#5801 ·
I’ve definitely put on a few pounds over the last couple of days. I have this feeling my gut has grown just a little bit more than usual 😢
Schizophrenia - General Discussion
Started by briskgull27 · · 👁 359 views · 7.5K replies
#5802 ·
Harold Anderson3 said:Hey there, my fellow enthusiasts, how are we all doing on the weight front?
I have to admit... I’m not exactly having my best moment here.
Right now, I’m sitting somewhere between 185 and 195 pounds, standing about 5'11".
I've definitely had phases where I was much leaner, though I’ve also seen higher numbers—if I recall correctly, my personal "not-so-proud" record was around 210 pounds.
I tend to drink quite a lot of coffee (usually with milk) and sweetened tea, which I'm sure isn't helping me stay light on my feet.
On top of that, one of those pesky side effects from taking certain antipsychotics is significant weight gain.
The official word is that they just boost your appetite, but if you ask me, it feels more like they slow down your entire metabolism.
Plus, when you're dealing with depression, it seems like you end up reaching for food much more often than someone experiencing mania or psychosis might.
About ten years ago, I was 6'0" and weighed 225 lbs. I felt fine then, so I stopped taking my 1mg dose of Risperdal. I went six months without it and dropped 45 lbs, landing at 180 lbs—which was my normal weight before my first psychotic episode. I wasn't even dieting; if anything, I was eating more, yet the weight kept coming off. Eventually, things took a turn for the worse, and I ended up in a psychiatric ward due to another episode. Once I restarted the 1mg daily dose, my weight shot right back up to 225 lbs. Then, about 19 months ago, I quit smoking, and my weight spiked to 258 lbs. Two months ago, I cut out beer, which brought me down to 236 lbs. It’s still trending down, though much slower now. I need to lose this weight because it's driving me crazy. Honestly, the easiest way would be to stop the medication entirely, but that is absolutely not an option for me anymore.
#5803 ·
It’s such a drag when medication causes weight gain... just like what happened to you, Robin Lopez2.
Ever since I started my therapy, I’ve definitely put on some weight. My mental health has finally stabilized, but that also means I've actually started eating again—plus, the medication has spiked my appetite quite a bit. So, here we are...
I’ve always been on the lighter side, and right now I’m hovering right on that line between being thin and just barely maintaining my weight. Honestly, seeing the number on the scale is pretty depressing for me. It feels like weight is something almost every woman struggles with, though I’m sure men deal with their own version of that pressure too.
This might sound completely insane, but I honestly don't care... I love being able to feel my bones and lean muscle without any fat in the way. As soon as I start feeling different than that, I absolutely hate it.
I simply couldn't have sex; I would spiral straight into a psychosis afterward.
Ever since I started my therapy, I’ve definitely put on some weight. My mental health has finally stabilized, but that also means I've actually started eating again—plus, the medication has spiked my appetite quite a bit. So, here we are...
I’ve always been on the lighter side, and right now I’m hovering right on that line between being thin and just barely maintaining my weight. Honestly, seeing the number on the scale is pretty depressing for me. It feels like weight is something almost every woman struggles with, though I’m sure men deal with their own version of that pressure too.
This might sound completely insane, but I honestly don't care... I love being able to feel my bones and lean muscle without any fat in the way. As soon as I start feeling different than that, I absolutely hate it.
I simply couldn't have sex; I would spiral straight into a psychosis afterward.
#5804 ·
I feel weak, uninspired, and mentally checked out. I’m dealing with depression, insomnia, and weight gain. Life's demands are crushing me because my brain simply won't cooperate. Honestly, the thought of seeing doctors or hospital staff terrifies me. Physically, I’m fine and oriented, but this one specific medication is the only thing providing even a shred of relief; everything else just makes me feel worse. The hardest part is the lack of focus. I have zero drive to produce anything because my will is gone. It’s demoralizing to have psychiatrists constantly noting my impaired cognitive functions on every report. It feels like there's no way out.
A fool remains a fool regardless of how far they've traveled.
A fool remains a fool regardless of how far they've traveled.
#5805 ·
Jamie Lewis said:@Rebecca Rivera3, look, when it comes to gaining weight, you really need to start dating guys who actually have some substance to them, you know? 🙂
And please, do remain mindful of the fact that you look absolutely wonderful.
#5806 ·
I can never quite bring myself to believe I look good. Accepting myself and actually liking what I see feels miles away from where I am right now, haha.
Can any of you honestly say that?
Does anyone here have a stable relationship? Aside from being in one with schizophrenia... lol.
Also, I'm curious—has anyone ever experienced a psychotic break following sexual intercourse?
Can any of you honestly say that?
Does anyone here have a stable relationship? Aside from being in one with schizophrenia... lol.
Also, I'm curious—has anyone ever experienced a psychotic break following sexual intercourse?
#5807 ·
I’ve been there. I fell for a friend, and honestly, that drive changed everything—I managed to drop nearly 70 pounds. Of course, life happened, the stress hit, and I spiraled back into a depression and packed on 15 pounds. I'm starting the diet again. Find someone worth fighting for, put in the work, and find your soulmate.
