Schizophrenia - General Discussion

Eric Mitchell55 said:I’m still having a hard time coming to terms with the fact that I'll be on medication for the rest of my life. It’s heavy, knowing I’ll be managing this condition indefinitely, just constantly hoping to stay in remission for as long as possible. Looking back at the stretch between age 14 and 19, I went through six episodes—which works out to a little over one episode per year on average.
Lately, I feel so disconnected from myself. I struggle to trust people, I find it hard to believe what I see right in front of me, and I definitely don't trust what I hear. Everything just feels... surreal, like nothing is quite real.
To be honest, I’m scared of what life has in store.

You really need to find someone who can walk through this with you—someone to help anchor your perception of reality so you can actually believe what you see, hear, and think again. You need a person who understands you and will champion your healthy side until the illness stops taking over. A psychiatrist might not be the perfect fit depending on the situation, but if there isn't anyone else available, they could be a decent place to start.👍

Eric Mitchell55 said:I’m still having a hard time coming to terms with the fact that I'll be on medication for the rest of my life. It’s heavy, knowing I’ll be managing this condition indefinitely, just constantly hoping to stay in remission for as long as possible. Looking back at the stretch between age 14 and 19, I went through six episodes—which works out to a little over one episode per year on average.
Lately, I feel so disconnected from myself. I struggle to trust people, I find it hard to believe what I see right in front of me, and I definitely don't trust what I hear. Everything just feels... surreal, like nothing is quite real.
To be honest, I’m scared of what life has in store.

Dear Alexis, please don't be afraid. Most of us have walked this path—it's just that you were hit by it while you were still a child, and that makes the weight so much heavier to carry.
If things are truly as bleak as you say, then yes, there is a long road ahead—but it's an uphill climb toward recovery, so fight it any way you see fit, or at the very least, just don't let the darkness swallow you whole.
Believe me, I feel that fear too, and plenty of other people do as well; you aren't alone in this.

In fact, I just found out today that my sister is back in the hospital after being in remission for a long time—my heart is just aching, and I'm praying to God that it doesn't spiral into schizophrenia. My parents won't tell me anything because they don't want to upset me, and so it goes... you really aren't the only one.

Honestly, everything I wanted to say was just this: I know what you're going through, and I truly empathize with you, if that means anything at all.

Eric Mitchell55 said:I’m still having a hard time coming to terms with the fact that I'll be on medication for the rest of my life. It’s heavy, knowing I’ll be managing this condition indefinitely, just constantly hoping to stay in remission for as long as possible. Looking back at the stretch between age 14 and 19, I went through six episodes—which works out to a little over one episode per year on average.
Lately, I feel so disconnected from myself. I struggle to trust people, I find it hard to believe what I see right in front of me, and I definitely don't trust what I hear. Everything just feels... surreal, like nothing is quite real.
To be honest, I’m scared of what life has in store.

I have had—unfortunately, if I am being honest with myself—the opportunity to participate in group therapy sessions, though constraints regarding space, time, and, let's face it, money, meant I was often grouped with severely psychotic patients.
We were talking about so-called short-term group psychotherapy. It is such a neglected form of treatment; I haven't heard of anyone practicing it since, nor do I know if anyone even still does.
Over time, I realized that the facilitators of these therapies treat different patients in entirely different ways—they employ distinct approaches that yield vastly different results. Does that make sense?
Initially, based on a patient's history and medical background, the therapist would assess the stability of their Ego. With patients whose Egos were, shall we say, completely overwhelmed by psychotic experiences (think severe cases of schizophrenia or those "neglected chronic" types...), a very specific approach was taken. The goal wasn't necessarily for the patient to fully grasp their condition, but rather to help them adjust their orientation from their internal world toward the external world.
This particular style of therapy demanded an immense amount of effort and total commitment from the doctors—from the psychotherapists, specifically.
Then, there was also this focused method of short-term group therapy designed for less severely ill individuals—or perhaps more accurately, those who are partially ill and approaching recovery with much more ambition.
In those cases, the work was more educational in nature.
It could essentially be broken down into three parts.
1. Helping the patient accept assistance from another person within the group.
2. Providing them with some way to understand their own "maladaptive" behaviors.
3. Pointing out potential provocations or dangerous situations related to the illness, such as a regression or a relapse.
If the group can help a patient recognize these triggers and find a way to avoid them, then that therapy is a success. Is that not the ultimate goal?
There is so much more to say—I could write pages upon pages—but I have noticed that this type of therapy is incredibly effective, yet it remains completely forgotten and overlooked.
Generally speaking, group therapy works, provided one attends regularly and the sessions are conducted properly.🙂

