Managing your symptoms and making the most of life

Many people have found effective ways to manage the symptoms of mental illness.
For example, people have found that setting a time each day to talk to their voices has helped to cope with them. Other people have found that voices are stronger when they are stressed, so they have learnt to avoid situations that make them stressed.

People who suffer from anxiety have found that talking to themselves in situations where they feel anxious is helpful. This often makes them realise that their negative feelings about the situation are not true. Others manage anxiety by avoiding situations which make them anxious, though some feel that this strategy reinforces anxiety.

Joining a user group, see Getting involved in your community , has been important for many people as this is a chance to discuss strategies with others. Talking therapies (see Understanding your condition) have also helped some people find new coping mechanisms.

Some people have found religion and spirituality helped them to maintain their morale during difficult times. They have often found friends and sense of community through participating in religious activities. However, for others, religion has been a source of negative experiences.