Java Jolt: Managing Fatigue in Schizophrenia
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 มิ.ย. 2022
- In my daily life, surviving schizophrenia, I experience fatigue and sleepiness, adversely impacting my life and ability to engage in activities. Fatigue is a negative symptom of schizophrenia. Clozapine, which I take daily, may also cause fatigue. I discuss my daily routine from waking to breakfast with coffee for the caffeine and taking my medication at night. Exercise is important but something I struggle with immensely. The negative symptoms of schizophrenia are hard to treat.
Living with Schizophrenia: Combating Fatigue and Sleepiness in Daily Life
Introduction
Schizophrenia is a complex mental health condition that affects an individual's thoughts, perceptions, and emotions. While hallucinations and delusions are often the most recognized symptoms, negative symptoms like fatigue, sleepiness, and a lack of motivation can be equally disabling. This post will explore the challenges of living with fatigue and tiredness due to schizophrenia and the impact of medication like Clozapine. We will also discuss potential strategies and lifestyle changes to help manage these symptoms and improve daily life.
The Impact of Fatigue and Sleepiness on Daily Life
Living with schizophrenia can be challenging, and the negative symptoms can significantly affect one's ability to engage in everyday activities. Fatigue and sleepiness, in particular, can make it difficult to maintain a job, sustain relationships, and pursue hobbies. In addition, these symptoms can lead to a decline in overall quality of life and may exacerbate other symptoms of schizophrenia.
Clozapine and Fatigue
Clozapine, an atypical antipsychotic medication, is often prescribed for individuals with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. While effective in managing positive symptoms like hallucinations and delusions, Clozapine can also cause fatigue and sleepiness. Discussing these side effects with your healthcare provider, who may adjust your dosage or recommend additional medications to help manage these symptoms, is essential.
Morning Routine: Waking Up and Breakfast
A consistent morning routine can help set the tone for the day and improve overall energy levels. Waking up at the same time each day and engaging in a morning ritual, such as stretching or deep breathing, can provide a sense of stability and purpose. A nutritious breakfast with protein and complex carbohydrates can also help sustain energy throughout the day. Adding coffee or other caffeinated beverages to your morning routine may provide a temporary energy boost, but be cautious of overconsumption, as it may interfere with the effectiveness of your medication or exacerbate anxiety.
The Importance of Exercise
Regular physical activity, including mental health, is essential for overall health and well-being. Exercise has been shown to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and enhance cognitive function. However, for individuals experiencing fatigue and sleepiness due to schizophrenia, incorporating exercise into daily life can be challenging. Start with low-impact activities like walking or stretching and gradually increase the intensity and duration as your energy levels improve. Consistency is key, so aim for a manageable and sustainable routine.
Addressing Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia, such as fatigue, sleepiness, and a lack of motivation, are often more challenging to treat than positive symptoms. Therefore, working closely with your healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses positive and negative symptoms is essential. In addition to medication management, psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or social skills training, can help improve negative symptoms and overall functioning.
Conclusion
Living with schizophrenia and managing fatigue and sleepiness can be a challenging journey. It's crucial to recognize the impact of these symptoms on daily life and to work with your healthcare provider to develop a tailored treatment plan. Establishing a consistent morning routine, incorporating regular exercise, and addressing the negative symptoms through therapy can help improve the overall quality of life and make day-to-day activities more powerful and rewarding.
#schizophrenia #depression #mentalhealth #anxiety
The adrenal glands in people with schizophrenia are very overactive, leading to burnout, and thus, constant fatigue. Thank you for sharing your story.
Thank you for this information!
I am a schizophrenic, I understand your pain. May God give you strength to keep going
Thank you!
Thank you for joining us! Be well.
Steven, thank you!! So brave and inspirational. I have a 21 y old son w schizophrenia. I have a new understanding of what he experiences. Thank you so much!!
Thank you very much for sharing and your kind comment.
Thank you so much for taking the time to educate us. I have allot of energy but my son is so fatigued all the time. He just can’t put it into words. By you explaining it to us, it helps us understand our own situation.
Thanks that means a lot to me!
This is one of my biggest complaints to my psychiatrist (he’s also my therapist).
I feel like I have fatigue that those around me just really don’t understand. I don’t know anyone personally who is diagnosed like I am though. I never know if it’s schizophrenia or my medication.
Stimulants have thankfully have helped me a ton. I do understand the false sense of energy which I don’t really like but I don’t think I would be able to work if I didn’t take them.
Being around people is really hard for me too. I feel exhausted by interactions with others. Even for just a short time.
Thanks for a relatable video!
What kind of stimulants are you using, please?
