Schizophrenia - General Discussion

Adam Morris4 said:All this psychotropic stuff really messes with how your body regulates temperature...

For a long time, I was on Zyprexa monotherapy—it made working under the sun impossible, but I could still hit the beach around 4 or 5 in the afternoon, swim out to the buoys, dry off, soak up the rays until 6, and head home. It wasn't ideal, but it worked. Now? It’s a disaster; I can barely leave the house. Being on both Zyprexa and Xeplion together has completely shattered any illusions I had about Xeplion being some kind of miracle cure once summer rolled around. My psychiatrist is playing dumb, and honestly, I don't even know what to hope for anymore. I certainly didn't expect my entire summer to be ruined like this. At least the weather was free—even for someone living in a tiny rural town without any of the medical privileges or lifestyle options you get in a major metropolis. I only make the trip to the big city every few months, and it makes me wonder if people there don't receive much better care. These local psychiatrists really lack expertise; everyone hands out different diagnoses and suggests different treatments, which ultimately just drives a person crazy and leaves them feeling lost—which is exactly what happened to me. If things had gone differently, I would likely still be on monotherapy right now. For now, I have no choice but to stoically endure this current state. And judging by how much I'm rambling here, you can see how well I'm managing. I’m hoping to wake up earlier tomorrow and finally shake off this fatigue. If I manage to pull it off, I'll write another post—this time about the wonderful life in California.

I’ve been saying this for ages: those "doctors" with degrees from backwater rural clinics out in the Midwest don't have a clue what they're doing when they practice here in the States... They don't understand the actual effects or the side effects of the meds they hand out like candy. For them, it’s all about looking the part—playing the big-shot doctor in society while you hand over $200-$$100 just to get through the door. Their goal is to get you out as fast as possible, ideally making sure some big pharmaceutical company gets a little "kickback" for the prescriptions they write. It’s all just fuel to lease a flashy new truck, add an extra floor to the house, pay for the kids' college tuition, or maybe even fund a little secret lifestyle on the side...
I'm talking specifically about the psychiatrists I've encountered out in California...

Hey everyone.
I honestly thought I’d never end up posting here, but here we are.
My dad’s been dealing with this diagnosis since 2000. He’s been treated—forcefully, if you want to call it that. Basically, the whole extended family had to step in to manage his treatment because he wouldn't do it himself and kept refusing. He’s never been violent or anything.
He’s been on Haldol injections for years now, and it usually works fine. Honestly, it’s a relief when he actually says he needs to go get his shot.
But, he got his last injection eight days ago, and we’re seeing the same old patterns popping up again: he’s checked out, living in his own world, and moving things around. He talks to us, sure, but he’s just not really "there." The first sign I noticed was him smoking nearly three packs of cigarettes a day. Usually, he’s a one-pack guy. That lasted for a few days. Now, I’m stuck wondering—how? He took the shot... is it possible that life stress, like money troubles or someone being sick in the family, just ramped up his symptoms to the point where the Haldol isn't cutting it anymore? I'm terrified we're heading back toward what happened a few years ago... I can't sleep at night.

It’s entirely possible that external stressors are cranking up the symptoms—or even weirder, the medication might be reacting strangely with something else he's taking, maybe even alcohol? I'm wondering, how would your dad react if you both went to see the doctor together? If I'm reading the situation right, he's being cooperative. Sometimes you just have to fine-tune the therapy—it would honestly be ideal to get those adjustments made sooner rather than later, before he hits a full-blown episode.

Regarding that last point, I know you all probably felt such a massive sense of relief when you finally got him to cooperate and accept treatment, but please don't let that feeling paralyze you mentally. You are doing everything within your power (though maybe someone else here can chime in with a more practical suggestion). You're there to support him, and it's honestly counterproductive—not to mention exhausting—to drive yourself crazy over a problem that might just be a "bump in the road." Just head to the doctor; once that's done, everyone will be able to think more clearly and hopefully sleep a lot better at night.

Eric Gray2

So, yeah. We had some health issues hit the family all at once—everything went downhill in about three months. Between medical bills and everything else, it was a lot. Honestly, I think that’s what triggered this. He doesn't touch alcohol, period. The only thing I give him is vitamins, which is what he's been taking even before this started. That's it, obviously, along with his blood pressure meds.
He isn't exactly being cooperative right now. That usually happens once things have already spiraled into an episode, because he just denies everything. Right now, we're forcing him to wear shorts instead of pants inside the house. It's a symptom; he starts layering too much clothing on himself. He’s still reacting to stuff, but it’s always with that blank, vacant stare. Back when these things used to happen, we knew we had to call for help immediately so he could get two doses of Haldol...

