Dear Counsellor:

I have been diagnosed with schizophrenia for the past 15 years. I am employed and the job can get stressful at times. Recently, I was ill and I had to stay in a nursing home for a month. I take my medication regularly and am hoping for a cure for my illness.

- Sharon

Dear Sharon:

Schizophrenia is a lifelong illness. Research is ongoing for a cure. They are not quite certain of the cause of schizophrenia but there are several theories. Life is filled with stressors. Whether we are sick or not, we all have to deal with stressors in our lives. Unfortunately, stress can precipitate an episode of illness in an individual who has a diagnosis of schizophrenia, diabetes mellitus or hypertension.

Like diabetes mellitus and asthma, schizophrenia is a chronic illness. There will be recurrences which will require treatment. Some people are treated in hospitals while others are treated in nursing homes. You will need to adjust to the fact that you might have relapses, mild to severe.

Taking antipsychotic medication daily in adequate doses will cause the relapses to be mild or to cause the illness to go into remission. Medication has various side effects which have to be treated. Some medication cause the individual to gain weight and so diet planning and weight management are very important aspects of treatment. You need to have a general practitioner or a psychiatrist who is also a general practitioner monitor your physical health. You will need to see your doctor regularly and follow instructions on lifestyle management.

It is important that you keep your doctor's appointments and take your medication daily. You need that job because it is work therapy for you. You need a job to keep you occupied and useful and to maintain your independence. In these times, having a job is a blessing and you need to be productive. Devise stress management strategies to help you cope. Work on keeping your relationships current and supportive.

Dear Counsellor:

I am engaged and am wondering about the future. I love my fiancé but he has some faults and I am not sure that I will be able to deal with them.

- Janet

Dear Janet:

Now is the time to try and sort out problems that are staring you in the face. Premarital counselling is important as these issues are brought to the front and solutions put in place to deal with them.

Marriage is sharing together in love, money, chores and child rearing. The vows give you an indication of how things could be in the future. You will have plenty of money sometimes and very little money at others. Sometimes you may be sick or you may be healthy. Be prepared to overlook certain issues for a peaceful life. There will be good times and bad times. You have to give yourself and spouse the commitment that you will try to sort out the issues and aim for a long life together.

Companionship is good and sharing splendid. Having someone to help make decisions and complete tasks is a pleasure. Marriage is good because it brings two people together who will try to make life for themselves.

Sometimes in marriage there are certain things that cause problems. Finances, chores and child rearing can be a thorn in your side. These days both parties are working so there has to be compromise about the sharing of household chores and child rearing. All the best for a bright future.

Email your questions to Dr Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson at yvonniebd@hotmail.com or call 978-8602 or 791-1778.