Schizophrenia - General Discussion

George Cook said:Exactly. There is. And it makes me hesitant to even take a pill.
Though it might be better to just take a sedative once in a while, if only to avoid the fear of becoming dependent on them.

Which specific reaction are you referring to?

Yes, precisely.
But I am thinking it would be wise to consult several psychiatrists and therapists.
Just to see their individual perspectives.
After all, one doctor might offer one diagnosis, while another offers something entirely different.

I was referring to the period when you were heavily involved in political activism and dealing with that specific kind of high-pressure stress.

Honestly, you shouldn't be nearly as terrified of the medication as you are. These aren't things that trigger an overnight addiction. Besides, if they’ve been prescribed by a legitimate psychiatrist, there shouldn't be any issues at all—neither with starting them nor tapering off. I’ve gone through the process of coming off meds several times myself, and as long as you follow your doctor's instructions to the letter, everything turns out fine without side effects.
Just so we're clear, AD doesn't cause dependency; that's what happens with anxiolytics (those fast-acting sedative pills like Xanax or Valium...).

And regarding those psychiatrists... if I were in your shoes, I wouldn't go on some endless pilgrimage trying to see if different doctors' diagnoses align perfectly. You aren't your diagnosis; it's just a label used by clinicians to help navigate treatment.
I actually know several excellent therapists in the States, but unfortunately, they all work in private practice. From the professionals I've encountered working in public hospitals—it's just not the same. It isn't necessarily that the doctors themselves are bad, it's simply that you can't get proper patient care there because they are completely hamstrung by insurance regulations and limited time slots. They just can't sit with a client for as long as a private practitioner can.

George Cook said:Exactly. There is. And it makes me hesitant to even take a pill.
Though it might be better to just take a sedative once in a while, if only to avoid the fear of becoming dependent on them.

Which specific reaction are you referring to?

Yes, precisely.
But I am thinking it would be wise to consult several psychiatrists and therapists.
Just to see their individual perspectives.
After all, one doctor might offer one diagnosis, while another offers something entirely different.

Is it not true that truly diverse perspectives and broader insights can only be obtained if a patient recalls every single word spoken to both doctors, all while ensuring that neither practitioner realizes they have seen another?

Yet, in this modern era of insurance maneuvering and the omnipresence of the Internet, does such a thing not become practically impossible?

That second psychiatrist or therapist could simply glance at a digital medical record and instantly discover the previous specialist's opinion.

I didn't quite follow you there... You're posting about schizophrenia, yet you say you don't want to see a doctor despite all the symptoms you described and everything you've been through. You mentioned your mother is ill, so there could be a genetic component involved, but what exactly are you afraid of regarding testing? If you have an aversion to pills, perhaps herbal remedies might help? (I'm not trying to be a counselor or anything, but it feels like you're stuck in a shell, just trapped...) Best...

Joshua Lewis9 said:HEY FRIENDS! BIG GREETINGS FROM PRINTA AND JACK!

I’ve got a question for you all—if you've experienced anything unusual, please share your story here on the forum! THANKS!

Has anyone else seen bright lights or "men in black" and wondered if they were just hallucinating? Whether it's something you see or hear (anything visible or invisible), I've been dealing with old memories resurfacing for years now. You have to stay cautious. When I mentioned some of this to my local Priest, he pointed me toward the Apostles' Creed since he works closely with mental health patients. It’s actually pretty fascinating how this ties into Catholicism if you're a believer. There are even saints dedicated to specific struggles, like St. Acharius for nerve issues, or others linked to anxiety or mental distress. It's like looking through a spiritual lens at things like recurring thoughts or delusions. You can find more about these connections in the book *Holy Health* by Ante Škrobonja, or check out the "Catholic Saints" page on Facebook.

I wouldn't call myself a super devout person, but I find all of this so interesting. I remember talking briefly with Pastor Zvezdan, and he just made the sign of the cross on my forehead—suddenly, all that heavy energy just drained out of me, and I was left desperately thirsty for a glass of water!

Of course, you still need to take your medication. But if they aren't working, or if they make you gain or lose weight unexpectedly, you really have to speak up. If a med has weird side effects, it needs to be changed because every single one plays a role in stabilizing your condition.
The best approach is honest confession plus the Apostles' Creed, combined with your meds and getting anointing every six months.

Man, I've seen it all, friends!

Best regards. Reverend Zlatko Sudac is also excellent at what he does, especially his work with the veteran community... Good luck!

Can a simple cup of chamomile tea truly offer any solace when compared to the profound impact of a single medical prescription?

Is it not true that anyone grappling with the heavy symptoms of a mental health condition requires the strength found in pharmaceutical intervention?

Symptoms essentially serve as evidence of an imbalance in brain chemistry; by analyzing those symptoms alongside clinical testing, a diagnosis can be reached, potentially leading to medication...

Thanks to everyone for the advice.
I've scheduled my psychological assessment, so we'll see how it goes.

