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Treatment - Self-Help Options

Once their illness has stabilized, people with schizophrenia can benefit from self-help efforts. Becoming part of a mental health self-help group for schizophrenia patients is a good option for many people. Where such groups exist, they are frequently organized through local community mental health centers. Groups provide an opportunity for positive, mutual support and fellowship to persons with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or related disorders. Often a mental health professional can direct a patient toward a self-help group. Alternatively, some networks of groups have online presences. Hearing Voices Network is a self-help organization for people who hear voices. It was founded by five mental health workers, but has since somewhat distanced itself from the psychiatric profession through its alternative philosophy. It can be accessed at http://www.hearing-voices.org/. The Paranoia Network is a similar self-help organization in the United Kingdom. In addition, the Self-help Source Book Online (http://mentalhelp.net/selfhelp/) is a wealth of local, national, and international self help resources. There are also online-only community forums here on Real Mental Health and other internet sites.

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Reviewed: 05/2006