Schizophrenia is not a very common mental illness but is a severe mental disorder. People suffering from this disorder are out of touch with reality, which affects their personal and societal relationships. They are generally delusional; they hallucinate and have a disordered behavioral pattern. This mental illness is incurable and stays for a lifetime. It is estimated that 1.5 million people suffer from the disease in the country. These are three ways to manage schizophrenia:

Choose the best treatment
Thankfully, there are various treatment options for this illness. Even though it stays on for the entire course of one’s life, with the right treatment, one can live independently and enjoy a good quality of life. To get oneself treated, it is essential to be honest about the condition, thoughts, and feelings with the medical professional.

The right nutritional choices
Nutrient-rich, balanced and healthy eating habits is a prerequisite to keeping schizophrenia and other mental illnesses at bay. If one is already suffering from this mental disorder, taking care of what they eat is even more imperative. Avoid red meat, saturated and trans fats, and simple carbohydrates.

Here’s a list of the foods to consume regularly:

Whole grains
Whole grains have antioxidant properties. They stop the beta-amyloid proteins from accumulating in the body. Beta-amyloid proteins are majorly responsible for mental disorders and illnesses.

Flaxseed
Omega-3 fatty acids are not naturally made by the body. But it is one of the essential nutrients required by the body. Several studies point out that Omega-3 fruitfully slows this disease’s progression and lessens the effect of symptoms.

Spinach
People with this mental disorder should keep their folic acid levels high because it helps manage the symptoms of the disease. Spinach, also known as the king of leafy green veggies, has a high folate content and, therefore, is a must-have component of the nutritional regime.

Brazil nuts
Various research has found that selenium is an essential mineral required by the body to activate different types of enzymes. A relationship between this mental disorder and selenium has been found. Consume Brazil nuts to keep the selenium levels optimized.

Beans
Beans are a good source of protein, and one must include them in your daily foods.

Nuts
To make food more Omega-3 rich, go for nuts and seeds like walnuts. Nutrients like Vitamins B6 and E, fiber, protein, potassium, magnesium, and polyphenols found in nuts also help manage the symptoms.

Probiotics
It is vital to keep the gut healthy. Hence, probiotics keep the bad bacteria out of the gut microbiome. Instead of dairy and whey products, it is best to consume yogurt, kimchi, etc.

Herbal tea
This ingredient contains antioxidants and neuroprotective properties that safeguard the brain. Hence, sipping herbal tea is advised.

Dark chocolate
Dark chocolates have higher concentrations of flavanols, known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Consumption helps reduce inflammation and takes care of the brain.

Saffron
Saffron has anti-diabetic effects and can stop metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance in patients suffering from this mental disorder.

Lifestyle choices
Lessen stress
Stress and anxiety tend to make the symptoms worse. This invariably affects mental and physical health, making one unwell. The ideal method of stress management is to keep the mind busy. However, depending on one’s condition, one may sometimes have to reduce personal, social, or professional responsibilities. Seeking help from a trusted source to get through such times is important.

Exercise
Physical exercises are great stress-busters. Taking a daily walk surrounded by natural greenery can help rejuvenate the mind. Similarly, swimming, bicycling, dancing, or yoga can improve mental and physical health.

Join a support/peer group
Mental illnesses like schizophrenia can push a person into isolation. It’s a natural mechanism of the body to keep away from relationships. Sometimes, the dear ones can seem pretty intimidating. Therefore, joining a support group helps. These groups have members suffering from similar conditions that one may be in. Therefore, they can better understand the thought process and what one having schizophrenia may be experiencing. One can open up in these groups because there are listening ears. This can help improve the condition productively. Additionally, one makes friends, enhances self-esteem, shows interest in self-managing the condition, and learns to recognize the initial signs of crisis.

Art therapy
Expressing thoughts, views, and feelings through drawings and paintings can make a crucial difference to one’s health. These are ways to heal better because creativity takes over the delusional thought process and helps accept the realities of life.

Engaging in things that you enjoy
This is an extension of art therapy. Some people are not fond of drawing and painting. They can choose to do anything they love, such as drama, theater, sewing, cooking, volunteering, DIY, music, dancing, etc. Such indulgences pamper the confidence and self-esteem levels helping one express their pent-up emotions and deal with them.

Sleep adequately
It is essential to get quality sleep every night. Being involved in physical activities helps in falling asleep faster and better.

These are the different self-care aspects that a patient with schizophrenia can indulge in for the holistic management of their condition. It is also essential to watch their eating habits and continue with their treatment to derive the best benefits.