Jose Ward4 said:Honestly, I’d turn the question back on you—what makes you feel so suspicious, withdrawn, and cold? Have you thought about seeing a psychologist? That's actually what I'm planning to do myself in a few months.

I don't want to scare you off, because that isn't my intention at all, but the reality is that it usually comes down to the specific psychiatrist you see. My doctor tends to be pretty strict about everything, especially when it involves driving privileges, particularly with more severe diagnoses.

Took a psych test. It's not schizophrenia. Just depression, PTSD, and some long-standing personality issues.

redpilot37 said:Took a psych test. It's not schizophrenia. Just depression, PTSD, and some long-standing personality issues.

Ah, that Vordas guy. He doesn't even exist on this forum anymore. He was banned permanently because he forgot his password and couldn't remember which email he used to register—or any of the ones he actually knew—so now he's gone by the name Andrew Hughes.

Regarding the topic at hand: what caused the PTSD? And what even is a "personality disorder"? You have your own personality and character; nobody can take that away from you. A disorder? What does that even mean? I don't get it. It feels like we're all just broken by someone or something. They try to force everyone into these little boxes...

Until recently, I had no idea that antipsychotics for schizophrenia were being developed using LSD and DMT. This implies they could trigger schizophrenia in a healthy person while simultaneously treating it in another. There’s an article out of Yale or Harvard suggesting that schizophrenia occurs when a person has access to both worlds. I mean, in terms of energy. That second world, which a "normal" person can't see or hear, consists of spiritual energies—both good and evil. And that is essentially what the person is perceiving. I didn't make that up; it was in an article detailing LSD and DMT research conducted through psychotics.

By that logic, a schizophrenic would basically have one foot in both worlds. It would be incredibly difficult to regulate if it's true, especially since we're taught the exact opposite—that it's just a disease...

I'll try to find that article; it was mentioned in a documentary on Gaia.com.

P.S. If I find the time.

Andrew Hughes said:Ah, that Vordas guy. He doesn't even exist on this forum anymore. He was banned permanently because he forgot his password and couldn't remember which email he used to register—or any of the ones he actually knew—so now he's gone by the name Andrew Hughes.

Regarding the topic at hand: what caused the PTSD? And what even is a "personality disorder"? You have your own personality and character; nobody can take that away from you. A disorder? What does that even mean? I don't get it. It feels like we're all just broken by someone or something. They try to force everyone into these little boxes...

Until recently, I had no idea that antipsychotics for schizophrenia were being developed using LSD and DMT. This implies they could trigger schizophrenia in a healthy person while simultaneously treating it in another. There’s an article out of Yale or Harvard suggesting that schizophrenia occurs when a person has access to both worlds. I mean, in terms of energy. That second world, which a "normal" person can't see or hear, consists of spiritual energies—both good and evil. And that is essentially what the person is perceiving. I didn't make that up; it was in an article detailing LSD and DMT research conducted through psychotics.

By that logic, a schizophrenic would basically have one foot in both worlds. It would be incredibly difficult to regulate if it's true, especially since we're taught the exact opposite—that it's just a disease...

I'll try to find that article; it was mentioned in a documentary on Gaia.com.

P.S. If I find the time.

Is a personality disorder really just failing to follow established social patterns all the time? I don't know. Dimensions... higher consciousness... voices... visions during sleep... predicting the future... hearing my name called. Of course, I've experienced all of that and kept it to myself (since it passed anyway), but I truly believe there’s also a gift for spiritual connection. A gift doesn't necessarily have to mean an illness. Like you said so beautifully... existing between two worlds... yeah.

PTSD isn't just some label psychiatrists slap on veterans. It’s not limited to war stories. You can get that diagnosis from pretty much any trauma a person goes through. If you hit certain criteria—things like impulsivity, insomnia, depression, or just being constantly irritable—that's when the diagnosis sticks.

I’m not a fan of labeling myself with diagnoses either... just saying.

