Handling a Stressful Day

For me, the most important day of the month is when I go to the veteran’s hospital where I get my medication. I wake up before 8am to make sure I get a parking spot. I immediately go to the blood lab where I get blood work done to ensure that I am not experiencing any adverse reactions to my medication. After my blood has been taken, I go to my appointment with my doctor. This would be a normal schedule for me. When things do not go as planned, an interruption in the routine can create stress. Stress can be a trigger for my schizophrenia. I take deep breathes and deal with other triggers like needing a cup of coffee or something to eat from being hungry. After a large cup of coffee, I go to the mental health waiting room where I wait to see my doctor.   The appointment can vary depending on whether or not I am experiencing symptoms. When I get in to see my doctor, she always begins by asking me if I might be a danger to myself or someone else. Also she asks if I am experiencing symptoms. After seeing my doctor, I get my monthly injectable and pick up any other prescriptions. This is as smooth as a trip to the veteran’s hospital can go. Typically, I would be leaving around 10:00am in the morning — on my way home to wait for another month to pass, and then I repeat the process all over again. However, many things can happen to disrupt what should be an ordinary day to see my doctor and pick up my medication. It’s quite possible there could be a traffic proble...
Source: Psych Central - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Schizoaffective Disorder Schizophrenia Antipsychotic Psychosis veterans Source Type: news