Schizophrenia - General Discussion

Nicole Barrett76 said:Despite their extensive education, their direct work with people, and their vast experience, psychiatrists can often turn out to be incredibly egotistical individuals driven by a thirst for power; they cling to the notion that their recollection of your session is the only absolute truth, and when you attempt to question why they said or did a specific thing during a previous appointment, the mere act of seeking clarity can inflict profound emotional pain.

I find myself unable to stop ruminating on the words and actions of my ego-driven therapist from our last session, and I am convinced that attempting to seek any explanation for her behavior regarding our recent encounters will only serve to deepen my suffering. Therefore, I believe the most prudent course of action is to sever ties with her without offering any explanation whatsoever.

Furthermore, when one finds oneself expecting a meaningful dialogue with such an egoist—someone whose function is paramount in my life and whose conversation is vital—one might consider secretly recording the interaction and creating a transcription, which could then be password-protected; thus, when I return to them with a question and they claim they never uttered certain words, I could simply present a large-print transcript to them so they may read it easily and immediately, thereby preventing them from hiding behind the excuse of "context."

It sounds Orwellian, does it not, but is it not also utterly terrifying? And precisely because it feels so daunting, I never developed the habit of secretly recording conversations, and now, in light of these circumstances, I feel a deep sense of regret for lacking that precaution.

And yet, psychiatrists still have the audacity to feel victimized, sorrowful, or indignant when they observe a patient cycling through several different doctors over the course of many years.

The truth is, they just don't get it.

Looking at the arguments > makes in his writings, it’s pretty easy to see why they're so lost. > goes even further, calling psychiatry a pseudoscience and arguing that psychiatrists shouldn't even be considered medical doctors.

Personally, I think for severe mental illnesses, you definitely need psychiatry and a psychiatrist. I'd absolutely include > in that category. But running to a psychiatrist for every little thing that crosses your mind? To me, that's nonsense. It's a waste of time for the patients, and it leads to psychiatrists taking on everyone as a patient, which opens the door to corruption, overprescribing meds for things they aren't needed for, and all sorts of other issues.

Laura Castillo6 said:The truth is, they just don't get it.

Looking at the arguments > makes in his writings, it’s pretty easy to see why they're so lost. > goes even further, calling psychiatry a pseudoscience and arguing that psychiatrists shouldn't even be considered medical doctors.

Personally, I think for severe mental illnesses, you definitely need psychiatry and a psychiatrist. I'd absolutely include > in that category. But running to a psychiatrist for every little thing that crosses your mind? To me, that's nonsense. It's a waste of time for the patients, and it leads to psychiatrists taking on everyone as a patient, which opens the door to corruption, overprescribing meds for things they aren't needed for, and all sorts of other issues.

Perhaps my own struggle stems from the fact that if I am to consult a counselor or a mental health professional, I would much prefer a psychologist over a psychiatrist. I visited a clinical psychologist twice, during which she asked me to complete a questionnaire; following our sessions, she informed me that she perceived too much pathology in me, concluding that I required a psychiatrist rather than her services.

The questions were quite peculiar: "Do you fear authority figures?" "Do you lose control of your bodily functions in the presence of authority?" And among those inquiries was something along the lines of, "Do you believe it is natural for women to manage the household?" And I, like a fool, checked "YES." I suspect that by doing so, I earned a label suggesting my condition is too pathological for a psychologist and necessitates a psychiatrist instead.

It is a profound shame, for I found those two sessions quite pleasant, and I had intended to continue seeing her long-term, provided she would have me, especially since our sessions lasted forty to sixty minutes.

My decision to check "YES" feels akin to answering "NO" to a question about the existence of witches during an Inquisition trial. The difference, of course, is that the punishment isn't being burned at the stake or facing excommunication, but rather being branded with a label that dictates I must see a psychiatrist instead of a psychologist.

Just kidding.

Seriously though, if you take a look at any other field of medicine and compare how they handle diagnostics and their overall clinical methodology...

It’s pretty frustrating. Because of a lack of actual expertise and everyone just chasing a quick buck, things that should be helping people are actually doing more harm than good today.

Harold Anderson3 said:I headed in for my regular monthly checkup today, and I just got my next injection of aripiprazole after letting a month slip by.
My doctor mentioned she’s noticed things have been sliding downhill over the last week—mostly some brain fog, pretty intense mood swings, and a general sense of losing my grip on reality—all because I haven't been sticking to my medication schedule. She also decided to scale back my antidepressant from nearly the maximum dose down to something more moderate, since she thinks having that much Zoloft in my system might just cause total chaos in my head and makes me way too drowsy.
I'm hopeful that things will start to level out in a few days if I can actually stay consistent with everything, especially the Seroquel.

