I believe that stress has a direct effect on exacerbated symptoms. Both of my hospitalizations came during times of intensely increased stress in my life. The hospitalizations were over ten years apart, but my mental state was much the same and my stress levels were also similar.


You really have to identify what causes extreme stress in your life and get creative about ways to avoid dealing with them. I have found that a loosely scheduled routine helps me mentally plan for what is ahead. I find comfort in sticking to it as closely as I can and seem to handle the out of the way stressors a little better due to having a little control over at least some things in my life. By planning a bit, I am often able to single out stressors or triggers that I anticipate occurring so I can prepare a way around them.


Good luck to you and I wish you a stressless day.