Hello Steven, I so enjoy your videos. I'm so sorry that you stay tired. I can understand that. My son who is 42 experiences the same thing. He's been disabled since 2009 because of schizophrenia. His sleep isn't very good either. Life doesn't seem to be fair, but you seem to accept your disability and make the best of it. I appreciate your attitude....my son has lots of anger. It makes life hard for him and family at times. Take care, and keep encouraged. You look wonderful!
Thank you!
Hey Stephen! I also suffer from schizophrenia and struggle a lot with fatigue. I ended up getting addicted to caffeine and sugar while trying to have some sort of energy. :(
Exercising is really hard for me to find any motivation to do, but I manage to at least do something indoors at least two times a week. Eating healthy was a real struggle in the beginning because of the medication making me 'hungry' but never satisfied, but I managed to create a routine around food and stick to it.
It's not easy but we're tying our best and that's what matters most. I hope you keep finding ways to improve yourself! ♥
Thank you for joining my channel and sharing your story!
Thank you very much for joining us! Be well.
Look into keto or fasting....it gives the brain more sustainable energy. I see a huge difference
Thanks for sharing your experience Stephen. I have very similar experiences with waking up really late and feeling a bit tired through the day. I also take Clozapine and get knocked out in an hour to hour and a half of taking my night dose, same as you. Thanks for making this video and increasing mental health awareness 😊
Thank you for sharing your story!
I struggle with schizophrenia too. About a year ago I was so sleepy I couldn't walk to the kitchen. Its just something you learn to deal with. I was also struggling with memory loss and my emotions. Of course I was on all sorts of anti psychotics which contributed as well. I was on the max dose of Risperidone (8mg) and it zoned me out so much that I couldn't think for myself. I went to a new doctor and he did a gene test and found out that Risperidone is contra indicated for my specific gene make up. I was switched to a much lower dose of one that would work for me and I have come alive again! I felt like Rip Van winkle...waking up 8 years later and having to learn everything again. I didn't even know you could get internet on the cell phone. I'm only very slightly tired now and I am starting to repair my life in the aftermath. Just one more thing...the other thing I did was started vitB12 shots weekly. The anti psychotics zap your body of this particular vitamin. Might help a little bit--your neurologist can do the blood work to figure it out. If you covered all this in previous videos, so sorry...I haven't had time to see all of your videos yet.
Thank you for the great information. I will look into it. Thank you also for sharing your story! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!
Vitamin B12 gets drained by all psychoactive drugs, narcotics, nicotine, caffeine. You can get psychotic due to B12 deficite, so keeping that B vitamins in check is a good idea. Also goes for B3, B6, B9 and in case of alcoholism B1. I also found it very helpful to give my mom Omega 3 after I found out, she has been abused by psychiatry (no indication but got haloperidol shots - those are very harmful), 3 decades ago, her brain still gets better and her mood. So that also might not be a bad idea. Along with going for the lowest dose on those neuroleptics as possible (I don't call them antipsychotics). I actually put a lot of research in this topic because I wanted to help my mom.
@@kareendeveraux1847 Wow! you really have done your homework! I am guilty of taking more than one of those things (neuroleptics, caffeine and sort of with narcotics) I am on a relatively new narcotic that my neurologist wants me to take. It is supposed to not have the euphoric aspect even though it is technically still a narcotic. I have never even had the desire to take more than I should. It works beautifully for me even in severe episodes of pain. The neurologist also took me off of haloperidol immediately when he found out I had been prescribed that by my psychiatrist. For a while, my B levels were so low that I was taking B12 shots weekly. He is also the one who keeps my blood work balanced. He is actually my hero! He is the one who finally figured out that I was super overdosed on Rispiridone. If you know anybody in need in the Atlanta GA area....he is wonderful! Dr Hishum Mishu. He is at Midtown Neurology. I hope your mom is well and stable. Thanks again for all the research!
I have schizoaffective illness I love your videos,you give me hope and support.great video content Stephen.... ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Do you get a few minutes of sunshine every day? That is really important to alleviate fatigue and other symptoms.
My daughter uses a treadmill in the garage for about 40 minutes s night.
Also, it may help if you increase fruits and vegetables. Basically anti-inflammatory. That can help the schizophrenia and fatigue. Also eliminating gluten, because that can be a source of inflammation for a lot of people. Inflammation contributes to the severity of a lot of illnesses, including Schizophrenia.
I’m glad you are doing so well. Hopefully, you can find a way to improve your energy, but you are clearly doing well with managing the Schizophrenia.👍🏻
Thank you very much for your suggestions and for sharing! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day.
@@SurvivingSchizophrenia You are so welcome!! Hope you have a great weekend!
Thanks so much for sharing so important information Amigo ! Take care and stay strong!
Thanks, you too!
Awesome Vid... stay strong
I can identify with a lot your saying. My first experiences with antipsychotics were the worst. Haldol was proably the worst. I found haldol teatment to be debilitating. My energy has improved over the many years and through use of other medications. I also love that first cup of coffee in the morning. It is actually the high point of my day and when I actually feel good. : )
I have strong anxiety and obsessive thoughts and I can understand everything you are saying.
