Seek help for mental health. Seeking help is half the battle. I have listed a few thoughts in bullet form to keep things simple. This is a significant amount of information but do what you feel will work for you.

Sometimes chemical imbalances are genetic. Sometimes people are pre-disposed to certain illnesses. These conditions can also be triggered by substance abuse and unhealthy lifestyles.  There are a multitude of unknown factors not visible to the naked eye.

• Medications are the first line of defense
• Goal directed behavior but don’t try elaborate targets initially. You might attempt something you would like to do but may fall short and that leads to more disappointment and fear.
• Don’t mix with or listen to people who judge you during the recovery phase.
• Walk a minimum of 30 minutes every day. This will have long term benefits on your health and help balance the natural chemicals in the brain and body. It will create elevated mood and better cardio-vascular health.
• Don’t alter the dose of any medicine on your own. Always ask your doctor first.
• Yoga and physical exercise are recommended but meditation can sometimes make things worse. This you can discuss with your doctor.
• Both positive and negative voices are part of the same package. Don’t listen to them and they are not to be trusted. Never act on what the voices say.
• There are voices that have an audio and those that don’t have an audio (seem like messages)
• No need for pujas. Pundits are not the answer.
• Anti-psychotic medications are processed in the liver. Lithium is processed in the kidneys.
• Don’t smoke because apart from the negative effects on the body, nicotine crosses the blood brain barrier very quickly and can cause damage.
• Medications release oxygen in the body therefore one should not smoke cigarettes.
• Be kind to yourself. Be patient.
• Most medications have side effects. But the body gets used to them over time.
• The medications have to build up in your system and soak into your tissues.

These things are easier said than done. It takes practice to put them into place. Good luck and do the right thing, not just for yourself, but for your family and friends also.