Side note: the science behind how these meds actually work is pretty fascinating. I’ve always wondered about the makeup of things like Risperdal. It just clears the mental fog so well. It really opens up your emotions when you're feeling completely numb. Though, sometimes it works in reverse and you end up feeling totally blunt? I guess it all just comes down to whatever your brain chemistry is doing at the time.

By the way... I actually dig your way of thinking. It's interesting.

Adam Morris4 said:I’ve been saying this for ages: those "doctors" with degrees from backwater rural clinics out in the Midwest don't have a clue what they're doing when they practice here in the States... They don't understand the actual effects or the side effects of the meds they hand out like candy. For them, it’s all about looking the part—playing the big-shot doctor in society while you hand over $200-$$100 just to get through the door. Their goal is to get you out as fast as possible, ideally making sure some big pharmaceutical company gets a little "kickback" for the prescriptions they write. It’s all just fuel to lease a flashy new truck, add an extra floor to the house, pay for the kids' college tuition, or maybe even fund a little secret lifestyle on the side...
I'm talking specifically about the psychiatrists I've encountered out in California...

The worst of the heatwave has finally passed, so I finally managed to get a bath yesterday around 5:30 PM—though honestly, you could probably head to the beach even earlier without needing much sun protection at all. I'm hoping to catch a little tan. About three years ago, my psychiatrist in Washington, D.C. actually warned me that if I saw any doctors in the nearest California cities, they wouldn't truly understand my situation and that I should steer clear. It isn't exactly news that healthcare quality varies wildly depending on where you are. Even in Washington, D.C., you really have to know which door to knock on—and frankly, you need a fair bit of luck regarding who ends up treating you. After twenty years of navigating treatment, you start becoming a bit of an expert yourself. Still, we have to trust the science—so why aren't we handing out red cards to the people posting nonsense online claiming that schizophrenia isn't a disease, but some sort of spiritual enlightenment?

redpilot37 said:Is a personality disorder really just failing to follow established social patterns all the time? I don't know. Dimensions... higher consciousness... voices... visions during sleep... predicting the future... hearing my name called. Of course, I've experienced all of that and kept it to myself (since it passed anyway), but I truly believe there’s also a gift for spiritual connection. A gift doesn't necessarily have to mean an illness. Like you said so beautifully... existing between two worlds... yeah.

PTSD isn't just some label psychiatrists slap on veterans. It’s not limited to war stories. You can get that diagnosis from pretty much any trauma a person goes through. If you hit certain criteria—things like impulsivity, insomnia, depression, or just being constantly irritable—that's when the diagnosis sticks.

I’m not a fan of labeling myself with diagnoses either... just saying.

Side note: the science behind how these meds actually work is pretty fascinating. I’ve always wondered about the makeup of things like Risperdal. It just clears the mental fog so well. It really opens up your emotions when you're feeling completely numb. Though, sometimes it works in reverse and you end up feeling totally blunt? I guess it all just comes down to whatever your brain chemistry is doing at the time.

By the way... I actually dig your way of thinking. It's interesting.

Look, I am convinced there is something beyond this material world. Whether it's spiritual or energy-based... who knows what we are all connected to through our minds. Our elders used to tell stories about their experiences, especially back in rural towns. There are even established legends that have largely bypassed us...

I have some good news! 🙂 I might be starting sessions with a psychologist soon—a good one—to work through some issues. We'll see how it goes. Curiously, everyone seems thrilled about it, which is odd because I didn't realize my friends would be so happy (and relieved) at the prospect of me being off medication. It's actually their influence that's pushing me toward therapy. Maybe, just maybe, I could manage without the pills. We'll see what the doctor says...

Stay strong out there. I just want you to be doing okay and feeling good.

Hi everyone. I just had another MRI, and while the lesions themselves haven't changed, they’re showing up hyperintense now. They're located right in the white matter areas responsible for cognition, emotions—basically everything.
I'm currently on Misar with extended release; has anyone else tried this? It feels like it lasts all day.

Looking back at all the heavy stuff I've taken, I've done 2 or 3 antidepressant pills, about 5 to 10mg of Diazepam, and some Xanax. Things are better, but compared to how bad it used to be, this is great.

I'm tapering off Quetiapine; taking it very rarely now.

My goal is to finish my degree, move past this depression and anxiety, and finally reach remission.
I just want to finally feel comfortable in my own skin.

I look like one of those Barbie dolls, and because of that, men often treat me like a toy rather than a person. They don't show respect, and honestly, it's pretty awful.

