Recovery from Schizophrenia
Patient M has always had a difficult life and has always faced some issue or the other. From having issues at birth to having his parents’ divorce when the patient was at a relatively young age. A toxic relationship that was harmful for all involved, especially the patient for whom this was emotionally damaging. This was then followed by having the mother be forcibly married and relocating to the USA which led to the patient living in separate countries from both his siblings, his family and especially his mother.
All of this led to his illness starting 10 years ago and despite getting treatment each time, he would always relapse. By the time he was admitted to our facility, Karwan-e-Hayat at Keamari, he was considered a chronic case of schizophrenia with low chances of recovery. When he was admitted, his symptoms ranged from paranoid delusions and hallucinations to a loss of interest in his work and other responsibilities. His relationship with others suffered, an issue most psychotic patients struggle with, including his relationship with his father which was both a reason for his instability but also something he struggled with due to his illness.
The patient could have given up but it was his want to have a normal life which made him work for his mental health. His treatment focused on both the medical and psychological aspects of their illness and this is where we saw an improvement from the client. He went from a non-contributing and shy individual in the group sessions to being active and self-aware of his issues and taking part in most group sessions. He would not be the first one to answer questions but would still contribute to the discussion and cooperated well with both the staff and the other clients.
Individually he would be focused on getting better but like every patient, he struggled with concerns of relapsing. And in this case, the patient was more aware of his constant relapses and the struggles he had to face. He would question his own resolve and abilities and if he would be able to manage himself once he left the safe and secure environment of Karwan-e-Hayat. But it is with great pleasure we would like to say he has been managing well.
The client’s family, being out of the country, managed to visit and they also acknowledged his significant improvements and when the client was finally discharged from the facility, the client himself was optimistic about the future and challenges he would have to face in getting back to his life and being an active and contributing member of society.