When I am hallucinating, I often feel like I am floating or that I am not completely in my body. I have a collection of different “fidget putties” and dough that help ground me when I am hallucinating.

This coping mechanism might come off as simplistic, but I’ve learned that even the smallest tasks can be lifesaving.

I fully understand that Fat Louie has been a lifesaver in helping me live a manageable life - and I hope animals can bring a similar comfort to others. Without Louie, daily struggles would feel almost insurmountable. When I am struggling, I have the joy of experiencing complete and unlimited love. And if he doesn’t, this can be a strong indicator that I am experiencing hallucinations.Įqually importantly, he helps to comfort me when I am experiencing major depressive episodes. If Fat Louie acts like he can see what I am seeing, then I know can know that it is real. Owning a cat has some strictly practical benefits having a living creature around helps me understand whether the hallucinations I experience are real or not. One of the best steps I have taken to improve my mental health is to get an emotional support animal, a cat named Fat Louie. My hope is that if you struggle with schizophrenia yourself, the following coping mechanisms might give you some relief from your illness as well. Fortunately, I have developed certain coping mechanisms that make the days easier and allow me to find some reprieve from my illness. I find that often, my symptoms dictate what I am able to do in my daily life. Schizoaffective disorder - a disorder that is a combination of schizophrenia and, in my case, major depression - is a big part of my life.

Coping with auditory hallucinations