Managing Psychosis as a Business Owner: Treatment & Support
Hello, I’m Denise G. Lee, a healing and leadership coach who helps people navigate mental health challenges, including psychosis treatment, while managing leadership roles. Over the years, I’ve worked with business owners and leaders, seeing the unique struggles they face when balancing mental health and running a business. This topic is personal to me because my older brother has had psychotic episodes for over 25 years. Seeing how this affected him and our family has made me passionate about raising awareness and supporting others in similar situations.
In this article, we’ll talk about managing schizophrenia symptoms, focusing on the coordinated specialty care (CSC) approach. This method is one of the best for treating psychosis. My goal is to provide information, tools, and encouragement for anyone dealing with schizophrenia or supporting a loved one with this condition.
Important Note: This article is not a substitute for a medically approved psychosis treatment plan. Rather, it is intended to provide guidance, resources, and hope for those living with schizophrenia or supporting a loved one on this journey. I strongly encourage you to consult a qualified therapist or healthcare professional to explore the best treatment options for your unique situation.
Now, with that all being said, before we discuss psychosis treatment options, let’s talk about schizophrenia.
Understanding Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a serious mental health issue that can make it hard for a person to manage their personal and work life.
For business owners and leaders, dealing with schizophrenia symptoms can feel overwhelming because of the stress and responsibilities of running a business. Recognizing the signs and taking action is key to psychosis treatment as well as staying healthy and keeping up with work and life.
Symptoms of schizophrenia are often grouped into two categories: positive or negative symptoms.
Positive Symptoms
These are behaviors or experiences that aren’t typically present in people without schizophrenia. They include:
- Delusions: Strong beliefs that aren’t true (e.g., believing others are trying to harm you when they aren’t).
- Hallucinations: Seeing or hearing things that aren’t really there, like hearing voices that no one else hears.
- Disorganized Thinking: Thoughts that are jumbled or don’t make sense when spoken.
- Paranoia: Feeling constantly suspicious or fearful of others’ intentions.
Negative Symptoms
These are behaviors or feelings that are reduced or missing. They include:
- Flat Affect: Showing very little emotion, even in situations where most people would react.
- Social Withdrawal: Avoiding friends, family, or co-workers.
- Losing Interest: No longer enjoying activities you once loved, like hobbies or social outings.
- Trouble Starting or Finishing Tasks: Struggling to get motivated or follow through with plans.
I hope this makes sense. Losing touch with reality while running a business is a terrible feeling. It’s common for individuals with schizophrenia to be unaware of their symptoms, a condition known as anosognosia. Often, this leads to resistance to seeking help. If someone you care about is experiencing this, please read this article.
Next, let’s discuss how this why psychosis treatment matters for business owners.
Why Psychosis Treatment Matters for Leaders
Leaders and business owners often deal with mental health challenges more than the average person because of the stress and demands of their roles. And as I mentioned earlier, business owners dealing with schizophrenia have added stress to deal with.
Impact on a Business Owner
For someone running a business, these symptoms can create big challenges:
- Decision-Making Struggles: Delusions or disorganized thinking might make it hard to focus on facts, trust others, or make sound business choices. For example, a paranoid business owner might wrongly believe employees are stealing from them, leading to unnecessary tension.
- Productivity Drops: Negative symptoms like losing interest or trouble completing tasks can make it hard to stay on top of deadlines, finish projects, or manage daily responsibilities.
- Relationship Strain: Paranoia or social withdrawal can damage relationships with employees, clients, or business partners. For example, avoiding important meetings could make others lose trust in your leadership.
Mental Health Matters to All Business Owners
A 2015 study led by Dr. Michael Freedman explored the unique challenges entrepreneurs face. The study, approved by UC Berkeley, surveyed 242 entrepreneurs and 93 other participants anonymously about their mental health and business experiences.
The results were eye-opening: 72% of entrepreneurs reported mental health struggles, much higher than the comparison group. Entrepreneurs were more likely to mention conditions like depression (30%), ADHD (29%), substance use issues (12%), and bipolar disorder (11%). Anxiety levels were about the same for both groups. Entrepreneurs without symptoms also shared that their close family members had more mental health issues than those in the comparison group.
When schizophrenia is involved, it can make things even tougher. Symptoms like trouble focusing, pulling away emotionally, or believing things that aren’t real can lower productivity, hurt relationships, and lead to poor decisions.
I’ve shared more thoughts about this in the social media post below. Click the link to join the conversation!
Owning a business is not for the weak and faint of heart. It takes a toll.
— Denise G. Lee (@DeniseGLee) December 30, 2024
Trust me on this.
Entrepreneurs are more likely to experience certain mental health conditions:
-2x more likely to suffer from depression
-6x more likely to suffer from ADHD
-3x likely to suffer from…
No matter what you’re going through, even with conditions like psychosis, the right help, tools, and treatment can make a big difference. One promising treatment for schizophrenia is Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC).
