Schizophrenia - General Discussion

So, what exactly does psychosis actually look like?

Jessica Chavez4 said:What does it usually sound like when you hear them? What are they actually saying?

For me, it’s more like constant harassment and being picked apart—it's as if they're telling me I'm losing my mind just because...🤣

Do they sound like people you already know—like family or close friends—or just a bunch of complete strangers?

Jessica Chavez4 said:Do they sound like people you already know—like family or close friends—or just a bunch of complete strangers?

They definitely sound familiar, almost like old acquaintances coming back into view.😂

My mother was diagnosed with chronic schizophrenia, which landed her on Social Security disability. She stays home constantly and rarely leaves the house. Things were manageable when I was a kid because she actually took her medication and stayed on schedule with her sedative injections. But once I hit high school—and continuing through my mid-thirties now—she refuses to hear a word about doctors or meds. If you bring up treatment, she snaps that she’d rather die than see a physician. This year, she left the apartment exactly once, and that was only because we had to meet a notary regarding my grandfather's estate settlement. She acted like a toddler there; my uncle and I practically had to guide her hands to show her where to sign the papers. Later, when the family went out for drinks, she spent 90% of the time sitting there in silence. When the waiter asked for her order, she couldn't answer, so my dad and aunt had to order for her. Her attempts at conversation were just disjointed, inappropriate questions that had nothing to do with what anyone was talking about. Fortunately, everyone present understood she was mentally unwell. I remember my uncle snapping at her a few times, saying, "That doesn't matter right now!" which caused her to shut down. At home, she rambles incessantly about nonsense that bears no relation to reality. If you try to pivot to anything practical, she loses it. She’s obsessed with delusions—claiming neighbors throw dust into her apartment, talk through the walls, or spy on her. And if I even mention moving out, staying over at a friend's place, or working late, the drama starts immediately. She screams that I'm being "corrupted" by outsiders trying to tear our family apart, claiming she raised me solely for herself and no one has the right to interfere. Even though I have the option to stay at a friend's house, I hesitate because she always tells me she'll be waiting for me. I have done it a few times, only to be met the next morning with her in tears, demanding to know where I was and threatening to call the police. If work runs late, she starts yelling again, claiming my boss is exploiting me and that she's calling the cops. Honestly, I almost wish the police would actually show up while she's in one of these states. Maybe if they saw the reality of the situation, they'd finally take her to a facility since she refuses to seek help herself.

vividnomad2 said:They definitely sound familiar, almost like old acquaintances coming back into view.😂

Does marijuana actually help when you're dealing with depression? Because from what I understand, when you get that massive dopamine spike, you feel happy and euphoric—all great until it wears off. Then the hormone levels drop back down, and you just crash straight into a depressive hole. For me, back when I was popping Xanax to deal with my absolutely brutal insomnia—and let me tell you, it was a nightmare—I’d hit this terrifying depression after about a week on the stuff. It was horrific... honestly, I felt suicidal at points. So, I finally just walked away from all that garbage doctors try to push on you for sleep. I've tried basically every sleeping pill out there, and hands down, weed is the best way to go. Personally, I think things like benzodiazepines should be banned; they don't actually fix the underlying issue, they just mask the symptoms while wrecking your brain and your entire life in the process.

For me, weed is actually quite alright—provided I’m not touching alcohol at all. It leaves me feeling pleasant and centered; I stay calm, and I rarely find myself crashing out in bed unexpectedly—though, admittedly, there have been those nights where I certainly have. My main gripe? The price tag is just astronomical these days. Plus, I have this lingering anxiety about overdoing it because of my various prescriptions. All things considered, though, it's a much better alternative than booze.

I’ve already posted about my ex dealing with schizophrenia. Now, I’m back because I could really use some actual answers or even just a bit of advice.
Here's the deal: for the last three years, he’s only been picking up the kids when his parents are right there with him. He drives them back to his place, and that’s exactly how it’s written in the court order—visitation happens only when his parents are present.
But lately, for the past few days, he’s started showing up alone to grab them and driving them home by himself. I’m spiraling a bit here because I don't know if letting this slide is a smart move for the long term. Look, he’s a decent driver, but there's a massive catch. He was declared incompetent in court, and his legal capacity to handle business matters has been stripped away. Honestly, he might not even be legally allowed to get behind the wheel, but I don't know the specifics of the law.
Anyone out there have some actual, sensible advice?👍

