ABSTRACT
People with a diagnosis of schizophrenia are more than averagely unhealthy. Their symptoms and the effects of medication often result in a tendency to exercise little, eat unhealthily and smoke heavily, meaning that many individuals are unfit and vulnerable to physical illness. People experience stress differently and vary in their tolerance of stressful events and situations. Worries about work, money, or personal relationships are a common source of stress. Neighbourhood noise can be reported to the local authority’s confidential noise nuisance line—most councils have one—or the environmental health officer. Sexual enjoyment contributes to people’s sense of well-being and sex within a loving relationship may be many people’s ideal. Feeling unaccountably angry, tense, irritable, or anxious are obvious signs of stress. Pets can have a powerful effect on people’s health. Stroking a cat promotes a sense of calmness and relaxation and simply keeping a pet lowers blood pressure.
