“I choose support because I can’t do it all on my own.”

On its own, medication is unlikely to keep you on the road of recovery. A combination of medication, psychological therapy and social support is considered the best mix for getting well and staying well.

Psychosocial treatments, such as talking therapies, social skills training, family interventions and employment rehabilitation services, can play important roles at various stages of recovery.

Psychosocial activities include:

• Talking therapy, such as counselling or cognitive therapy;
• Social and living skills training;
• One-on-one activity with a mental health worker;
• On-the-job training and rehabilitation; and
• Self-help groups.

These treatment approaches can help provide new skills, new ways of thinking and the positive reinforcement and support you need to work through difficult situations.

Several organisations provide social support and psychosocial treatment.

GROW Australia offers people organised and friendly support through mutual help groups. Find out more at GROW Australia’s website.

The Personal Helpers and Mentors Service (PHaMs) aims to support people in their recovery by building long-term relationships. Visit the PHaMs pages for more information.

On the journey of recovery you may experience some anxiety. www.virtualclinic.org.au is a proven and effective internet-based clinic that aims to develop and provide free education and treatment programs for people living with anxiety.

Sharing your experiences with other people living with schizophrenia, and your friends and family, can help you on your recovery journey.

Your story might also give hope to someone else.

To find out more, read SANE’s Factsheet on psychological treatments.