feralowl said:I’ve already posted about my ex dealing with schizophrenia. Now, I’m back because I could really use some actual answers or even just a bit of advice.
Here's the deal: for the last three years, he’s only been picking up the kids when his parents are right there with him. He drives them back to his place, and that’s exactly how it’s written in the court order—visitation happens only when his parents are present.
But lately, for the past few days, he’s started showing up alone to grab them and driving them home by himself. I’m spiraling a bit here because I don't know if letting this slide is a smart move for the long term. Look, he’s a decent driver, but there's a massive catch. He was declared incompetent in court, and his legal capacity to handle business matters has been stripped away. Honestly, he might not even be legally allowed to get behind the wheel, but I don't know the specifics of the law.
Anyone out there have some actual, sensible advice?👍

🙄

If it were me, I’d go straight to his doctor and his parents. Talk to them.

Stick to the court order. Don't play games or run experiments when kids are involved, just because you're hoping he's "doing better" now.

feralowl said:I’ve already posted about my ex dealing with schizophrenia. Now, I’m back because I could really use some actual answers or even just a bit of advice.
Here's the deal: for the last three years, he’s only been picking up the kids when his parents are right there with him. He drives them back to his place, and that’s exactly how it’s written in the court order—visitation happens only when his parents are present.
But lately, for the past few days, he’s started showing up alone to grab them and driving them home by himself. I’m spiraling a bit here because I don't know if letting this slide is a smart move for the long term. Look, he’s a decent driver, but there's a massive catch. He was declared incompetent in court, and his legal capacity to handle business matters has been stripped away. Honestly, he might not even be legally allowed to get behind the wheel, but I don't know the specifics of the law.
Anyone out there have some actual, sensible advice?👍

I remember being denied my driver's license because I was on certain medications, so I can't help but wonder how he's permitted to drive if he's even had his employment rights stripped away.
Just tell his parents they need to show up with him every single time, and that should settle it.
🙂

Thanks for the replies😉
I’d love to do that, really... but back when we were getting divorced, I was tracking every single little thing that went wrong and reporting it all to Child Protective Services. And because of that, my ex ended up stuck in mandatory psychiatric treatment for three years.😲
It was a total nightmare. His family completely cut ties with our kids, and we didn't have any contact for those three years. It absolutely wrecked the children.
Now, we finally get along reasonably well, but they’re the type where I have to watch every single word I say, otherwise it’s the same old story all over again. And honestly? You can't even have a basic conversation with them because they take everything as a personal attack.🤷

He was out there getting his driver's license in the States at sixteen, so he wasn't exactly "sick" back then, right? Now he's pushing forty... He seems fine enough for what he can handle, but still... what can you really tell?

feralowl said:Thanks for the replies😉
I’d love to do that, really... but back when we were getting divorced, I was tracking every single little thing that went wrong and reporting it all to Child Protective Services. And because of that, my ex ended up stuck in mandatory psychiatric treatment for three years.😲
It was a total nightmare. His family completely cut ties with our kids, and we didn't have any contact for those three years. It absolutely wrecked the children.
Now, we finally get along reasonably well, but they’re the type where I have to watch every single word I say, otherwise it’s the same old story all over again. And honestly? You can't even have a basic conversation with them because they take everything as a personal attack.🤷

He was out there getting his driver's license in the States at sixteen, so he wasn't exactly "sick" back then, right? Now he's pushing forty... He seems fine enough for what he can handle, but still... what can you really tell?

Look, I’ve driven a car just fine while dealing with schizophrenia myself, but that's just my experience. I get why you don't want to rock the boat, I truly do—but if I were in your shoes, I’d still insist that he picks up the kids along with their parents. But hey, that's just my two cents.

Chris, how are you holding up? Did those ridiculous voices finally quiet down? 🙂I’m doing alright, I suppose—fairly steady, actually. I just finished up an appointment with my doctor to get my prescriptions sorted, and things feel much more settled now. Honestly, if I’m being truthful, I think that antidepressant I’ve been on is doing most of the heavy lifting for me. Anyway, hang in there and try to enjoy yourself a bit.

Larry Lewis said:Look, I’ve driven a car just fine while dealing with schizophrenia myself, but that's just my experience. I get why you don't want to rock the boat, I truly do—but if I were in your shoes, I’d still insist that he picks up the kids along with their parents. But hey, that's just my two cents.

