I am sick due to mental illness Schizophrenia.
I am unable to think properly. I studied up to BA but could not pass.
I am unmarried at 53 and under psychiatric treatment since 1988. Is there any way to lead a peaceful life?

Ans: Dear A, I can only imagine what you are going through. Do you want to feel better not for anyone else, but for yourself?

Break this mould that you are in please. You already have by sharing here on this platform. So that’s a courageous step towards a better life.

How can you do this?

This may sound very instructional, but since you aren’t a client that I work directly with, this is something I can offer you on top of my mind.

Firstly, please work with a Psychiatrist who also believes in alternate intensive Mind Therapy that you absolute need right now.

They need to work in tandem for you to get to a better state. There will be a point in time when the medication can be weaned off as the alternate therapy starts to work on you. That’s why both these experts need to see eye to eye and work for you and with you and not stick to their ground. Please touch base with groups/friends who can help you

In the interim, do the following almost like a prescription…it can be an ally to you.

• I want you to cover your walls with pictures of positive quotes and images that you can see first thing in the morning
• Hang out with people who nurture and nourish you
• Eat only freshly cooked food without preservatives
• Everyday pen down 5 things that you are grateful for
• Spend time with Nature; walk barefoot on grass, immerse your hand into water for a few minutes everyday and let go of what doesn’t serve you
• Spend time going back into places in your mind when you actually were happy; celebrate it

And most importantly, move in with your family and allow them to step into care for you till you are back on your feet.

Please take care and I wish you a good healing.

Ans: I'm sorry to hear that you're going through a difficult time with your spouse and son. It sounds like the arguments and lack of consensus are causing you a lot of stress and impacting your health. It's important to prioritize your health and seek support if needed.

It might be helpful to try and have an open and honest conversation with your spouse and son about how you're feeling and see if there's a way to work together to improve the situation. It could also be beneficial to seek professional support, such as therapy or counseling, to help you manage your stress and emotions.

Additionally, taking care of your physical health through regular exercise, a healthy diet, and enough rest can also help improve your overall well-being. It's important to remember that it's okay to ask for help and take steps towards finding peace and happiness in your life.

Ans: Dear Shubham,
- Exercise for at least 40 mins at least 4 times a week
- Get a bit of sun exposure (avoid 11 am to 4 pm) every day
- Choose your social circle wisely
- Journal your thoughts or experiences of the day
- Make a playlist for peppy songs to play on a loop
- Watch content on OTT platforms that uplifts you
- Spend time in silence at least for 30 mins every day
- Spend time with pets (if you love that) and/or with Nature
- Indulge in what you love to do every day for at least 20 mins

All the best!

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
It is difficult to live with anyone who has a mental health issue.
But since this happens to be your spouse one of your core relationships), I am going to request you to push your threshold a little more.
- make sure that she gets the necessary treatment and is taking her medications regularly
- take care of your health and mind and if needed reach out to a professional to guide you

Yes, at times things can get very tough and perhaps even frustrating BUT don't give up...your life needs to be managed around the situation that you are in.
Along with the suggestions made above, make sure that you have a life out of this as well...which means, indulge in hobbies, travel, have a large social circle...this will give you the much needed respite from the challenges that you are facing at home. Life is about navigating around these challenges and yes, they are not easy BUT with a few coping strategies, it is possible to bring some calmness around and with you.

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/