Schizophrenia Fatigue and Exhaustion
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 พ.ย. 2022
- Hi! My name is Stephen, and I've been surviving schizophrenia since falling ill in 2012 at age 12. My journey of surviving schizophrenia has been marked by extreme tiredness, a sense of loss for my childhood and former self, and social isolation. In this blog post, I'll discuss the challenges I've faced and the coping strategies I've developed to lead a fulfilling life despite these obstacles. Thank you for joining me on my life journey: Surviving Schizophrenia with Stephen.
The Struggle: Overcoming Schizophrenia and the Battle Against Fatigue and Exhaustion
Tackling Tiredness
One of the most significant challenges I face daily is extreme tiredness. This lack of energy may be a symptom of schizophrenia, a side effect of my daily medication (clozapine and aripiprazole), or both. To combat this tiredness, I've found the following strategies to be effective:
Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule
Engaging in regular, light exercise, such as walking or stretching
Eating a well-balanced diet rich in nutrients and energy-boosting foods
Discussing medication adjustments with my psychiatrist to minimize side effects
Addressing Depression and Anxiety
Living with schizophrenia often brings with it sadness, depression, and anxiety. These emotions can be overwhelming and exacerbate the challenges of living with the condition. To manage these feelings, I've found the following approaches helpful:
Engaging in talk therapy with a mental health professional
Practicing mindfulness and meditation to cultivate self-awareness and self-compassion
Connecting with support groups or online communities to share experiences and learn from others
Exploring the possibility of additional medications, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, under the guidance of a psychiatrist
Overcoming Social Isolation
Social isolation is a common struggle for individuals living with schizophrenia. This isolation can stem from various factors, including the condition's symptoms, mental illness stigma, and personal fears or anxieties. To tackle social isolation, I've worked on the following:
Gradually increasing my social interactions, starting with trusted friends and family members
Participating in support groups or community activities to meet others with similar experiences
Engaging in hobbies or interests that promote social interaction, such as joining a club or attending classes
Challenging negative thought patterns or beliefs that contribute to feelings of isolation
Navigating Employment and Relationships
The challenges of schizophrenia can create barriers to leading a whole life, including finding and maintaining employment and developing meaningful relationships. To address these barriers, I've focused on the following:
Identifying my strengths and skills and seeking employment opportunities that align with these
Building a solid support network of friends, family, and mental health professionals to help me navigate work and relationship challenges
Communicating openly and honestly with potential employers and romantic partners about my condition and the support I may need
Seeking vocational rehabilitation services or other resources to enhance my employability and success in the workplace
Conclusion
Though living with schizophrenia since a young age has presented me with numerous challenges, I've learned that it is possible to lead a fulfilling life by developing coping strategies and seeking support from others. THANK YOU for joining me on my life journey: Surviving Schizophrenia with Stephen.
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It's good to share your feelings. You have had much to deal with in your life. I would call that a trigger what you are experiencing after listening to the party. I have triggers too and yes it makes me sad. Sometimes you just can't avoid it however you are making a difference for those who just need to know someone understands and is brave enough to talk about it.
Thank you Denise!
I lost my wife and new baby when I stopped taking my medication. I have schizoaffective disorder and was successful with medication for a decade. Then as part of the illness I stopped my medication. I started ignoring my life and being entranced with my delusions. I ended up getting divorced and don't get to see my daughter grow up. Thank you.
I’m very sorry to hear that. Thank you for sharing
Shit man, that is horrable, I am so sorry, this illness is hell, it takes so much, I hope that you are going to be ok, and go thru this hardship.
What were some of your delusions
@@johnrobbins7669 delusions that my wife was cheating on me and of oppression of the police department. Also that my medication was poison.
Hope you are able to see your daughter now. ❤️
Liked and subscribed. I'm in hospital pharmacy in the UK. These videos are amazing and show the truth from a persons perspective, while they deal with their illness day to day. Keep it up, these videos are more important than you may know. best of luck with your journey and god bless
Thank you very much Michael! Happy to have you here! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!
I’m sorry you lost so much. My heart breaks for you. Also the love between you and your father shines through your videos. You guys are too adorable. Have you ever tried intermittent fasting? My son is trying it and during the fasting period he has way more energy! I do it too.
Thank you! I have not tried intermittent fasting, but will look into it. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!
I'd say you do have a job. Making TH-cam videos take time, creativity and skill. Keep up the great work and thanks for helping us parents, loved ones gain insight. My son with schizoaffective disorder just started doing upgrading classes. It's mostly done via self paced with him going into a school once a week for help and tests.
Thank you for your meaningful comment Brenda!