Kevin Nguyen3, you’re absolutely right—group therapy was a total lifesaver for me back when my social life was a complete train wreck

Kevin Nguyen3 said:I have had—unfortunately, if I am being honest with myself—the opportunity to participate in group therapy sessions, though constraints regarding space, time, and, let's face it, money, meant I was often grouped with severely psychotic patients.
We were talking about so-called short-term group psychotherapy. It is such a neglected form of treatment; I haven't heard of anyone practicing it since, nor do I know if anyone even still does.
Over time, I realized that the facilitators of these therapies treat different patients in entirely different ways—they employ distinct approaches that yield vastly different results. Does that make sense?
Initially, based on a patient's history and medical background, the therapist would assess the stability of their Ego. With patients whose Egos were, shall we say, completely overwhelmed by psychotic experiences (think severe cases of schizophrenia or those "neglected chronic" types...), a very specific approach was taken. The goal wasn't necessarily for the patient to fully grasp their condition, but rather to help them adjust their orientation from their internal world toward the external world.
This particular style of therapy demanded an immense amount of effort and total commitment from the doctors—from the psychotherapists, specifically.
Then, there was also this focused method of short-term group therapy designed for less severely ill individuals—or perhaps more accurately, those who are partially ill and approaching recovery with much more ambition.
In those cases, the work was more educational in nature.
It could essentially be broken down into three parts.
1. Helping the patient accept assistance from another person within the group.
2. Providing them with some way to understand their own "maladaptive" behaviors.
3. Pointing out potential provocations or dangerous situations related to the illness, such as a regression or a relapse.
If the group can help a patient recognize these triggers and find a way to avoid them, then that therapy is a success. Is that not the ultimate goal?
There is so much more to say—I could write pages upon pages—but I have noticed that this type of therapy is incredibly effective, yet it remains completely forgotten and overlooked.
Generally speaking, group therapy works, provided one attends regularly and the sessions are conducted properly.🙂

That’s essentially how I experienced it personally. Back when I was in a darker headspace, if anyone pointed out that I was reacting poorly or overreacting, my immediate instinct was to get defensive and upset.
Nowadays, if someone gently suggests, "Hey, that might not be what they meant," or "Hold on a second," I can actually take it. I’ve learned to accept constructive criticism without letting it hit me where it hurts, and then I just move on.

Larry Lewis said:Dear Alexis, please don't be afraid. Most of us have walked this path—it's just that you were hit by it while you were still a child, and that makes the weight so much heavier to carry.
If things are truly as bleak as you say, then yes, there is a long road ahead—but it's an uphill climb toward recovery, so fight it any way you see fit, or at the very least, just don't let the darkness swallow you whole.
Believe me, I feel that fear too, and plenty of other people do as well; you aren't alone in this.

In fact, I just found out today that my sister is back in the hospital after being in remission for a long time—my heart is just aching, and I'm praying to God that it doesn't spiral into schizophrenia. My parents won't tell me anything because they don't want to upset me, and so it goes... you really aren't the only one.

Honestly, everything I wanted to say was just this: I know what you're going through, and I truly empathize with you, if that means anything at all.

I feel for you too, Larry. 😢 I really hope this is just a minor setback and that everything turns out okay. 🙂

Noah Garcia4 said:That’s essentially how I experienced it personally. Back when I was in a darker headspace, if anyone pointed out that I was reacting poorly or overreacting, my immediate instinct was to get defensive and upset.
Nowadays, if someone gently suggests, "Hey, that might not be what they meant," or "Hold on a second," I can actually take it. I’ve learned to accept constructive criticism without letting it hit me where it hurts, and then I just move on.

I feel for you too, Larry. 😢 I really hope this is just a minor setback and that everything turns out okay. 🙂

Thanks, Blueberry, that truly means a lot to me.😘

A little something for anyone currently struggling through the grind

Larry Lewis said:Thanks, Blueberry, that truly means a lot to me.😘

This feels sweet, Blueberry, almost like the good old days 😘 🙂 ☕

Just focus on staying steady yourself; that’s what will help our sisterhood the most.

