Posts by briskgull27

lianne said:That's true...
briskgull27 I'm curious—what do you think caused this for you? It might sound like a silly question, but we all find ourselves wondering: why me?
If it isn't hereditary, have you ever stopped to consider what actually led you to this point?
My dad's former cousin-in-law struggled with schizophrenia, and their son ended up inheriting it... tragically, he took his own life. My aunt barely managed to escape that marriage (she's started a new family now). I was too young to remember her first marriage myself, but my dad shared some details about it... honestly, it was pretty grim.

So, they say smoking marijuana can trigger certain symptoms.😂
But my whole family is full of academics (I'm the only one without a degree).
It’s all very high-brow. And me?
Well, maybe I was just born three weeks early and that messed with my head!😍 ☕

Douglas Ramos2 said:I was asking because I've noticed—though maybe I'm wrong—that people with schizophrenia often come from dysfunctional families (just like people dealing with other mental health issues).
I personally believe that schizophrenia is a result of both genetics and environment working together.

That could certainly be true, but I know two incredibly smart, kind, and funny young people
whose father is a schizophrenic !!!!!.
I also know a woman with schizophrenia who gave birth to her third child in a hospital, where the staff rudely suggested she was just making things up because of her weight. That little one is perfectly fine.
Then there's my neighbor, who spent his time brandishing an axe and a knife until he passed away, yet everyone else in the family is completely healthy.

Growing up, my dad and I used to watch crime stories, Law in LA, and Gem from the Nile and stuff like that.
He took me to the beach every single year and life was wonderful, and then... bang.

Douglas Ramos2 said:A tightness around the neck? Can you describe that a bit more? I have periods where that happens to me... it's like I have this feeling that someone is pressing my throat inward.

Divorced parents?
What kind of relationship do you have with your mom and dad?

I think it’s the closest thing to choking—it just constricts all the way around, almost like I have a balloon stuck there.
My Psychiatrist says it feels just like chest pressure—you know, anxiety.

My dad has always been a great dad; he's smart, kind, and easygoing.
But at the end of the day, I'm still his little girl. He moved out.

My mom passed away when I was seven. I remember she was a lot like me
because she treated kids (me) more like adults.
I’ve realized recently that I tend to act the same way with children.

I wouldn't say that influenced my condition, because my bro is a total catch—smart, handsome, studying computer science, and just totally chill. He moved out too.
There aren't any mental illnesses in our family.

My husband and I live in a house with my grandma,😂 and since she's 75, things aren't always the most lucid around here.

I'm 28 years old, no issues there.
But honestly, I've fought hard for everything: getting my driver's license, even going to college for a year, and traveling abroad to places like Amsterdam, Ibiza, Italy, and Greece.

Maybe I wouldn't have accomplished certain things if I were healthy, because I never would have thought: it's now or never!
Seize the day!
Give me the money!
I want the KWAN.

electricpanther4 said:hehe, you don't need a diagnosis of schizophrenia to hurt the people you love every once in a while... 😈 😁

Anyway, I was wondering, when you're taking your medication, how much of the illness actually feels "under control"?
And you mentioned that back when you were younger—before you knew what you were dealing with—you noticed things but didn't want to admit it... what was that like? How did you experience it all back then?

Right, well, as a kid, I was basically a total actor; I always acted so cheerful for everyone else.
But for myself? Honestly, I have no idea who I really am anymore because I've become so much more serious now.

Also, this Lithium isn't doing much for me lately; about five or six days ago, I was actually writing my will.
And now, suddenly, I'm just overflowing with that merry, merry Christmas spirit!🙈 🙂

Oh, and my husband says that being calm and composed means absolutely nothing when my PMS kicks in.

electricpanther4 said:it seems like you really enjoy socializing and meeting new people (even if it's just virtually) 😁 😉
do you find yourself changing your mind about the people you know very often?

Oh, hey! Finally, a warm welcome.
In my world, there are really only two people who truly matter: my husband and my bro.
Everyone else? They're just people.
I don't actually change my opinion of people; I just change how I act toward them.
For instance, I love my dad, but I've asked him some pretty nasty questions before
and I've even thrown coffee at him once.
I've done the same to my stepmom too—sometimes I feel bad about it, and sometimes I don't.😁
As for everyone else, it's hard for me to hold onto as many deep connections as others might, and they feel the same way about me when they hurt my feelings.
Still, I consider myself a family person at heart, and we have plenty of Americans out there who value that.
Blood is thicker than water, after all.

I love my friends, but I don't have a massive circle, and those I do change my mind about
eventually just become mere acquaintances.🙂

Well, my massive ego just noticed there’s yet another page
dedicated to schizophrenia, though it wasn't started by a SCHIZOPHRENIC !!!!!