Schizophrenia seems to be a spectrum disorder. You are showing us how it affects you day to day. Thank you for diving deep and describing what you go through, how you feel even when you are tired. Praying for breakthrough discoveries, better medications, treatments and therapies for people with schizophrenia. I really love your videos! I admire you so very much! God bless you and your family. Hang in there. Being human with or without schizophrenia is hard. To be human is to suffer, but with love, patience, forgiveness, hope, support and perseverance, we go on and uplift one another. Some days are better than others. Thank you for uplifting us, dear Stephen. Virtual hugs!!!!
Thank you very much Jean! Your words mean so much to me! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!
Man Stephen it broke my heart to see that video at the end. For me what triggers me the most is seeing beautiful girl and realising that i Will probably never have one in my life. It puts me in such suicidal mood and just seeing beautiful woman can put me in bed for days. It just hurt so much to see other having it so easy and you bearly live.
I understand all of your struggless, I dont work too and I dont know Will I be able to work, sometimes I can chat with people but sometimes my mind just cant stand being around people, so my social life is horrable. Ive lost 5 years cuz of this illness, and as time passes it is going worse and worse cuz recovery is rly slow. Brother I wish you from the bottom of my heart everything that your heart desire, I wish you all the happyness, health, love of this world. I am sorry that you have to struggle, I am so sorry man :(
Thank you very much Lazar! You get it
Hi Stephen! Insight, knowledge, awareness and understanding is so important for you and others that suffer with mental illnesses. Not that it makes your feelings of sadness disappear or any easier. You know your triggers which helps you untie that knot. That's an important part of therapy.
Awareness is Awakening for all.
Your sadness and other feelings you have is the same as the five cycles of grief. It's perfectly normal to have those feelings you're having, it is a good thing. You are taking care of your mental health for talking to us. You're taking care of your physical health. Please keep that high pulse rate in check. Maybe review your medication. I take propanolol that keeps my pulse rate, blood pressure, and pounding headaches at bay, it also helps with anxiety it may cause some tiredness but you can take it at bedtime as I do. I have had the sad feelings that I've missed out on some life experiences. Remember there's always new exciting doors to open., And you have begun to do that. You're learning how to surf those waves of high emotion.
Know that we are here for you. 💞
Thank you very much Pauline for your incredibly insightful comment! I take Propanolol on occasion as well. I even took 20mg yesterday. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!
I have autism and possibly schizophrenia. (Haven't been diagnosed, but I have a lot of symptoms.)
I understand how you feel with the high schoolers and not experiencing what they do. I feel the same way sometimes. I have a little brother who is still in high school, and a sister in middle school. I hear about their experiences and it makes me sad when I can't relate to them. I've been homeschooled most of my life and its incredibly lonely. I wish I could've gone to prom, homecoming, and all that. I wish I could've made friends.
In a nutshell, I feel you. Loved the video. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas (if you celebrate it.) :>
Thank you! What you said means a lot to me. Thank you also for sharing. That helps me too. Merry Christmas!
Hey Stephen.. I wanted to say I think you’re really brave. I have major depressive disorder and also an grieving the loss of my son (2021) and I can relate to this so much. I am also getting divorced and left my old family home.. I feel my life has changed so much and I grieve my old life, similar to the way you do.
As to jobs, I think your making these wonderful videos is a way more impactful and meaningful job - even than anything you might be doing today if you had not gotten schizophrenia. So thank you for being you, and so open. Oh and I get tired easily too.. we have to limit our tasks per day sometimes, and I think that’s ok! We need to do it for our mental health: ❤❤
I feel you Steven. You basically just took the words out of my mouth and I don’t feel so alone now. If you’re into music, check out John Maus :) Thanks for being so brave in making these vids!
Thank you Christina! I will look into his music!
I get really tired with my illness as well so hope you recover soon
Thank you Hayley! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!
This is a very important video Stephen. Trying to explain the unexplainable!
Maybe not everything can be explained and you just have to accept. You wisely indicate this.
I think with this illness you alway need an escape route from a situation though.
It helps to know that you can escape, and that it is ok to escape. Also that it's ok not to talk if you are in company. So much talk is about nothing. The wise man listens ( although sometimes its hard to listen too).
Having a wing man to turn to when you want to escape helps. This can be a designated person in a school, the work place, among family etc. Something like a hand on the shoulder of your wing man and a little squeeze to let them know you want to leave / are leaving for awhile. Some people flash a red card or other discreet item to let their wingman ( teacher, boss, family member) know they will be leaving.
This can be followed by stepping outside or going to the bathroom for a bit, or walking, having a cup of tea, playing a bit of pokeman, or getting the bus home. Most times knowing you can do this alone helps.