#5808 ·
I find it hard to believe you'll spiral after sex. I was married for twelve years, and honestly, nothing beat how I felt afterward. I miss intimacy, but I manage through self-pleasure regardless of my religious views; there’s a certain relaxation that comes with it. And let's be real—science actually supports the idea that women feel better when their partner finishes inside them. Sex can actually be helpful. .
#5809 ·
Rebecca Rivera3 said:I can never quite bring myself to believe I look good. Accepting myself and actually liking what I see feels miles away from where I am right now, haha.
Can any of you honestly say that?
Does anyone here have a stable relationship? Aside from being in one with schizophrenia... lol.
Also, I'm curious—has anyone ever experienced a psychotic break following sexual intercourse?
If you ask me, I would argue that one is actually more likely to slip into psychosis due to a lack of sex.
#5810 ·
Nicole Barrett76 said:If you ask me, I would argue that one is actually more likely to slip into psychosis due to a lack of sex.
Fair point, Nicole Barrett76. Regular physical intimacy is generally considered good for one's health, 🎉
#5811 ·
Based on my test results, I fall into the schizoid category... though I’m not a fan of that label. It feels a bit too depressing for me.
I honestly can't say... after I had sex, I spiraled into a psychosis. Generally speaking, I struggle with processing emotions—it's hard for me to manage them or even fully grasp what I'm feeling. At its core, my psychological struggles stem from this inability to understand or navigate my own emotional state.
Do any of you deal with similar emotional issues? Do you ever experience a total sense of emotional numbness?
I honestly can't say... after I had sex, I spiraled into a psychosis. Generally speaking, I struggle with processing emotions—it's hard for me to manage them or even fully grasp what I'm feeling. At its core, my psychological struggles stem from this inability to understand or navigate my own emotional state.
Do any of you deal with similar emotional issues? Do you ever experience a total sense of emotional numbness?
#5812 ·
Rebecca Rivera3 said:Based on my test results, I fall into the schizoid category... though I’m not a fan of that label. It feels a bit too depressing for me.
I honestly can't say... after I had sex, I spiraled into a psychosis. Generally speaking, I struggle with processing emotions—it's hard for me to manage them or even fully grasp what I'm feeling. At its core, my psychological struggles stem from this inability to understand or navigate my own emotional state.
Do any of you deal with similar emotional issues? Do you ever experience a total sense of emotional numbness?
Yeah, honestly, that’s actually a pretty standard symptom of this condition, especially during those early stages before things really get managed with treatment.
I was reading an article about schizophrenia the other day, and it mentioned:
''In the early stages of the illness, a typical syndrome involves the loss of emotional warmth. This loss can be subtle or quite pronounced, with individuals reporting changes in how they feel toward themselves and the world around them.''
When I was going through it, the thing that hit me the hardest wasn't just the numbness itself, but this overwhelming sense of responsibility and guilt. I’d find myself spiraling, wondering, ''What kind of person am I if I don't feel devastated when, say, my mother or someone close to me passes away?''
It worked the same way in reverse, too—if something wonderful happened, I’d just feel nothing at all, which was equally unsettling.
Eventually, between the medication (which started out as just antidepressants) and working through psychotherapy, everything started to balance out and settle back into place.
#5813 ·
I honestly find myself hitting this wall of total emotional numbness whenever stress starts piling up on me.
#5814 ·
But honestly, people mostly just help me relax. It’s like I can finally tune out all my problems when I'm actually hanging out with them in person.
#5815 ·
I don't feel any emotional connection to anyone. My circle consists of one parent, a dog, and a single female friend who is essentially my only companion because she puts up with me. I constantly suggest sex, which she declines, though she doesn't mind if I masturbate to her since it helps me relax. I love her. I believe that if we actually had sex, it would pull me even further out of this depression; she isn't just someone I'd use for physical release—there is actual depth there. To me, sex without emotion is damaging; it feels like you're just violating yourself. Am I right?
#5816 ·
Harold Anderson3 said:Yeah, honestly, that’s actually a pretty standard symptom of this condition, especially during those early stages before things really get managed with treatment.
I was reading an article about schizophrenia the other day, and it mentioned:
''In the early stages of the illness, a typical syndrome involves the loss of emotional warmth. This loss can be subtle or quite pronounced, with individuals reporting changes in how they feel toward themselves and the world around them.''
When I was going through it, the thing that hit me the hardest wasn't just the numbness itself, but this overwhelming sense of responsibility and guilt. I’d find myself spiraling, wondering, ''What kind of person am I if I don't feel devastated when, say, my mother or someone close to me passes away?''
It worked the same way in reverse, too—if something wonderful happened, I’d just feel nothing at all, which was equally unsettling.
Eventually, between the medication (which started out as just antidepressants) and working through psychotherapy, everything started to balance out and settle back into place.
I understand... I went through the exact same thing at first. That intense emotional numbness and emptiness, where you can't react to anything. And just like you described, that feeling of guilt is often even worse because you know exactly what emotions you *should* be feeling in a given moment, yet they just aren't there.