Personally, I find meeting new people to be quite a challenge.
Will they notice something is off?
Will they take things the wrong way?
I actually really cherish those initial moments when I'm getting to know someone before I ever mention it.
During that time, I feel like I can just be myself.
But once they find out, suddenly everyone starts walking on eggshells around me, and ugh, it’s exhausting.
Don't go calling me a lunatic—I'm far too mature for an asylum.
However, I have definitely had experiences where people just vanished the moment I told them.🙂
Sometimes it's a little stressful, but honestly, I don't mind it too much.😎

Good morning everyone!
I had this dream where my godmother told me: "You don't even realize what they actually told your father,"
which was something he never once mentioned to me.
The usual tightness around my neck is there, but thankfully nothing in my chest so far, thank God.
Poor bro, I actually sent him my will about five days ago.
And now I've just spoken with my stepmother, and I have this feeling she knows—is it just paranoia?
I'm leaving everything to my brother and just a photo to my husband.😁
It’s not like I have much to begin with.
Anyway, I've managed to shift the focus back to myself; I only let it get to me for two days.🙂
Life goes on🎉 🙂

Go ahead and join in; with 45,000 people already here, there's definitely someone online somewhere in America.
In the US, the statistics look a bit different—we see about 1% struggling with schizophrenia and another half percent dealing with chronic psychosis similar to it, which actually brings the total higher.
I also notice we have some Mexicans here, and likely some Canadians or maybe even some Canadians too.🎉 ☕

And there are other things in life besides being really really really handsome.😘

Roughly one percent of the American population lives with schizophrenia. Unfortunately, those affected—and their families—deal with stigma and isolation on a daily basis. It’s hard to find another condition that carries quite as many myths and prejudices as schizophrenia.

(QUOTED FROM THE PSYCHIATRIST at Healthline) 🎉 🙂

Mark Morris3 said:We are discussing schizophrenia here.
I have one specific question in mind.
Do the medications you are taking actually help, or are they just supposed to?

But more importantly, are you experiencing any negative side effects from them? And if so, what kind?
Could anyone spare a few words to share their experience?

When you're in an acute phase and taking heavy-duty meds, things can get pretty intense—you might deal with hallucinations, tremors,
or some people end up wandering the hospital halls because the meds make them feel overly hyper.

In your day-to-day life, with the long-term maintenance doses, you might find yourself feeling much thirstier,
and there's a high chance of weight gain since many of these drugs cause weight issues, calm your nervous system, and make you sleep more.
It can also be tough to land a solid job without some serious connections unless you finished your education before everything started.
I should probably apologize, as I know certain antipsychotics can really impact your cognitive functions,
but since I take Lithium, it doesn't seem to cloud my thoughts quite as much.

electricpanther4 said:ahhhh Scorpion😍
nothing compares to a Scorpion kind of love🙏 😍
I believe they actually get you😉 😁

but seriously, how do the people in those hospitals—the doctors, nurses, and everyone else—actually treat you (and everyone else) there?

Well, let me tell you.

A doctor can be great right up until things get intense. When everything is smooth, they're wonderful, but once things get heavy, they're gone.
They lose your paperwork or start writing false info on your charts just because they’re the doctor and you’re just the patient.

And the nurses? They can be incredibly harsh with patients while you're stuck in there.
But the moment you step out looking all polished and put-together, suddenly it's a different story.
"Oh, you look lovely! How are you doing?" But when you're back inside with them? "Quiet down!"
That's just how it goes.🙂 🙂

No123 said:I’ve been in treatment since 1996 following the war. I was 37 at the time, and my first stay in a psychiatric facility was back in 1998 for two months. My discharge papers listed PTSD F43.1 and permanent personality change F60.

Then there was a one-month stay in 1999 after the police picked me up—I had intentionally run a red light and smashed into two other cars, then proceeded to snatch the officer's hat right off his head and quit on the spot. 😁 My discharge summary noted F23.

Aside from that single psychotic episode in 1999, nothing else has happened.

My private Psychiatrist actually agrees with the diagnosis from 1996 regarding F43.1 and F60, noting that that one specific episode should be viewed within the context of a permanent personality change.

You know what I think? You and I both know exactly what we’re thinking and feeling, even if the people on the outside don't get it.
They aren't the ultimate judges of our perfection or our flaws, right?
By the way, having too much connection to your mental health isn't always a good thing.
A Psychiatrist is there to help, but they shouldn't become the center of your life.
We really ought to be like happy drunks. 👏

Taylor Howard36 said:But how are you feeling personally? Are you happy? 😘
......if I recall correctly, you mentioned you have a husband? How does he handle everything?😘

🙂I’d say I’m happy.
I've finally moved past all those people who walked out on me.
My husband is a tall, dark-haired man and
he’s incredibly smart—honestly, he understands me
better than anyone else. He’s actually a year younger than me.
Scorpion can be quite jealous and possessive, but he's mine, and I love him dearly.
And he loves me right back.😍

When it comes to my illness, there are times when things get intense and I end up shouting, "Get me some Haldol!"
"You want it? No problem, just take it."😁

I really hope I won't miss out on too much of what everyone else is doing.
We've already celebrated New Year's together, I was baking cookies yesterday, and today I've been busy making
French cuisine.