Having a plan means you don't avoid social situations altogether. Repeated exposure to social situations with an escape plan can help to reduce social anxiety. Your wing man can also help to draw you into conversation if you are out of practice ( but not over doing this so you get overwhelmed). As your Dad says, this is an invisible disability so others have no idea what you are going through. There should be some sort of bracelet that indicates generally, when people have an invisible disability.
Adrenaline builds up when you are anxious. That can increase heart rate ( among other things). I assume you are getting your heart assessed.
To get rid of adrenalin you have to move, fidget, do something! Your body thinks a lion is coming after it, if it is producing adrenalin. So listen to it, have an escape plan.
I don't want to try to explain the unexplainable but you can plan for the inevitable.
There is an internal chatter going on in all our heads all the time Stephen. In some it builds to an uncomfortable crescendo that needs a release/escape. Sometimes it gets fixed on something and wants to only dwell on that and if it can't it stresses and needs a release plan. So always have a strategy. Maybe rehearse what you are likely to encounter that day as part of this strategy and anticipate the obstacles and potential solutions. Discuss worries with someone.
Anyway these are my thoughts...
Thank you Noreen for your insightful comment! I agree that being able to remove yourself from stressful situations is very important. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!
Hi Stephen, is nice to see you. I think you should walk less miles. don't over exercise because of the high heart rate.i wish you the best.
Thank you Ismael! You might be right
Hi stephen, im so glad to see you and your dad. You have the greatest gift in life next to you. Just keep doing the best you can with this. This mental condition is so complex. Sending you a big hug.
Thank you! I really appreciate it! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!
I can identify with your tiredness. I suffer from anxiety myself, and I frequently feel exhausted from worrying about things for hours on end.
thanks steven for being so brave and so open. sending lots of love to you.
Thank you very much!
Really nice that your family support you, happy new year ❤️
Thank you! Happy New Year!
Thanks for being yourself. People are most lovable when they show their vulnerability. Learned that from Brene Brown.
Thank you B! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!
Steven you are a blessing!😇
I love your videos, they are a little disorganised, but that's part of the charm & you still get your point accress well.
Interesting video, Love the content! You are both inspiring in your moral reasoning and honesty just to name two things (:
Thank you Kristoffer!
I hope you kept hydrated while exercising
I will next time, thank you!
Hai stephen, keep going,happy for you
Thank you Kalai!
HI Stephen and Steve. I take clonidine for nightmares and propranolol, lisinopril and HCTZ for hypertension and Duloxetine for depression and Invega Sustana for schizophrenia. My heartrate is high and the meds are supposed to help but they don't. I have trouble getting motivated to exercise or do anything socially. Im sorry you feel that way too. Be well❤
😅I think a lot of disabilities tire very fast,and we have limited energy for interaction,it's exhausting with mental health or physical issues,yes it's complicated and hard for others to understand
Thank you ❤
Hey Stephen, I'd recommend taking a supplement like Krill Oil, one of the best forms of EPA/DHA, Omega 3. Also look into N-acetylcystine, it helps to balance dopamine in the brain and also helps the body make more glutathione a very powerful endogenous antioxidant. Those two supplements alone might help dramatically. 🙂✌️
Thank you for the suggestions, I will look into it!
Please if your dad isn’t aware, mention Xanomeline+Troposium (KARxt) and the new drug in development Ulotaront. They are very interesting new medications for schiz and related disorders. I’m sure your father would be really interested in researching them. Supposedly KARxt might act like the benefits of physical exercise on the brain and body, not sure but it sure seems to be a brand new approach to treat this.
Thank you
I take propranolol to keep my heart rate at 60 and it’s such a relief to not have my heart racing all the time…..but unfortunately I still get that feeling of exhaustion 😢
Maybe you should do an adrenal panel and check testosterone levels? I can imagine that the combination of meds is very draining on your system. A lot of people are on Clozapine alone and many Clozapine Pscyhiatrists say it is more effective alone.
Thank you Stephanie for sharing this information!
Is there anyway we can talk, I feel that I have information on helping you overcome due to helping others in your position
Thank you Dee, could you leave your information in the comments so others can see it. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!
April 1,23
Saying Benjamin - schizophrenia $200,000,000,000
You mentioned Steven getting a girlfriend.This is perhaps something you don't want to discuss in public,especially in front of a child.However the fact that the medication can have severe sexuel side effects must be mentioned.
Thank you Ronald
Why not? his channel?
Schizophrenia say Winter
Now you stop your medicine
Thank you, I still have to take my medicine
I pray 🙏 for you Stephen and family just know you have people who care for you and stay well and healthy and keep up the good work to keep yourself good health