Hi Stephen. I love your videos. They make me feel not so alone. I’m also on Clozapine (and other meds too). I’m always tired but find it hard to sleep at night without extra meds to knock me out.
Thank you Hannah for sharing and for joining my journey. I really appreciate it. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!
Once again thanks for the insight and for your honesty and bravery. hope you are having a good day.
Thank you very much for your kind comment and support! I am having a good day today!
Great video content, love your video looking forward to the next one...!
Thank you!
Thank you, Lora, for joining us on this journey. Take care.
Your an amazing human being thank you sooo much for having the courage to speak your truth as you do. It gives people the courage to persever through the emotions and thoughts. Keep spreading love light and happiness.
Thank you so much for your encouragement and support. It really means a lot to me.
I have a friend who has a had big turnaround thanks to clozapine, and she just started Ritalin. It's only big a week, but she hasn't shown much improvement so far as enough energy to drive for example.
I have Schizoaffective disorder. Went through fatigue before, was awful. Thanks for sharing this info..
Surely you will find solutions! Life is full of treasures, gifts and powerful tools.
Thank you for the inspirational comment!
Absolutely inspirational!! Thank you! Have a great day.
Caffeine creates stress not energy. Not only that after the buzz wears off you are tired and need another hit of caffeine to "wake up". Cut back on caffeine and use just a small amount a day. Use a little green or black tea once a day.
Thank you for the advice!
KUDOS to U Brother for Sharing Ur Problem.......My Mother is Also Schizophrenic and She too feels the SAME as U
Thank you for your support and for sharing.
God bless you ❤️
Thank you very much!
I am trying to help someone with this but also I have a different disability that makes me exhausted!you explain so well
Helo everybody me i am on 300 g of clozapine for 21 years you have to believe in yourself you can beat the side effects even the bloodchec
Can go i am a fulltime salesmen and was only out of business for 9 months in those years the less to think about the side effects the better Strength everybody
Thank you
I understand your exaustion
Thank you
From personal experience, I am convinced the main cause is the side effects of the medication.
Thank you for your comment!
I’m not schizophrenic, but take similar meds for PTSD and they make me extremely tired as well.
I understand you Stephen I was so tired without energy but I started to drink mate and I feel far better than before I am accepting my diagnosis of schizophenia ,it is so hard
Thank you. Stay strong!
I'm interested to know what kind of Matty you buy and drink I would like to do this for my son,.
@@SurvivingSchizophrenia hello I drink taragui mate and now I am studying at the University ❤I sleep 8 hours and I am with energy
@@melanielynnrkein6231 taragui mate
I would be interested if you asked your doctor if drinking taragui mate would be okay and if you might try it. I can't wait for KATxt to finally be approved by the FDA. It's supposed to be out in August. In its 3 trials it proved to target the negative symptoms and I'd love to see it positively affect you. My sister is still very symptomatic, so I'd love to see if it could completely stop the delusions and also get rid of her negative symptoms. Did I mention how awesome my sister is? I love her to pieces and I want to best in her and I also hope for the best in you. Honest to G-d. You didn't deserve this and neither did she and neither does anyone else.. stay strong as you always have! xo Helen
Thank you Helen! I will ask my doctor. I appreciate you sharing your suggestion!
@@SurvivingSchizophrenia I wrote the name of the new medication wrong. KARxt by Karuna. Research it. It was first developed for people with Dementia and targets receptors that none of the medications for schizophrenia target. It's excellent that it's even getting to the threshold of the FDA because the cost of getting meds through rigors and trials is so expensive, many can't do it. I hold hope with it.
I'm tired a lot too. It makes it hard to work a full time job.
Thank you for sharing! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day
I found it I can manage my schizophrenia but I switched at a ketogenic carnivore diet and ditched all carbs, sugar and caffeine. As a highly sensitive person I find the cleaner I eat and live the better I do.
Thank you very much for sharing. I agree that eating cleaner definitely helps people live better! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!
Hi Stephen, my name's Alex I'm Bipolar 1 and I also have a hard time telling sometimes if I am tired because of my medication or because of depressive symptoms. I take lithium, loxapine (which is similar to clozapine), and Prozac. What dose of clozapine are you on?
I take 175 mg of Clozapine a day
Thank you very much for joining us, Alessandro. Have a good day and be well!
I know this sounds like a dumb question but what are the effects of including exercise like what if you just got to hulk strength would you naturally have more energy and cut it potentially make schizophrenia less intense? Cuz if you had more energy but I don't know
Exercise has been really helpful in improving my mental health
Thanks Stephen , you are so brave , may I know the dose of clozapine you are taking?
