What can you do to make the best possible recovery from schizoaffective disorder? Read these tips from doctors and patients.

• Accept that you have a prolonged illness.

• Identify your strengths and limitations.

• Make clear, realistic goals.

• After a relapse, go slowly and gradually back to your responsibilities.

• Plan a regular, consistent, predictable daily routine.

• Make your home as quiet, calm and relaxed as you can.

• Identify and reduce stress.

• Make only one change in your life at a time.

• Work toward an active and trusting relationship with the staff involved in your care.

• Take your medicines regularly, as prescribed. Identify early signs of relapse.

• Make your own early warning list.

• Get involved with a group of people you feel comfortable with.

• Avoid street drugs. Whether or not you drink alcohol is a very personal decision you should make with your prescriber.

• Eat a well-balanced diet.

• Get enough rest.

• Get regular exercise.

• If you're not sure whether your feelings or fears are based in reality, ask someone you trust or compare your behavior with others.

• Accept that there may be setbacks from time-to-time.

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