7 Tips for Navigating Parenthood While Living With Schizophrenia
Parenting can be physically and emotionally draining. And when you’re also living with schizophrenia, it can feel even more challenging. These tips can help.
The exhaustion of infancy and those oh-so-busy toddler days is hard enough for any parent. But when you’re also managing schizophrenia, the daily grind can feel even more challenging. Living with this type of mental illness uniquely compounds the complex emotional demands that come with having kids.
Some research has even highlighted the precise difficulties that schizophrenia brings to bear on life with little ones. After assessing a group of parents with schizophrenia and their children using the Alabama Parenting Questionnaire and then comparing them with a control group who did not have schizophrenia, the results were clear: Parents who have schizophrenia struggle with positive involvement, which includes homework help and playing games together, as well as a hard time with consistent punishment and monitoring their children.
Living with schizophrenia while raising kids can add a layer of stress to already hectic days. But with a support system, “Parents with mental illness can definitely take care of their children,” says Sandeep Grover, MD, a professor of psychiatry at Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh, India, who also coauthored this research.
To help, here are some smart ways to navigate the sometimes bumpy — yet rewarding — parenting journey.
1. Create Daily Routines for Yourself and Your Family
Babies and children thrive on a predictable schedule, which includes meals and snacks, playtime, a wind-down routine, and bedtime. The same solid routines can have a positive impact on people who have schizophrenia, says Joy He-Yueya, MD, PhD, a resident in neurosurgery at Stanford University in California who studies the relationship between routine and mental health. In fact, some of her research has found that when a stable daily routine is established for people with schizophrenia, it can come with both physical and mental health benefits.
As you create your family’s schedule, try to include some flexibility, depending on the ages of your children. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends offering choices — for example, while getting dressed and at meal time — so kids feel empowered. Equally important: Build in time for reading together, relaxing, and talking about the day.
Perspectives
António Ferreira
Living with schizophrenia
"Having my son has motivated me so much to look after myself."
2. Speak Up About Parenting Challenges and Ask for Help
It can be hard to reach out and ask for help when you want to prove your independence and capability as a parent. But living with schizophrenia and having little kids isn’t the time to go it alone. Experts agree that having a solid support system you can rely on is one of the most important coping mechanisms for parents who have this type of mental illness.
By creating a network of trusted family members, friends, and other loved ones, you can call on any one of them to step in when your symptoms are interfering with your parenting.
3. Join a Schizophrenia Support Group for Parents
Along with leaning on your family and friends, finding a circle of peers who are parenting while living with schizophrenia is equally important. Both kinds of help are critical when you’re feeling overwhelmed. But having fellow travelers in your orbit means you can get targeted advice for dealing with the stress of caregiving from people who truly get what you’re going through.
4. Stay on Top of Your Prescribed Treatment Plan
Antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers are often the first line of treatment for schizophrenia. Side effects can accompany these medications, making it tempting to skip doses or stop taking them altogether. But it’s important to stick with your treatment plan, as severe symptoms may return without proper treatment. “Parents need to continue with their medications in order to take care of their children,” says Dr. Grover.
Keep in mind that some treatment plans can be modified if you’re having trouble sticking to it. Speak with your physician about your options. Don’t make any changes on your own.
5. Focus on Healthy Eating and Exercise
Having schizophrenia can raise your risk of metabolic syndrome, a group of health concerns that includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high triglycerides, and low HDL (“good”) cholesterol. Eating well can help not only improve these numbers but also organize your day into three consistent meal blocks, which can help reinforce your routine with your kids. Consider adopting a Mediterranean diet, which focuses on fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats and limits foods that are processed or high in added sugars.
Staying active is critical when it comes to preventing (or managing) metabolic syndrome. Regular workouts can also help lower your stress levels, which can help you tackle parenting duties with a level head. Biking, dancing, swimming, and walking are all fun activities you could try to boost your overall health.
6. Take Steps to Ease Stress
Stress seems baked into parenting, and dealing with a mental illness adds pressure and tension to already long days. Take action to help lower your stress levels with healthy outlets, such as breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga. Or simply engage in calming activities or tasks you enjoy, including crafting, reading, talking with friends, or walking.
7. Curb Alcohol and Cigarette Use
Smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking drugs affects everyone’s health. But if you have schizophrenia, opting to use these substances can be even more detrimental. The reason? Alcohol and cigarettes have been shown to prompt new bouts of psychosis, which may make schizophrenia symptoms worse. They can also prevent medications from working effectively. If you’re struggling with drinking or smoking, ask your doctor about programs or counseling that can help you address and curb these habits.
The Takeaway
With the right tools and support in place, it’s fully possible to be a loving and effective parent to your children when you have schizophrenia.
Establishing routines — and sticking to them — can provide structure and predictability that’s beneficial to both you and your children.
Leaning on your network of family and friends, plus connecting with other parents who are also managing schizophrenia, can provide practical help and emotional support to help you through any challenges that come your way.
Stay on top of your prescribed treatment and check in with your doctor if you’re experiencing any symptoms or side effects that prevent you from being the parent you want to be.
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
Rabha A et al. Parenting Skills of Patients With Chronic Schizophrenia. Indian Journal of Psychiatry. January–February 2021.
Vaziri Flais S. The Importance of Family Routines. HealthyChildren.org. June 28, 2024.
He-Yueya J et al. Assessing the Relationship Between Routine and Schizophrenia Symptoms With Passively Sensed Measures of Behavioral Stability. NPJ Schizophrenia. November 23, 2020.
Living With Schizophrenia: Strategies and Self-Help. Cleveland Clinic. July 29, 2024.
Youngblood Gregory S. The Do’s and Don’ts of Managing Schizophrenia. Mayo Clinic. August 26, 2024.
Metabolic Syndrome Diet: What to Eat and What to Avoid. Cleveland Clinic. July 14, 2021.
Angela D. Harper, MD, is in private practice at Columbia Psychiatric Associates in South Carolina, where she provides evaluations, medication management, and psychotherapy for adul...
Jennifer Kelly Geddes is a New York City-based freelance writer and editor, who covers health, wellness, pregnancy, and parenting. She has held positions at Food & Wine, Parenting,...
