Schizophrenia Forum - Techniques For Coping With Depression And Hallucinations

I got this in the mail from a local support group and I thought some people could make use of this:

techniques for coping with stress, depression, med. Side effects and hallucinations-

a.Verbal techniques-

1.Speak with someone
2.Sing quietly to yourself
3.Count under your breath
4.Repeat a mantra to yourself as "i am safe; I am ok".
5.Read out loud

b.Distraction-

1.Shift your attention away from disturbing symptoms or thoughts and onto things outside yourself
2.Try activites or tasks that require your full attention such as housework, gardening, playing a sport or any excercise. Getting active can be the hardest thing to do but it can be the best way to change you thinking.
3. Change your enviroment. If you are outside go inside. Change rooms in your house or apartment.
4.Sometimes when you can't sleep change the room and bed you usually sleep in to another room and bed.

C.Dealing with over stimulation-

1.Some people use earplugs to reduce auditory hallucinations.
2.Using earphones to listen to music or a audio tape of a book.
3.Taking a shower or warm bath (add some lavender to the water).
4.Avoid large shopping malls or stores at their busiest time. Stay away from stadiums or other places where numerous people congregate.
5.When you are feeling overwhelmed tell yourself to just stop. Sit quietly for a few minutes. Then make a list of the things you need to do and prioritize them. Next tackle them one at a time and cross the off one by one.

D.Favorite things-

1.Listen to your favorite music.
2.Be creative with what ever turns you on.
3.Listen to or watch your favorite sport.
4.Watch your favorite movie.
5.Wear your favorite or most comfortable clothing.
6.Eat your favorite foods. (be careful here; not too much and only if you are hungry).

That is just some of what I recieved in the mail. If you want me to type the rest, just leave a reply for me. I just don't have the time to right now.

Kayla :)