Harold Anderson3, listen, dear, when are you finally going to realize that popping these pills whenever the mood strikes isn't actually helping anyone? I honestly don't know where your head is at right now, but this is probably the worst move you could make. Seriously. There have been so many posts about this. If you’re thinking about tapering off or lowering your dose, you have to do it incredibly slowly—even just by a quarter. These antipsychotics are heavy hitters, especially Haloperidol and Clozaril. You’re just asking for trouble here. Trust me on this. I try to taper down by a quarter myself, and I end up dealing with nasty side effects for a month straight. Trying to quit cold turkey? It’s just not doable. All you're doing is scrambling your brain. By being inconsistent like this, you could actually trigger a state of shock that mimics a full-blown psychosis. That’s a real side effect of suddenly stopping or being irregular with your meds. You're only hurting yourself.

Jose Ward4 said:Harold Anderson3, listen, dear, when are you finally going to realize that popping these pills whenever the mood strikes isn't actually helping anyone? I honestly don't know where your head is at right now, but this is probably the worst move you could make. Seriously. There have been so many posts about this. If you’re thinking about tapering off or lowering your dose, you have to do it incredibly slowly—even just by a quarter. These antipsychotics are heavy hitters, especially Haloperidol and Clozaril. You’re just asking for trouble here. Trust me on this. I try to taper down by a quarter myself, and I end up dealing with nasty side effects for a month straight. Trying to quit cold turkey? It’s just not doable. All you're doing is scrambling your brain. By being inconsistent like this, you could actually trigger a state of shock that mimics a full-blown psychosis. That’s a real side effect of suddenly stopping or being irregular with your meds. You're only hurting yourself.

It wasn't like I was trying to quit my medication on purpose, it's more that I just got completely worn out from work, and I figured if I took them, I'd feel even more exhausted, so I skipped a few days in a row and things just started spiraling. I realize now that I have to stay consistent with my meds, regardless of how tired I am, because at least being tired is better than dealing with psychotic symptoms.

Hey everyone, I just wanted to drop in to see how you all are doing and catch up on what's new. My experience might not be identical to yours, but I’ve walked a similar path, dealing with bouts of psychosis triggered by organic causes—basically, physiological irregularities in the brain.
It makes you wonder if everyone struggling with mental health issues is experiencing something similar that we just can't capture on an MRI yet, because it stems from something science hasn't fully mapped out. In my view, the brain of someone with these conditions is fundamentally different; after all, it’s capable of triggering such intense shifts in emotion and temperament, ranging from overwhelming pain that makes you want to give up on life to an indescribable euphoria that makes you feel like you're flying.

It’s fascinating how many questions science and medicine still can't answer, even while society continues to apply stigmas and try to pigeonhole mental illnesses into neat little categories.

I've personally tried Haloperidol and Clozaril, along with about 20 different antidepressants and various other medications, though I've taken fewer antipsychotics compared to the rest.

Rebecca Rivera3 said:Hey everyone, I just wanted to drop in to see how you all are doing and catch up on what's new. My experience might not be identical to yours, but I’ve walked a similar path, dealing with bouts of psychosis triggered by organic causes—basically, physiological irregularities in the brain.
It makes you wonder if everyone struggling with mental health issues is experiencing something similar that we just can't capture on an MRI yet, because it stems from something science hasn't fully mapped out. In my view, the brain of someone with these conditions is fundamentally different; after all, it’s capable of triggering such intense shifts in emotion and temperament, ranging from overwhelming pain that makes you want to give up on life to an indescribable euphoria that makes you feel like you're flying.

It’s fascinating how many questions science and medicine still can't answer, even while society continues to apply stigmas and try to pigeonhole mental illnesses into neat little categories.

I've personally tried Haloperidol and Clozaril, along with about 20 different antidepressants and various other medications, though I've taken fewer antipsychotics compared to the rest.

Way to go, Rebecca Rivera3. That was a beautiful post.

Laura Castillo6 said:Just kidding.

Seriously though, if you take a look at any other field of medicine and compare how they handle diagnostics and their overall clinical methodology...

It’s pretty frustrating. Because of a lack of actual expertise and everyone just chasing a quick buck, things that should be helping people are actually doing more harm than good today.