Rebecca Rivera3 said:Hi everyone. I just had another MRI, and while the lesions themselves haven't changed, they’re showing up hyperintense now. They're located right in the white matter areas responsible for cognition, emotions—basically everything.
I'm currently on Misar with extended release; has anyone else tried this? It feels like it lasts all day.

Looking back at all the heavy stuff I've taken, I've done 2 or 3 antidepressant pills, about 5 to 10mg of Diazepam, and some Xanax. Things are better, but compared to how bad it used to be, this is great.

I'm tapering off Quetiapine; taking it very rarely now.

My goal is to finish my degree, move past this depression and anxiety, and finally reach remission.
I just want to finally feel comfortable in my own skin.

I look like one of those Barbie dolls, and because of that, men often treat me like a toy rather than a person. They don't show respect, and honestly, it's pretty awful.

Why wouldn't you be able to pull all that off?

I’m doing alright now.🙂

Carol Barrett2 said:I’m doing alright now.🙂

🙂

@Rebecca Rivera3, most things are actually doable if you can just figure out the "how" and the "what" of it all. Honestly, I’m a total early bird now—and not the fun kind. I’m waking up at the crack of dawn, sometimes even earlier. You probably remember me mentioning how much I struggled with my sleep schedule before—it was a mess, trying to flip day and night.

The meds I'm on lately have been solid, though I'm no doctor or anything. I started off really slow with a tiny dose just to get used to them, then gradually doubled it up. It helped my body actually adjust without feeling like a wreck.

Hang in there, @Rebecca Rivera3. Best of luck.

frozengardener7 said:🙂

🙂

I just want everyone here to get back on their feet, find some stability, and honestly, just heal up—be okay again. I’m planning to pull the trigger on the legal proceedings regarding my rights to receive benefits, but we've hit a bit of a snag with the paperwork from the DMV—it's just stalled us for a second. But hey, we’ll get that moving soon enough. My sister is going to help me navigate the whole mess.

Hopefully, we can make it happen.

Carol Barrett2 said:🙂

I just want everyone here to get back on their feet, find some stability, and honestly, just heal up—be okay again. I’m planning to pull the trigger on the legal proceedings regarding my rights to receive benefits, but we've hit a bit of a snag with the paperwork from the DMV—it's just stalled us for a second. But hey, we’ll get that moving soon enough. My sister is going to help me navigate the whole mess.

Hopefully, we can make it happen.

Lithium will stabilize me. 🍿

frozengardener7 said:Lithium will stabilize me. 🍿

As for me? I just fixed my sleep schedule. Basically flipped the script on my rhythm—though, honestly, maybe I actually have narcolepsy or something. Anyway, things are better now... mostly. I'm doing okay.

Honestly, your support here means the world to me. And why wouldn't I succeed? Even with my lack of fine motor skills, moments where my memory just slips away, vision issues in one eye, tremors, and all the other symptoms. This illness used to leave me bedridden physically, though back then, I was still doing okay mentally.

Lately, a string of terrible life events has taken a toll on my mental health. On top of that, every time I finish clinical treatment, I develop PTSD. It leads to these episodes that are just devastating; I can't even close my eyes because the fear is constant. It’s better if I don't go into detail.

My mental state took a massive hit because of a guy I was seeing. I was nearing a suicidal breaking point; a bad episode started before him, and then he came along, and things just spiraled.

The best feeling is when you're almost numb—when everything is just a flat line, where you barely feel an emotion and physical pain becomes impossible to sense. There has been far too much physical and emotional agony in my life. I often wish I were dead, or I find myself wondering how I'm even still alive. Life has been incredibly unfair to me.

Right now, it hurts because I can't be with the person I love. They are already in a relationship, and while they love me, they aren't willing to end it. It's agonizing...
I just want this to resolve somehow—either my emotions fade away, or they finally make a decision. This situation is an overwhelming storm.

Also, the nightmares are nearly constant.

To be honest, I'm taking Seroquel at 100mg to 200mg—about 1mg three times a day—along with Praxis, Normabel SR, and Coaxil.

Instead of trying to get off psychiatric meds, I've reached a point where I take them like candy just so I won't feel anything—just to escape that deep pain that makes me want to die. Sometimes those pills just turn me into a zombie. I just want to find something that keeps me protected from the pain while still allowing me to function.