Noah Garcia4 said:This feels sweet, Blueberry, almost like the good old days 😘 🙂 ☕

Just focus on staying steady yourself; that’s what will help our sisterhood the most.

Blue evil😛🤣

I intend to remain steadfast—though, truth be told, she’s got more strength in her than I do, and I have nothing but absolute faith in her.

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate all the support and the advice you guys shared. It means a lot. 🙂
Regarding group therapy, my psychiatrist mentioned getting me into a session for young adults dealing with psychotic issues sometime this fall. I’m hoping it’ll provide some much-needed help 🙂
My friends and my boyfriend are all in the loop about what I’m going through, so they've been a huge help and are always there for me.

Blueberry, how long have you been in remission?

Eric Mitchell55 said:I’m still having a hard time coming to terms with the fact that I'll be on medication for the rest of my life. It’s heavy, knowing I’ll be managing this condition indefinitely, just constantly hoping to stay in remission for as long as possible. Looking back at the stretch between age 14 and 19, I went through six episodes—which works out to a little over one episode per year on average.
Lately, I feel so disconnected from myself. I struggle to trust people, I find it hard to believe what I see right in front of me, and I definitely don't trust what I hear. Everything just feels... surreal, like nothing is quite real.
To be honest, I’m scared of what life has in store.

Look, at the end of the day, the most important thing for anyone dealing with mental health issues—regardless of whatever label the doctors slap on you—is working on the actual quality of your life. If you don't have a job, go find one. If you're single, look for a partner. If people at home or at work are treating you like garbage, get away from them. Period.

I know, I know—it's way easier said than done, and let's face it, we're never going to get our lives perfectly sorted out, but if we just sit around on our butts waiting for things to magically fix themselves, they aren't going to.

Eric Mitchell55 said:Thanks everyone, I really appreciate all the support and the advice you guys shared. It means a lot. 🙂
Regarding group therapy, my psychiatrist mentioned getting me into a session for young adults dealing with psychotic issues sometime this fall. I’m hoping it’ll provide some much-needed help 🙂
My friends and my boyfriend are all in the loop about what I’m going through, so they've been a huge help and are always there for me.

Blueberry, how long have you been in remission?

I’ve never gone longer—it’s been two and a half years now 😲. Of course, that doesn't mean it was smooth sailing; I managed to dance right on the edge of a relapse twice during that stretch. About eighteen months ago, things got incredibly shaky when I was tapering off lithium, and last summer hit me pretty hard after my uncle passed away, though I managed to pull through both times. I'm putting a lot of faith in this streak staying permanent, mostly because, for once, I actually feel comfortable in my own skin.☕

David Vaughn75 said:Look, at the end of the day, the most important thing for anyone dealing with mental health issues—regardless of whatever label the doctors slap on you—is working on the actual quality of your life. If you don't have a job, go find one. If you're single, look for a partner. If people at home or at work are treating you like garbage, get away from them. Period.

I know, I know—it's way easier said than done, and let's face it, we're never going to get our lives perfectly sorted out, but if we just sit around on our butts waiting for things to magically fix themselves, they aren't going to.

You have to accept that sometimes the necessary change actually has to happen within yourself.
I'm specifically looking at the situation at home, for instance. Those people essentially make up your entire world. There's the option to just go off on your own, or perhaps finding some sort of middle ground through compromise.

Noah Garcia4 said:You have to accept that sometimes the necessary change actually has to happen within yourself.
I'm specifically looking at the situation at home, for instance. Those people essentially make up your entire world. There's the option to just go off on your own, or perhaps finding some sort of middle ground through compromise.

Oh, come on, it's not like we're all gonna pack our bags and run away just because we don't like what's for dinner. I was talking about the heavy-duty, life-altering stuff. Like, say, a husband getting violent with his wife. Instead of just getting out of there, she sits around thinking she can somehow fix him 🙄 Or imagine having a boss at work who treats you like absolute property. Seriously, there isn't enough money in the world to buy back your peace of mind.

David Vaughn75 said:Oh, come on, it's not like we're all gonna pack our bags and run away just because we don't like what's for dinner. I was talking about the heavy-duty, life-altering stuff. Like, say, a husband getting violent with his wife. Instead of just getting out of there, she sits around thinking she can somehow fix him 🙄 Or imagine having a boss at work who treats you like absolute property. Seriously, there isn't enough money in the world to buy back your peace of mind.