Thank you I appreciate it! I am taking 175mg of Clozapine per day
Stephen can you make video about cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. For me my worst symptoms are cognitive. It affects my life so much. I am not even capable to be around people cuz i cant keep up with conversation. This illness is so hard.
I have cognitive issues as well, especially when I am tired I can’t think straight and mix up my words. I will work on a video about this. Thank you!
Sometimes I’m really tired so on the treadmill I close my eyes. I’m not sleeping but somehow it helps me deal with exercising while being tired.
It's your medication that keeps you awake and coffee, it also depends on your age to as to how active your brain is I would say constantly active for you ,coffee will just stimulate it if your tired you need rest power nap is the best treatment for fatigue not and hours in the day.
Sleeping is one of the things I don't like about taking clozapine. I feel like it waste so much time. If I don't get enough sleep, I get mini seizures.
___
Yeah I can never think straight no matter the time of day.
I find that sleep is a better stress relief than alcohol and drugs.
_____
I stick with walks as a base.
I push through the tiredness.
Used to be very active too.
I like yard work and gardening better than sports.
Thank you for sharing!
I pray for you. Also please look into Dr. Abram hoffer. Ortho-molecular medicine, functional medicine and western naturopathic doctor
Thank you! I really appreciate that
You are welcome brother. Schizo symptoms may also be caused due to evil spirits attacks. Deliverance meetings maybe you can find
If u wouldn't have to take your antipsychotics or there would be more adapted medicaments for your/our suffering we could function well and be super fit hope we'll find it soon maybe with crispr and dna machine learning stuff, this illness is so sick and weird
Thanks for the video Stephen. How many hours of sleep do you get each night? Thanks!
I get about 12 hours of sleep each night. Thank you for the question!
@@SurvivingSchizophrenia wow that's great. Do you take anything to help you sleep?
Do you have problems controlling your arms on clozapine? My Dr tried me out on it once and I couldn't even feed myself for over a week after a few days of taking it and immediately stopped taking it
Hi Dustin! No I have never had any problems controlling my arms on Clozapine
I get sleepy too from medication. How about decreasing the dose?
Do you have a music playlist you could share??
I don’t have a playlist but enjoy “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten. I think of it metaphorically for my life. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!
Sorry Stephen that you are having to deal with such incredibly tiredness. Hopefully, someone here might come up with something that might help. Not sure if you tried adderall, it might give you a little more natural feeling energy than the ritalin but anyway, I hope with time and the help of your doctors that the tiredness and fatigue improves. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you very much! I will look into it with my psychiatrist
Why would you suggest Adderall? If he's using it to stay awake that's abuse. It'd a drug. A powerful stimulant. If you watch his videos you should know a stimulant is NOT what someone with psychosis should take.. ugh sorry that just upset me a little. I don't mean to come off rude. But yeah Adderall is an amphetamine. It could be damaging to someone with schizoaffective disorder
@@chelseyscanlon9660 Adderall has several off label uses. It is for his doctors to assess and decide if he meets the criteria for off label use. Stephen was also prescribed Ritalin which is a stimulant as well with many off label uses just like Adderall.
I’m the same
Do you hear or heared voices in the past
In the past I did hear voices, though it has been a long time. Thank you for asking!
I have the exact symptoms and routine as you, I'm also always tired. I drink boat loads of coffee. If I don't drink coffee I am extremely depressed
Thank you for sharing. I hope things get better. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!
@@SurvivingSchizophrenia thanks man , thank you for being a light and positive image for us!!!!!
Isn't ridalin for adhd
Yes it is, but was prescribed for me to boost my energy. I only took it for a very short period of time since I didn’t like the way it made me feel
wish I could take coffee. It upsets my stomach.
Have you tried Matcha?
@@DJ-rp3gg yep
I also use dark chocolate for energy on occasion maybe that would help
Have you ever heard of microwave technology that the government is using against it's own citizens look it up Steven cuz I hear voices and the directed energy can cause hallucination also there's not a lot we can do about it except to try directed energy protection it helps with the tiredness and voices excreta hope this helps you seem so sweet and God bless you
Friend you
Wow I love you👼✨👍and your amazing Stephen.🎺💐🌟🌼🐝✨If all men were like you, we’d all 🐝 married !! - Hope you find the ✨👼One.✨
Thank you very much!
accupuncture
without my 30 cups of coffee i would feel tiiiiiredzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
I can help if you like!!!?
Maybe u need to change the medication ,take to your doctor
Thank you
U are welcome
I have to have a fan to sleep
I eat too little, l have schizophrenia too
Great video Stephen! Thanks for sharing… have you tried modafinil? It helped boost my nephew’s energy without much side effects so far
Thank you Jane! I have not but will look into it
Also, how do you deal with the obsessive thinking?
I try to distract myself and put it out of my mind