or suggested materials to read. However, be sure to maintain the current social ties you have with family and friends. If you are reading this for a loved one with schizophrenia, understand that your role in their life may change and adapt to this diagnosis.
Recognize what it means to care for some with schizophrenia and any challenges that may come with it. If you are the primary caretaker, consider finding a support group for yourself. With the expanding virtual capabilities, groups do not have to be within your immediate proximity which expands the options.
Finding Relief in Diagnosis, But Not Tying Your Identity To It
Like previously discussed, a schizophrenia diagnosis can bring some relief by providing an explanation for symptoms and episodes. However, feelings of shame and isolation can also come with it.
While a diagnosis is an important step in treatment, schizophrenia does not make up the entire patient’s identity. You are still the same person that walked into the doctor’s office - an artist, student, teacher, lawyer, child, etc. A diagnosis does not negate your values, progress, or life’s work - it simply gives you a different perspective.
Maintaining your identity after diagnosis may be difficult, but trying to stick to prior interests you had prior to diagnosis can help keep you more grounded. Creative endeavors like writing or painting can help express emotions while also letting your personality shine through.
While schizophrenia is one aspect of your identity, the condition does not overrule your entire being.
The first step to change is acknowledgment. A diagnosis plays an essential role in assembling a treatment plan and initiating the journey towards stabilization. While not easy, taking steps to understand your care plan, maintain social ties, and empower yourself can also be helpful tips to living with schizophrenia.