Even so, that nagging feeling that you're missing out is something that comes from within, rather than from the world outside.😘

No123 said:How many psychotic episodes have you actually had, and how long have you been undergoing treatment?

I've been in treatment since 1996, starting when I was 18.
I've dealt with about 15 psychotic episodes.
I've been hospitalized 11 times; stays have ranged from two weeks up to three months, with an average stay of about one month.

electricpanther4 said:Do you ever get lost in your own neighborhood? 🤔 If so, what does your mental state feel like in those moments? 🤔
Or what about when you can't sleep?
I mean, how exactly do you feel during those times (like during that forced hospitalization), and how do you view yourself now looking back at that situation? 😁
Are you afraid of anything regarding your "illness"? 😁

When I got lost, pure terror gripped me. Insomnia isn't actually the disease itself; it's just a symptom,
so it’s usually best to just take one extra sleeping pill.

During my first forced hospitalization, I was absolutely livid, pacing the halls like crazy. When they locked me behind those glass-and-wire doors, I actually ended up breaking them.
They had to remove the shattered glass, and once they replaced the door, I actually went ahead and pulled out another little shard myself.

During subsequent hospitalizations—oh my God—that orange bed in the ER would always
remind me of the chairs being thrown around at a Los Angeles Dodgers game.
Still, it's always hard when you're waiting for an injection to kick in.

My fear is ending up stuck in a hospital for years, and if that happens, fearing I won't have any way to end my life.
An older lady just passed away recently, and someone else took their own life.😢

LOOKING back now, I honestly can't believe I'm doing this well after all the heavy stuff
I've dealt with in my short life. But in those moments back then... there was just no help. The Matrix swallows you whole; you can't fight everyone alone. Still, my favorite little saying remains: damn it, sister.

Like the killer said, you never know what kind of crap life is going to throw at you
It’s always better to look your best.🙄

No123 said:Back in 1999, after a psychotic episode, a psychiatrist gave me an F20 diagnosis. I genuinely believed it was true, until FFE mentioned here on the forum that she didn't think it fit me. That prompted me to take my entire medical history dating back to 1996 to a private psychiatrist for a second opinion. After spending an hour and a half going over all my records from the start of my treatment, he told me straight up that I don't have schizophrenia. He actually said my previous medication was practically useless and that if I had stayed on it, I probably would have dealt with many more episodes instead of just the one in 1999.

Right now, I'm only taking 1mg of Risperdal in the morning. It feels like I might even be able to stop that soon, provided I stay in sync with this new private doctor. I've stopped seeing my old doctor since 1999 because, honestly, he just wouldn't listen to anything I had to say.

A friend of mine was on 2 mg of Risperdal, but even though it’s a newer generation drug,
it didn't help her much at all. She has switched over to Haldol now.

As for me, I am currently taking Lithium and Cipralex (an antidepressant). ☕

lianne said:Where did all that good old tolerance go? Why does it feel like people are just incredibly intolerant these days, ready to snap at anyone for no reason? My personal motto has always been "live and let live." I try my best to be understanding and patient with everyone. I make it a point to be respectful and stay out of people's business without any provocation—that’s just how I was raised...
But lately, I feel like I'm being attacked over the smallest things. Whether it's walking the dog, grabbing groceries at Target, riding the subway, or just driving my car, these totally harmless everyday moments seem to trigger people for no reason at all. What is happening? Where is this sudden intolerance coming from? It feels so pathetic and exhausting. Given how I view the world, I honestly can't wrap my head around it—why are people acting this way, and why does it seem to be getting worse?

I find it easier to just keep my distance from people.
I tend to have high expectations, so I end up getting frustrated pretty quickly.

Rebecca Flores5 said:I’ve always believed—and seen it firsthand in others—that people living with schizophrenia actually have heightened senses. They experience the world more intensely and differently than most, and I don't think it's just "hallucinations"... I imagine it can be incredibly difficult sometimes, but at least you perceive and feel the world more deeply than everyone else. That has to be one silver lining, right?

Thank you.

I wonder, why doesn't anyone living with schizophrenia ever step forward to share their story?🙂

For instance, we look at history and see how Einstein's son dealt with schizophrenia,
then there was Abraham Lincoln's wife, and of course, John Forbes Nash.

Rebecca Flores5 said:I’m positive your aura covers the entire color spectrum. It might sound a bit out there, but tell me—have you noticed any changes within yourself? Like, perhaps an intensification of your senses or something similar? I mean, specifically during those times when you're feeling clear-headed and aren't experiencing an episode.

Well, if we're talking about being sensitive, I actually didn't realize my cousin even had a diaphragm until I mentioned feeling a cooling sensation in that area and she confirmed it!

It definitely has its downsides, too; I can't spend even five minutes with someone carrying negative energy.
If I have to spend an evening with someone like that, it takes me two full days to recover.

It feels a bit unbalanced. I genuinely love people, but it's as if social norms just feel foreign to me.
Especially when the situation calls for staying quiet.😂