Next, I’ll explain more about what CSC is.
What is Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC)?
Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) is a program designed to help people recover from their first experience of psychosis (FEP). It brings together different treatments to fit each person’s needs. CSC focuses on things like early help, therapy, social support, and learning life skills. The next section explains each part of CSC.
Click the bookmark below to jump to the section that interests you most, or keep reading to explore everything.
Coordinated Speciality Care Components
Early Intervention
Getting help early is a big part of CSC. Studies show that starting treatment within two years of the first psychotic episode can greatly reduce symptoms and improve long-term outcomes. Dr. Patrick McGorry, a psychiatrist in Australia, started developing CSC in the 1980s. At the time, psychosis was seen as untreatable, but McGorry’s work showed that combining medication with targeted therapies could lead to recovery.
Skills-Based Therapy
Therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and social skills training are key parts of CSC. These therapies help people manage symptoms, rebuild mental functions, and improve social interactions.
For example:
CBT helps people identify and challenge untrue thoughts. A therapist or might work with someone experiencing delusions to question their beliefs and separate reality from paranoia.
Social Skills Training helps with practical interactions, like making eye contact, starting conversations, and building relationships.
Fact-Checking Thoughts
Another important part of CSC is helping people learn how to question and test their thoughts. For example, if someone thinks their neighbor is plotting against them, a therapist might guide them to look at the situation more closely. They would work together to find proof that supports or challenges this belief. By doing this, the person can start to see that their thoughts may not be as real or scary as they seem. Over time, this can make delusions feel less overwhelming and more manageable.
Managing Stress
Stress can make psychotic symptoms more intense and harder to manage. That’s why CSC includes stress management techniques to help reduce the impact. These tools, like mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and structured routines, are designed to help you stay calm and focused.
For example, mindfulness is about staying in the present moment and not getting lost in worries or negative thoughts. Relaxation exercises, such as deep breathing, can help lower stress and calm your mind. Creating a daily routine can also be helpful, as it brings structure and predictability to your day, reducing uncertainty and stress.
For business owners, these practices are especially important. Running a business can be stressful, and when you’re juggling work with mental health challenges, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But by using stress management tools, you can stay productive and take care of your mental well-being at the same time. For instance, taking five minutes to breathe deeply during a busy workday can help you stay focused and clear-headed. Or, sticking to a routine can give you a sense of control and make your day feel less chaotic.
By managing stress, you can better handle challenges, stay on top of your business, and support your mental health.
Using Medication
Medication plays a key role in CSC. Antipsychotic medications are a common treatment for psychosis, helping to reduce symptoms like hallucinations and delusions.
There are different kinds of antipsychotic medications, including:
First-generation (typical) antipsychotics:
- Examples: Haloperidol, chlorpromazine, fluphenazine
Second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics:
- Examples: Quetiapine, risperidone, aripiprazole, olanzapine
Next-generation antipsychotics:
- Example: Xanomeline and trospium chloride (Cobenfy™)
Some symptoms can improve within hours or days, but it may take weeks to feel the full effects. Antipsychotics help quiet the noise of psychosis, giving people the chance to focus on therapy and take steps toward healing.
By calming these symptoms, people can better engage in therapy and begin to rebuild their lives. But medication alone isn’t enough—it works best when combined with therapy and social support.
Building Life Skills
Life skills are the everyday tools that help us live independently, manage responsibilities, and stay connected to the world around us. In CSC programs, life skills training is a big focus, covering areas like organizing tasks, managing finances, and building a career. These skills aren’t just practical—they’re essential for building confidence and stability.
If you’re a business owner, applying these principles to your life and work can make a big difference. Here’s how:
1. Delegating Tasks to Reduce Stress
You don’t have to do everything yourself. Delegating means trusting someone else with certain responsibilities so you can focus on what truly matters. For example:
At Work: Hire an assistant to handle scheduling or a freelance bookkeeper to manage your finances. Even outsourcing small tasks like social media updates can free up time and energy.
At Home: Share household chores with family members or hire help for cleaning or meal prep. These small shifts can reduce overwhelm and let you focus on self-care.
2. Setting Clear, Achievable Goals
Big dreams are great, but breaking them down into smaller, actionable steps makes them easier to reach. For instance:
Short-Term Goals: Write down what you want to accomplish this week. Maybe it’s completing a project, scheduling a meeting, or sticking to your exercise plan.
Long-Term Goals: Think about where you want to be in six months or a year. Write out the steps to get there, like saving money for an expansion or improving your mental health routines. Clear goals give you direction and help you track your progress.
3. Creating Routines for Self-Care and Productivity
Routines are powerful—they create structure in your day and make it easier to manage responsibilities. Consider these tips:
- Morning Routine: Start your day with habits that set a positive tone, like journaling, meditating, or enjoying a healthy breakfast.
- Work Routine: Dedicate specific blocks of time to tasks like answering emails, brainstorming ideas, or meeting with your team. Stick to a schedule so you don’t feel pulled in too many directions.
