Dear Counsellor:

I am stressed and unable to cope. There are many activities to be involved with, but there is no time to do them.

- Danny

Dear Danny,

Stress is a normal part of life and we have to devise ways and means to cope. Acceptance of stress as a routine is half the battle won. Sometimes, we think that stress is avoidable. If we prioritise our activities and only do the important or essential activities, then we will be able to manage and cope.

We need to be able to solve problems and make decisions that are vital to our well-being. Writing down things and trying to figure a way out will help with problem solving.

Time management is important as there are only 24 hours in a day. Set aside time for sleep, time for family and time for work. When you prioritise, you will decide what is vital, essential and necessary. Procrastination can be detrimental as some vital activities are not done. In managing your time, you can delegate activities to others and hold them accountable for their performance. One person cannot do all that is necessary and so we need to be team players

Working as part of a team will help to get things done. In working with others, we need to be tolerant, be a good coach and a trainer. We need to teach others how to help us appropriately.

Alcoholic Anonymous, a support group for alcoholics, has a 12-step system which I find can work in the lives of non-alcoholics. One of the keys is that we are not in control but a higher power, God, is in control. We look to God to help us to cope, to think and to carry out our daily activities.

Dear Counsellor:

I am 35 years old and have been diagnosed with schizophrenia for the past five years. I take my medication regularly and am able to work and have a family. However, sometimes I get depressed when I think about my illness.

- Joyce

Dear Joyce,

Having a chronic illness can be stressful and depressing. Many individuals who have chronic illnesses like diabetes mellitus, hypertension or arthritis get depressed and have to seek help from their doctors. Having schizophrenia is like having diabetes mellitus. It is stressful to take medication daily and injections monthly.

It is for these reasons that you should speak with your counsellor who will help you to cope. Coping is improved when you seek the help of a support group. At the meetings of your support group, you will hear how others are coping with their illness.

There are issues that cause individuals to refrain from discussing their health with others. There is stigma, discrimination, prejudice and bias attached to a diagnosis of schizophrenia. It is important that you have a counsellor/psychiatrist with whom you can discuss the day-to-day happenings.

Treatment

Depression is treated with counselling and medications. Speak to your psychiatrist about the depression. Counting your blessing with an attitude of gratitude will go a long way to ease your depression. Be thankful that you are able to work and have a family. The fact that you can take the medications without much problem is a big plus for you.

Many individuals are unable to tolerate the medication and are permanently disabled. Some families are not caring and tolerant of the mentally ill. It is because of a variety of issues while the mentally ill are on the street without treatment. Let's give thanks for all that is going right and I hope this will cheer you up.