I have feelings now. They aren't incredibly intense, unfortunately, but thanks to the medication, they are present. Dealing with that emotional component has been one of my biggest challenges.
#5817 ·
Angela Kim said:I don't feel any emotional connection to anyone. My circle consists of one parent, a dog, and a single female friend who is essentially my only companion because she puts up with me. I constantly suggest sex, which she declines, though she doesn't mind if I masturbate to her since it helps me relax. I love her. I believe that if we actually had sex, it would pull me even further out of this depression; she isn't just someone I'd use for physical release—there is actual depth there. To me, sex without emotion is damaging; it feels like you're just violating yourself. Am I right?
I sympathize; people struggling with mental health often find themselves isolated.
Your relationship with this friend is definitely unconventional. Have you ever stopped to consider why she doesn't want to be in a relationship with you? If you stay on this path, you could end up suffering indefinitely if she isn't interested. Just imagine how you'd feel if she met someone else.
Being together and sharing an intimate connection would likely improve your mental state significantly.
I used to have male friends who wanted more from me, and eventually, I had to distance myself. I think they suffered a bit until they found someone who could provide what I couldn't. That's just how life works.
#5818 ·
Rebecca Rivera3 said:I sympathize; people struggling with mental health often find themselves isolated.
Your relationship with this friend is definitely unconventional. Have you ever stopped to consider why she doesn't want to be in a relationship with you? If you stay on this path, you could end up suffering indefinitely if she isn't interested. Just imagine how you'd feel if she met someone else.
Being together and sharing an intimate connection would likely improve your mental state significantly.
I used to have male friends who wanted more from me, and eventually, I had to distance myself. I think they suffered a bit until they found someone who could provide what I couldn't. That's just how life works.
I think sleeping with her would fix me, but I can't force that. I respect her feelings too much; she doesn't see me sexually, and trying to push her would be assault. I love her, and honestly, I don't think I could live without her friendship. She told me straight up that she'd sleep with me, but we'd never be friends again after that. So, my only outlet is masturbation, but there's a catch: I can only finish if I'm thinking about her body. I feel disgusted with myself when I try to think of anyone else. I'm losing my mind because I love her. I have no idea what I'll do if she finds someone else—it will probably kill me.
#5819 ·
Angela Kim said:I think sleeping with her would fix me, but I can't force that. I respect her feelings too much; she doesn't see me sexually, and trying to push her would be assault. I love her, and honestly, I don't think I could live without her friendship. She told me straight up that she'd sleep with me, but we'd never be friends again after that. So, my only outlet is masturbation, but there's a catch: I can only finish if I'm thinking about her body. I feel disgusted with myself when I try to think of anyone else. I'm losing my mind because I love her. I have no idea what I'll do if she finds someone else—it will probably kill me.
Hold on, Angela Kim. Are you male or female?
#5820 ·
Greetings—I stumbled upon this forum quite by chance. To be perfectly honest, I have always had a penchant for macabre tales and horror stories, but this particular incident... well, it truly pushed me over the edge. It all started on Instagram, in a photography group, where there was this image of a Siberian Husky—it was smiling, but with these absolutely demonic eyes—and the caption claimed that simply looking at the photo would drive you insane and lead you to take your own life. I was so utterly terrified that I couldn't sleep for two full days. By the third night, I even tried sleeping in my brother's bed just to feel some sense of security, but sleep eluded me entirely. Then, a sudden, piercing headache struck me so hard I felt physically nauseated. Eventually, I managed to drift off, somehow. However, the following day, I began experiencing this sharp pain on the left side of my head, near the crown. I took some Tylenol and the pain subsided, but then things took a turn for the worse. When I attempted to nap in the afternoon, I would be jolted awake by these violent, full-body spasms—just total convulsions. I've also been suffering from these sudden bouts of panic, where this overwhelming sense of dread just washes over me out of nowhere. My family has noticed that something is clearly wrong. My mother actually decided to stay in the room with me to watch over me; when I walked into the darkened bedroom, I suddenly saw hundreds of tiny, white, flickering sparks dancing before my eyes. As she entered the room wearing a white T-shirt, moving toward the closet, there appeared to be this strange mist hanging in front of and behind her—it looked as though she were frozen in place for about two seconds, even though she was actually walking toward the closet. I blinked, and for a moment, it was as if airplane propellers were spinning right in front of my vision. But again, it passed. Once my mother stayed the night, the fear subsided slightly, yet these panic attacks persist—this sudden, crushing anxiety and nausea. Furthermore, when I see white spots on the wall the next day, they transform into black dots, and when I enter a dark room, white specks appear only to vanish instantly. I should mention that I wear glasses and deal with strabismus. I've read online that this could indicate retinal damage. But more than that, I don't feel like myself anymore—everything feels "off." I haven't had full-blown hallucinations, nor do I feel like I am being watched, but the distress is becoming unbearable; I have found myself thinking about suicide quite frequently. Is there any possibility that I am developing schizophrenia?
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