Page 56 - Vision Manual

Problem-Solving and Goal Acheivement
Problems are a natural part of life. Everyone encounters some problems along the way, no matter how well they are managing their lives. Some problems are easily solved and cause very little stress. Other problems are more challenging and can result in significant stress. When stress builds up, it can cause persistent symptoms to worsen and can lead to a relapse.
People can sometimes experience stress due to depression, anxiety, sleep problems, hearing voices and other symptoms. Coping strategies can be effective at reducing symptoms or distress related to symptoms. Other strategies can be used to deal with day-to-day problems encountered in living.
This section will provide a step-by-step method for solving problems and working to achieve goals. It will also provide some specific strategies that people commonly encounter, including problems related to persistent psychiatric symptoms.
Question: What are some common problems that cause you stress? How does it impact your symptoms?
A step-by-step method for solving problems and achieving goals
When trying to solve a problem or achieve a goal, it is important to take an active, solution-focused approach. The following structured, step-by-step method is intended to provide you with an outline for solving problems. This method can be used for solving problems caused by symptoms and help you to achieve goals for yourself or with members of your support system, including your family, friends, peers or practitioners. These people can be especially helpful in contributing ideas for solutions and in carrying out specific steps of the solution you choose.
Step 1: Define the problem or the goal that you would like to achieve. When defining a goal, make sure that the goal is specific. A good goal needs to have an actual end point or achievable part to it, and that it is manageable.
Step 2: List some possible solutions (at least 3). This step is for brainstorming. Don’t evaluate whether the solutions are good or bad yet. Just try to get some solutions out there.
Step 3: For each solution, list at least one advantage (pro) and one disadvantage (con). Be brief, but give each solution a chance.
Step 4: Choose the best solutionor combination of solutions. Which solution is most likely to solve the problem or achieve the goal? Which solution can be realistically carried out?
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