Does anyone know roughly how many days it takes to get the results? I'm curious about your experiences here.

I fully intend to invest in high-quality psychotherapy.

I haven't heard from or seen a friend of mine who deals with schizophrenia in about two months now. Every single time I try to give them a call, they just come up with some excuse about why they can't head out, or they find a way to talk me out of coming over too, using one reason or another. We used to hang out and really talk all the time, but now, suddenly, there's just nothing. I'm starting to think they might not even be leaving the house at all, honestly. Has anyone else dealt with something like this before? :/

electricmaker9 said:I haven't heard from or seen a friend of mine who deals with schizophrenia in about two months now. Every single time I try to give them a call, they just come up with some excuse about why they can't head out, or they find a way to talk me out of coming over too, using one reason or another. We used to hang out and really talk all the time, but now, suddenly, there's just nothing. I'm starting to think they might not even be leaving the house at all, honestly. Has anyone else dealt with something like this before? :/

You’re the one who knows him best, so you’ll have to be the judge. Have you thought about just dropping by unannounced? I've seen cases where people dealing with schizophrenia hit an acute psychotic phase—hallucinations, derealization, dissociation, all that stuff—and they basically just barricade themselves inside. They stop going to work, stop showering, cut everyone off completely... It's heavy. I actually knew a woman who went through something very similar; she was so deep in psychosis that her neighbors and the community had to step in, and eventually, the police and paramedics had to be called to get her out of the apartment.

John Martin18 said:I didn't quite follow you there... You're posting about schizophrenia, yet you say you don't want to see a doctor despite all the symptoms you described and everything you've been through. You mentioned your mother is ill, so there could be a genetic component involved, but what exactly are you afraid of regarding testing? If you have an aversion to pills, perhaps herbal remedies might help? (I'm not trying to be a counselor or anything, but it feels like you're stuck in a shell, just trapped...) Best...

Best regards. Reverend Zlatko Sudac is also excellent at what he does, especially his work with the veteran community... Good luck!

Zlatko Sudac is a total fraud. You'd better stay at least 200 miles away from him—he's nothing but a con artist.

electricmaker9 said:I haven't heard from or seen a friend of mine who deals with schizophrenia in about two months now. Every single time I try to give them a call, they just come up with some excuse about why they can't head out, or they find a way to talk me out of coming over too, using one reason or another. We used to hang out and really talk all the time, but now, suddenly, there's just nothing. I'm starting to think they might not even be leaving the house at all, honestly. Has anyone else dealt with something like this before? :/

Try telling him you've been holed up in your own house lately because you're feeling depressed and low.

It might sound foolish, but it’s often easier to establish contact that way than by pushing him to get outside.
Or by offering help directly.
If he’s barricaded himself away, he might actually find more comfort in knowing someone else is stuck in the same boat.

Jeffrey Ramos4 said:You’re the one who knows him best, so you’ll have to be the judge. Have you thought about just dropping by unannounced? I've seen cases where people dealing with schizophrenia hit an acute psychotic phase—hallucinations, derealization, dissociation, all that stuff—and they basically just barricade themselves inside. They stop going to work, stop showering, cut everyone off completely... It's heavy. I actually knew a woman who went through something very similar; she was so deep in psychosis that her neighbors and the community had to step in, and eventually, the police and paramedics had to be called to get her out of the apartment.

Well, I did try showing up without calling first, and even though his car was sitting right there in the driveway, nobody in the house would open the door for me, even after I waited around for about fifteen minutes. Then I called him yesterday, and he immediately made some excuse about having a cold, which felt like a total lie just to keep me away, even though I hadn't even asked him anything specific.

electricmaker9 said:Well, I did try showing up without calling first, and even though his car was sitting right there in the driveway, nobody in the house would open the door for me, even after I waited around for about fifteen minutes. Then I called him yesterday, and he immediately made some excuse about having a cold, which felt like a total lie just to keep me away, even though I hadn't even asked him anything specific.

If he isn't living alone, then try reaching out to the people he actually lives with—family or roommates—and go from there...

Honestly, I think you’re under an incredible amount of stress. At least, that’s how it seemed back when you were working in politics. You just can't stomach it—whether you realize it or not—and that’s exactly how people break. Their mental health just goes out the window because of the sheer weight of the responsibilities and those high-pressure situations that nobody is built to handle indefinitely. I have a buddy who actually started losing his hair after a few years working in investment banking. The guy was pulling in $150,000 a year, sure, but his mental state was completely shot. In my view, you aren't "sick" per se, and it’s hard to even wrap my head around what you're saying; rather, you're just putting way too much pressure on yourself and setting impossibly high expectations. You need to dial it back, seriously. What you said about feeling like you could just throw yourself onto the concrete while waiting for the bus? That is a massive red flag. It’s your mind screaming at you that you need a serious break. You need to get out into nature, maybe somewhere quiet with some flowers and fresh air, and take a good few months to just... recover. Because if you don't, you're going to snap. I don't think you'll do anything drastic, but you'll end up physically ill. When mental health hits a chronic level, the body starts paying the price physically, too. So please, slow down. Do something kind for yourself.