Now we're getting somewhere. Finally, some actual positivity.👍 I'll try to frame it carefully so nobody takes offense—maybe suggest the older folks accompany him instead—but since you mentioned you were behind the wheel too, I guess I won't spiral out too much.

feralowl said:Now we're getting somewhere. Finally, some actual positivity.👍 I'll try to frame it carefully so nobody takes offense—maybe suggest the older folks accompany him instead—but since you mentioned you were behind the wheel too, I guess I won't spiral out too much.

Look, I drove for years—decades, really—but I don't own a car these days, so I'm not out on the road. If I had a vehicle, I'd be driving, plain and simple.🙂

Larry Lewis said:Look, I drove for years—decades, really—but I don't own a car these days, so I'm not out on the road. If I had a vehicle, I'd be driving, plain and simple.🙂

Hmm...
Hey everyone.

It’s pretty interesting that you can legally drive while on antidepressants or antipsychotics. Apparently, we're the only ones where that's allowed here in the States.
As far as I know, if you get into a wreck while on psych meds, you're just as liable as whoever caused the accident in the first place...

Regarding schizophrenia itself, there's supposedly this "revolutionary" new drug out. It was approved by the EU a few months ago, who knows when it'll hit the US market. Here it is:

http://www.saphris.com/

Until now, Zeldox was the main thing. This one supposedly has fewer side effects, hits the target better, and helps with sleep too, so you might not need a separate sleeping pill...
supposedly people can function normally, work, move around... at least that's what they say...

Chris, where on earth have you vanished?! Don't let this thread die out on us—give us a sign, or at least have someone shout your name so we know you're still lurking somewhere🙂don't go getting all worked up now, I’m just messing with you—you know how my brain works, it's a bit of a chaotic mess most days and I can hardly keep my own thoughts straight sometimes🙂

Larry Lewis said:Chris, where on earth have you vanished?! Don't let this thread die out on us—give us a sign, or at least have someone shout your name so we know you're still lurking somewhere🙂don't go getting all worked up now, I’m just messing with you—you know how my brain works, it's a bit of a chaotic mess most days and I can hardly keep my own thoughts straight sometimes🙂

I’ve often wondered who exactly convinced you that I was dealing with schizophrenia, though I suppose it's a question born out of genuine curiosity. It’s funny, really; I remember sitting in a quiet little coffee shop back in Seattle a few years ago, just watching the rain hit the window, when a similar line of questioning came my way from someone who thought they had me all figured out. How do I know they aren't "real"? Well, it isn't about some grand, cinematic epiphany, but rather a quiet, steady realization that comes from observing the patterns of my own mind. There is a certain weight to reality—a texture and a consistency—that these perceptions simply lack, much like how you can tell the difference between a solid oak table and a clever hologram if you just take the time to reach out and touch it.
I’ve been feeling this strange, icy numbness lately, almost like I’ve lost my sense of touch entirely. It started after my doctor decided to take me off my antidepressants; she felt that continuing them was only fueling the psychotic episodes and making the voices much more intense. Now, she's asked me to come back in for a follow-up appointment so we can figure out our next move and see what else we can try to get things back on track. 😍
I am truly glad to hear that you're doing well.

The doctor tells me I had all the hallmarks of schizophrenia—though apparently, now that the symptoms have cleared, my intrusive thoughts are just the lingering echoes of what used to be a full-blown illness. Honestly, why don't you whip up a little cocktail for yourself too? It's high time you felt better; I'm sure you've had more than enough of this nonsense lately. Yesterday, a few friends were hitting me up to go grab some drinks, but I told them I was broke and couldn't make it. I mean, I really can't justify spending money on booze when I'm already paying so much for these meds, even if the idea sounded pretty damn tempting at the time.🙂

Larry Lewis said:The doctor tells me I had all the hallmarks of schizophrenia—though apparently, now that the symptoms have cleared, my intrusive thoughts are just the lingering echoes of what used to be a full-blown illness. Honestly, why don't you whip up a little cocktail for yourself too? It's high time you felt better; I'm sure you've had more than enough of this nonsense lately. Yesterday, a few friends were hitting me up to go grab some drinks, but I told them I was broke and couldn't make it. I mean, I really can't justify spending money on booze when I'm already paying so much for these meds, even if the idea sounded pretty damn tempting at the time.🙂

It's basically either drink and skip your meds, or take your meds and stay sober—there isn't really a middle ground if you don't want to mess up your body chemistry and make everything ten times worse.😍