- Evening Routine: Wind down with calming activities like reading, stretching, or prepping for the next day. A consistent evening routine can improve your sleep and overall well-being.
By practicing and refining these life skills, you can reduce stress, build confidence, and maintain a healthy balance between running your business and taking care of yourself. These habits may seem small, but over time, they create a solid foundation for success and stability.
You can’t do it alone, and you shouldn’t have to. Lean on supportive family, friends, or trusted professionals. Consider joining a support group where you can connect with others who understand what you’re going through.
Preventing Relapse
A solid relapse prevention plan is an essential part of CSC. This plan is put together with help from healthcare providers and family members, making sure everyone knows what to do if symptoms start to come back. The plan includes:
- Spotting early warning signs: For example, stress or lack of sleep could be triggers.
- Staying in regular contact with healthcare providers: This helps catch any changes before they become serious.
- Building a support system: This might include family, friends, or coworkers who can step in and help when needed.
Social Support and Group Activities
Feeling supported is a big part of healing. Group therapy and social activities in CSC give people a chance to connect with others who share similar experiences. This helps them feel less alone and more understood.
For business owners, joining support groups can be especially helpful. Talking with others who face similar challenges can provide encouragement, fresh ideas, and a sense of belonging.
Cognitive Training
Psychosis can affect mental skills like memory, focus, and problem-solving. That’s where cognitive training comes in. These exercises are like workouts for the brain and can include:
- Solving puzzles or playing brain games.
- Journaling to organize thoughts.
- Learning a new skill to stay sharp and engaged.
These activities can help strengthen mental abilities and boost confidence.
Creating a Supportive Environment
Recovery happens more easily in a stable and supportive space. A healthy environment is key to psychosis treatment and includes:
- Open communication: Family, coworkers, and friends should be willing to talk and listen without judgment.
- Workplace accommodations: Having access to resources or flexible arrangements at work can make a big difference.
- A stress-free home: A calm and stable home can support emotional healing and reduce the chance of setbacks.
By focusing on these areas, recovery becomes not just a goal, but an achievable journey. The image below sums up all the parts of CSC. Next, let’s talk about how to put them into practice.
How to Use CSC Principles in Your Life
If you’re a business owner dealing with schizophrenia symptoms and desire to prioritize psychosis treatment in your life, here are some steps to apply CSC ideas to your daily life:
1. Get Help Early
The sooner you address symptoms like hearing voices or feeling overly suspicious, the better your chances of staying stable. Talk to a doctor or mental health professional as soon as you notice signs of psychosis. Early treatment can make a big difference.
2. Build a Strong Support Network
You can’t do it alone, and you shouldn’t have to. Lean on supportive family, friends, or trusted professionals. Consider joining a support group where you can connect with others who understand what you’re going through. Having the right people around you makes a world of difference.
3. Combine Medication with Therapy
Medication can help quiet the noise and ease intense emotions, while therapy gives you tools to manage your mental health and stay on track. Work closely with your healthcare team to find what works best for you—it’s about balance.
When you prioritize psychosis treatment and take care of your mental health, you not only improve your life but also become a more compassionate and effective leader.
4. Focus on Practical Skills
Running a business while managing your mental health is no small feat, but it’s possible. Learn skills like delegating tasks to others, setting boundaries to protect your energy, and making time for self-care. These small steps can reduce stress and keep you focused on what matters most.
5. Plan for Setbacks
Life can be unpredictable, so it’s smart to have a plan in place. Work with your healthcare provider to identify early warning signs of a relapse and map out steps to respond quickly. Knowing what to do ahead of time can prevent small problems from becoming big ones.
Taking care of your mental health doesn’t mean giving up on your dreams. With the right support and strategies, you can thrive in both your personal and professional life.
Other Psychosis Treatment Resources for Business Owners
Here are some organizations that provide help for managing mental health challenges, including schizophrenia:
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Offers support groups, educational materials, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness. Your company can signup to become a NAMI StigmaFree Company.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Provides helplines, treatment locators, and guides for improving mental health.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Many companies offer these programs to give counseling and mental health resources to employees and their families.
Final Thoughts
Living with schizophrenia while running a business is tough, but it’s not impossible. By following the CSC principles, getting support, and taking care of your mental health, you can lead a meaningful and successful life.
I’ve learned that healing and leadership go hand in hand. When you focus on treating psychosis and taking care of yourself, you not only improve your own life but also grow into a stronger, more understanding leader.
Question: Are you or someone you know dealing with schizophrenia? Share the recovery journey here. I would like to include your information in the next update of this article.
Now is the time to investigate whether therapy or coaching is best for you. And if you’re ready to take the next step, let’s connect. Together, we can create a plan to help you tackle challenges and achieve your goals.
You can also listen to my podcast, where I share more about mental health and leadership. Remember, you don’t have to do this alone. Let’s work together toward healing, growth, and becoming the leader you’re meant to be.
