The theme of Schizophrenia Awareness Week this year is “connecting with hope.” @RiverSeal , what are some ways that people living with schizophrenia can connect with hope?
Hope: a feeling of expectation and desire for a particular thing to happen or Wikipedia
I think that connection with hope is done in two ways, externally and internally. It does not necessarily happen easily or straight away, and you might feel a lack of hope for some time. It might seem like a nice word or a privilege that you do not have access too. Your support team might hold the candle of hope for you until you have insight and a desire to make change happen.
Externally is about connecting with people whether they be friends and family or new people. This might also become online such as SANE Forums, Facebook groups or Meetup groups. Support groups are also a great way to connect with people with similar experiences. But you can’t expect that you will click with other people just because you share a diagnosis. Community connection is also very important, and this might look like volunteering, working in a community garden, neighbourhood house, or participating in organised group activities- such as a mental health organisation that takes people on trips for the day or overnight stays.
Internally it’s about acceptance and recognising what needs to be different for you to cope better. Your symptoms might seem like that you can’t change them, or medication isn’t working for you. What can you do that is in your control and you can influence to cope better or make changes that improve your life? People live meaningful and fulfilling lives whilst still experiencing the symptoms of schizophrenia. Find your good, acknowledge your positive achievements, allow yourself to dream and work on your recovery.
No one can give you hope, you create it for yourself!