Jose Ward4 said:Honestly, I think you’re under an incredible amount of stress. At least, that’s how it seemed back when you were working in politics. You just can't stomach it—whether you realize it or not—and that’s exactly how people break. Their mental health just goes out the window because of the sheer weight of the responsibilities and those high-pressure situations that nobody is built to handle indefinitely. I have a buddy who actually started losing his hair after a few years working in investment banking. The guy was pulling in $150,000 a year, sure, but his mental state was completely shot. In my view, you aren't "sick" per se, and it’s hard to even wrap my head around what you're saying; rather, you're just putting way too much pressure on yourself and setting impossibly high expectations. You need to dial it back, seriously. What you said about feeling like you could just throw yourself onto the concrete while waiting for the bus? That is a massive red flag. It’s your mind screaming at you that you need a serious break. You need to get out into nature, maybe somewhere quiet with some flowers and fresh air, and take a good few months to just... recover. Because if you don't, you're going to snap. I don't think you'll do anything drastic, but you'll end up physically ill. When mental health hits a chronic level, the body starts paying the price physically, too. So please, slow down. Do something kind for yourself.

Thank you. 👍👍👍

Hey there, I just finished reading through your "episode."
If I could offer a little piece of advice, it would be to try and slow things down just a touch; maybe set some goals for yourself that are challenging but actually within reach. Honestly, just getting through college is plenty. A lot of us start out thinking we’re going to step up and change the entire world, but more often than not, our ability to make an impact starts with the people right next to us. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, provided you're happy with that realization. 😉

Let me share a story about a close friend of mine.
She was in her fourth year of medical school when she went through a rough breakup after a three-year relationship.
About a week or two later, she had a breakdown similar to what you're describing. She became convinced she was this famous artist—she's always loved painting—and she stopped sleeping entirely. Her behavior got pretty erratic, and she even called 911 because she thought her dad was having a psychotic episode, but it turned out the paramedics ended up taking her to the psychiatric ward instead. She stayed there for two weeks and was eventually diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. She made a wonderful recovery, though; she took antipsychotics for about three or four months under her doctor's supervision before tapering off, and she hasn't had another episode since. She went on to finish her medical degree, specialized in radiology, and is now working as a resident at a local hospital.
So... just know that everything is going to be okay, as long as you take it one steady, careful step at a time. 👍

Just wondering if anyone can weigh in on something. My son got sick about a year and a half ago. He’s doing a lot better now and stays on his meds, but he’s still hearing voices. Plus, he just doesn't have the drive to do anything. I guess... do you think this will pass? Like, is there actually a point where those symptoms just go away?

It really can. Recovering from a mental health episode isn't something that happens overnight; it can honestly take years to feel like yourself again. As long as there’s some sign of progress, the best thing is just to stay consistent with the medication and keep up with those doctor appointments. For me, it took about a full year to truly get back on track, mostly because I struggled so much with paranoia—that constant, nagging feeling that someone was watching my every move. Once I started getting out and socializing more, that specific symptom finally began to fade away.
Usually, dealing with hallucinations is a bit more straightforward with the help of medication, whereas those 'negative symptoms'—where you just lose all motivation and start withdrawing from the world—can be much harder to shake.
I know how tough this is because recovery feels incredibly slow, but you really have to stick with it. It's about pushing through and celebrating those tiny, incremental wins. If he doesn't have the energy to clean up the whole house, maybe he can just start by tidying his own room. Or if studying for college feels completely overwhelming right now, perhaps he could just try reading a light novel instead. It's all about those small steps...

Thanks a ton, Dr. Diego. We’ve been through the ringer lately, and like you said, everything moves at a snail's pace. But man, looking back at where we were just a year ago... It's wild. We only really talk about the illness maybe once a month now; he says he's pretty much over the whole thing. I'm just relieved he's actually taking his meds because he wants to, not because I'm nagging him—for the longest time, he was just faking it and wouldn't cooperate. Things are looking up, but I guess I was just terrified this mess would last forever. Feeling a bit better after that pep talk. Best,

I was just wondering—does anyone here happen to have any experience with Ability Maintenance therapy?

neontrucker23 said:I was just wondering—does anyone here happen to have any experience with Ability Maintenance therapy?

I've only seen it in their presentations.
It’s basically aimed at younger folks in those early stages of psychosis who absolutely refuse to swallow pills. As far as side effects go—insomnia can be brutal.

From what I've seen in practice: aripiprazole isn't really a powerhouse antipsychotic on its own, so you rarely see it used as a solo act. It's usually paired up with Risperdal or Zyprexa to help dial down the side effects of those heavier hitters.