Far from the clichés of wandering individuals or in a psychiatric hospital, many schizophrenic patients manage to lead a balanced and full life, sometimes in a high position. How to reconcile schizophrenia and professional career? Researchers at the University of Southern California directly interviewed the main stakeholders. In their study published in Psychiatrics Services, twenty patients provided their coping strategies to prevent and manage symptoms.
For many of them, it is above all to avoid stressful situations, alcohol and drugs, and to follow their treatment correctly. A challenge when we know that, because of the disease, people with schizophrenia may have difficulty perceiving that they need care. Patients also indicated that they favor contacts with people who support them and do not judge them. Working or pursuing university studies is experienced by some as distracting, and others find in it a feeling of belonging to a group: two rather positive effects on the general well-being.
A good life balance
Outside of the work environment itself, people with schizophrenia note that spirituality, physical exercise and diet are balancing elements in their life and are beneficial in their professional activity. Despite all these strategies, one in two patients admits having difficulty managing their daily life or experiencing hallucinations. The symptoms do not necessarily disappear, but they are not necessarily incompatible with leading a professional life.
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