How Clozapine Changed My Life

In my previous post, I talked about How The NDIS Changed My Life - but in this post I want to specifically address How Clozapine Changed My Life. 
Clozapine is "a medication used to treat certain mental/mood disorders (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorders)." ~ Webmd

I have been on this powerful medication, if I remember right, almost over two years now. I have greatly benefited from this medication, in combination with my Abilify monthly injection as well. The combination works for me.

1. I sleep for at least 10 hours each night

This medication has a sedating effect after taking it, I literally have to be in bed half an hour or so after taking clozapine, and I become all drowsy. I have at least 10 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night, and every morning I feel energised to get out of bed after having a sleep of at least 10 hours. As you may know, the sleeping pattern for people with mental illnesses is really important. For some people, this is a lot of sleep, but for me to be in 'working order' - I need this amount of sleep to function.

2. I properly carry out all my ADLs each day

I cook, I clean, I study, and look for employment every day. Clozapine has had a big effect on my mental health - in terms of dealing with my activities of daily living. I try balancing out my work-life balance. I have a reason to get out of bed every day, and I feel motivated to reach my short term and long term goals in life. 

3. I become more responsible in my mental health

As I mention earlier, I juggle with a lot of things in everyday life, and I wouldn't be here without the help of this medication, which perfectly chemically balances me. I realise that my counselling appointments are just as important as my social life appointments, psychiatry appointments as well as NDIS meetings with my support workers too.

Photo by Phim Truong The Bo & Bo Studio