I believe I am going to leave my current psychiatrist and attempt to return to a doctor I didn't initially choose to see. Back then, she was quite young and overwhelmed with too many patients, so I was transferred to another young specialist without my consent or even being asked. However, the practitioner I am seeing now has dedicated herself entirely to my case. It feels as though she is applying some diluted version of cognitive behavioral therapy, or perhaps a hybrid approach that she deems appropriate for my immediate needs.

I truly wanted to tell her that I am leaving and explain the reason for my departure, but I simply lacked the strength and the courage to say it to her face. Besides, would she even truly absorb it? Still, I feel quite foolish and somewhat cowardly for slipping away without offering an explanation. If only she could adjust her methods to better serve future patients similar to myself—specifically those diagnosed with anxiety and depressive disorders. Though, in my own estimation, I don't even suffer from depression; it seems that labeling it simply as an anxiety disorder wouldn't be considered sufficient. I cannot fathom why it must be so, when that would be a much more precise description of my actual condition.

Rebecca Rivera3, I am truly heartened to hear that you have made such a wonderful recovery. It would be an absolute triumph if you were also able to secure a fulfilling career with a salary that truly honors your hard work and dedication.

Thank you all for the replies. I always enjoy stopping by here to see how everyone is holding up; I truly believe in this community and know that, despite the uphill battle, you can all achieve a much better quality of life.
For me, every single day is a struggle too.

Where does this stigma come from—this deep-seated rejection by healthy people toward schizophrenia and those living with it?
I’m fully aware of my own condition and my diagnosis, but I’m also painfully aware of the excessive isolation forced upon me, just like everyone else who sees F20 on their medical charts. It simply isn't right. During Hitler's era in Germany, people facing these exact struggles were being systematically murdered through forced selection. Today, we technically have the right to live, but we're often pushed into such profound isolation that it leads straight into loneliness and depression, which can ultimately spiral into suicide. In both cases, whether through malice or neglect, the end result is often a life cut far too short.

P.S. Sorry if this post feels a bit heavy or depressing... 🕺

Why are you complaining so much? You’re out there working, you’ve got connections here and there... what’s the big deal? Sure, people who play favorites aren't being fair—that's just the truth of it—but I don't get why you're constantly tripping over your own feet.

You've carved out your own little corner of the world. Your soul isn't empty. Stop punishing yourself and sabotaging everything you've built.

What do you think? I’m working on it. It’s actually a pretty big deal, honestly. I’ve got something even more massive in the works over at my connection there.
This definitely isn't the kind of life I envisioned for myself. I feel like I’m just existing, stripped down to nothing—completely exposed and raw. Is this really all there is to it?☕
By the way, I know things aren't exactly perfect on your end either... Sorry, I didn't mean to vent like that.
And honestly, why do you even care so much about my complaining? If you don't want to read my ramblings, just skip them, but please don't start a fight over it.😉

Why on earth are you sabotaging yourself?

Interesting read from Cindy. Personally, I’m a bit skeptical about the whole concept. To me, it feels like we have way more in common than what pulls us apart—and honestly, even those negative thoughts play a part in who we are. Is being happy all the time actually realistic? It sounds a bit... well, unrealistic. But hey, if you're curious, give it a look. It’s a pretty fascinating utopia they're describing here. Cindy Teevens: 5 mistakes we make in the pursuit of happiness

Harold Anderson3 said:Where does this stigma come from—this deep-seated rejection by healthy people toward schizophrenia and those living with it?
I’m fully aware of my own condition and my diagnosis, but I’m also painfully aware of the excessive isolation forced upon me, just like everyone else who sees F20 on their medical charts. It simply isn't right. During Hitler's era in Germany, people facing these exact struggles were being systematically murdered through forced selection. Today, we technically have the right to live, but we're often pushed into such profound isolation that it leads straight into loneliness and depression, which can ultimately spiral into suicide. In both cases, whether through malice or neglect, the end result is often a life cut far too short.

P.S. Sorry if this post feels a bit heavy or depressing... 🕺

I don't really get that vibe myself; people don't run away from me. If anything, they actually enjoy hanging out with me (they know about my diagnosis, of course, since I've never tried to hide it and usually just joke about it to make people laugh).

I honestly haven't been feeling like myself at all this week. Between being completely wiped out and spending the entire day working under the sun, I've just been running on empty. To make matters worse, I didn't even have all my medications on hand until yesterday, so please excuse my constant complaining and any nonsensical posts I might have made. My apologies to everyone; I'm sure I'll be back to my usual self once this passes.

Hang in there! :-)

Thanks so much, my friend.