Recent content by Nil

Cognitive remediation is basically targeted exercises for attention, memory, planning. It has a growing evidence base. It shows real improvements in cognition and daily functioning when paired with rehabilitation. Its success rate is backed by large multisite trials and reviews. It is an...

Several systematic reviews as well as trials reveal that peer support (trained people with lived experience) improves personal recovery. It improves empowerment and sometimes also clinical outcomes for people with mental illness. Peer services also add some practical tips, social connection and...

Long-acting injectable antipsychotics means reduce in daily pills. Studies suggest it also often improve adherence and lower relapse rates. This means too much for those who struggle with regular dosing. Meanwhile, a plethora of practical reviews and trials have highlighted LAIs as an effective...

KarXT, marketed as Cobenfy, is a recently approved drug. It uses a different mechanism (muscarinic receptors) and not the classic dopamine block. Some early trials suggest its benefits for positive as well as some negative symptoms with a different side-effect profile. It is an important update...

Researchers lately are growing lab-made brain organoids from blood cells of patients. This is simply to study the way brain cells of an individual respond to various drugs. The approach basically is to model biology of each person. This will help treatments to be tested in labs before testing on...

Sensory overload may make the world feel too bright, too loud or else too chaotic. Smallest stimuli like crowded spaces, flickering lights or overlapping voices may trigger panic or confusion for many. Simple routine task may turn into something nearly impossible. People often develop unique...

Adjusting medication may sometimes feel like stepping into unfamiliar mental space. The changes are gentle sometimes. These can be like a slow shift in mood or energy. It other times feel as if the mind suddenly starts behaving differently. The swings may also be confusing when you are trying to...

Today, there is a plethora of apps which are designed to help in tracking mood, managing medication schedules, setting up therapy reminders or guide mindfulness practices. Some even offer journaling, grounding exercises, AI chat support or more features during anxious moments. The tools help in...

Many people use creativity to cope up or express what they are going through. The creativity usually includes art, poetry, journaling and music. It reflects feelings which are else hard to explain verbally. The methods often help in processing strong emotions as well as provide some emotional...

Mental health workshops offer practical tools. These are like emotional regulation, stress management and coping techniques for symptoms of racing thoughts, mood shifts or paranoia. The workshops are usually led by psychologists or trained facilitators. These are sometimes even led by peers who...

I try to focus on something simple and real when thoughts start getting confusing. Some of the ways include holding a textured object, pressing my feet to the floor or running cold water over my hands. I even repeat a short phrase sometimes. The phrases are like “I’m safe right now”. Putting on...

Medication definitely has made a difference in managing symptoms. However, its side effects can sometimes feel equally challenging. It often becomes a balancing act between staying stable and handling issues. The issues can be like fatigue, weight changes or restlessness. Getting to know how...

Sometimes speaking to people who truly understand the struggle feels easier. Online spaces like this provide a sense of anonymity and comfort. This makes easier to express what is really going on and it is without any fear of judgment. Reading experiences of others often helps in putting...

It is hard to recognize when paranoia or delusions are starting. Sometimes it creeps in slowly. Other times it hits suddenly. Do share below how do you deal with it before the condition escalates? Do also share below whether grounding techniques such as listing facts, breathing exercises or...

Maintaining relationships while living with schizoaffective disorder is not easy. It turns up incredibly challenging. Many struggles with trust, communication and fear of judgment. Some choose to open up about their condition to friends and partners. Others prefer keeping the condition very...