- 1). Speak to your support group of family and friends and ask them for help in times of trouble. A low-functioning person with a mental disability or illness may have a primary caregiver or guardian to help him deal with mental health crises or just to help with day-to-day life. Those who have achieved independence and can live by themselves do not, by definition, usually have caregivers with them all the time, but they still have a support group in the form of family and friends. If you need any help from them, do not hesitate to ask them for it. Trying to handle a difficult problem by yourself when you are stressed out or confused may only make it worse.
- 2). Maintain an organized structure and a schedule. If you have trouble keeping things organized and can be easily confused, having a schedule that changes from day to day won't help you. Try to have a set, daily schedule to build a solid routine, and stick to that routine as often as possible. This may be difficult at times, just because things can and will happen to occasionally break your routine, but it will help to better keep you in control of your life.
- 3). Know where your strengths and interests lie. It may sound simple, but having hobbies and doing what you enjoy and what you know you can do well can go a long way in building your self-esteem and gaining a measure of independence. This will also keep you occupied and help keep you mentally sharp. If you can engage in your chosen hobby in a social setting, that is even better; you will have a chance to socialize with others and show people that you are perfectly capable of doing the things that a "normal" person can do.
- 4). Take your medication. This tip will not apply to everybody, but many mentally ill and disabled people take some sort of medication to help their conditions. These medicines can make a huge difference in a person's overall health. If you are prescribed medication by a doctor, be sure to take it as ordered. Keep it as part of your routine so you never forget.
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