You wrote this: The most important thing for any person struggling with mental health, regardless of their diagnosis, is to focus on improving their quality of life. If you don't have a job, find one; if you don't have a partner, find one; if people are mistreating you at home or at work, walk away.

I’m not entirely sure what you intended to convey, though I know exactly what you typed.
Were you perhaps trying to suggest that someone dealing with mental health issues should prioritize their quality of life just as much as anyone else would?

This specific part:If you don't have a job, find one; if you don't have a partner, find one; if people are mistreating you at home or at work, walk away. is nothing more than common sense.

Which of those actual challenges have you actually navigated?

And is that really how life works—in such stark black and white terms? You don't have a job, so you find one; you don't have a partner, so you find one. You've simplified the complexities of existence to the point where it sounds like saying, "if you run out of milk, just drive to the grocery store and buy some."

Regarding this part: For instance, a husband being abusive toward his wife. That probably applies to me. 🙄

As for this part: Or perhaps a boss at work treats you like property. That's a massive oversimplification; technically, you're an employee, not a slave, since slaves weren't getting a paycheck.
Then again, if you expect your manager to be kind and respectful to you, you generally have to offer that same courtesy in return, don't you? ☕

I’ve found myself revisiting the New Testament and Revelation quite a few times lately, along with plenty of the Old Testament as well. While I have nothing but respect for the texts, I just can't bring myself to take them literally; there is such a massive chronological gulf between those eras and our modern reality that the lifestyle gap is simply too wide to bridge. I did tune into a Sunday Mass on TV this past weekend, though, and actually found it quite enjoyable.
It feels like trying to apply ancient logic to a completely different world—it's just incomprehensible when you look at it that way.

Schizophrenic madness. 😵🙂😵☕

My mother-in-law finally came home from the hospital today. Honestly, she looks so much better. She’s put some weight back on and actually has some color in her face again. Mentally, she seems more at ease too—not nearly as high-strung as she was before. I actually didn't know, and she wouldn't tell anyone, but based on the psychologist's findings and our recent talks, it turns out she was still dealing with constant hallucinations (even though she insisted they had stopped) along with this "phenomenon" of reading minds and intense paranoid fears. Now, she claims all of that is gone. Her medication regimen has been adjusted; she’s taking Lexapro in the morning, Seroquel at night, and then a combination of Risperdal and Ativan in the mornings and evenings. So far, it seems like this new routine is doing the trick. Along with her previous F20.5 diagnosis, they've now added F71 (moderate intellectual disability) to the chart. Is it truly possible for the illness to have subsided to the point where it causes intellectual disability? And is there any chance that things could progress toward a more severe level of impairment over time?

Noah Garcia4 said:You wrote this: The most important thing for any person struggling with mental health, regardless of their diagnosis, is to focus on improving their quality of life. If you don't have a job, find one; if you don't have a partner, find one; if people are mistreating you at home or at work, walk away.

I’m not entirely sure what you intended to convey, though I know exactly what you typed.
Were you perhaps trying to suggest that someone dealing with mental health issues should prioritize their quality of life just as much as anyone else would?

This specific part:If you don't have a job, find one; if you don't have a partner, find one; if people are mistreating you at home or at work, walk away. is nothing more than common sense.

Which of those actual challenges have you actually navigated?

And is that really how life works—in such stark black and white terms? You don't have a job, so you find one; you don't have a partner, so you find one. You've simplified the complexities of existence to the point where it sounds like saying, "if you run out of milk, just drive to the grocery store and buy some."

Regarding this part: For instance, a husband being abusive toward his wife. That probably applies to me. 🙄

As for this part: Or perhaps a boss at work treats you like property. That's a massive oversimplification; technically, you're an employee, not a slave, since slaves weren't getting a paycheck.
Then again, if you expect your manager to be kind and respectful to you, you generally have to offer that same courtesy in return, don't you? ☕

Look, let's be real for a second—most people aren't actually out there grinding to build a life they actually enjoy. They aren't working on their own quality of life at all. Instead, they’re just performing this endless, exhausting act to meet whatever expectations the people around them throw their way. It’s like they’ve completely checked out of their own lives just to play the part everyone else expects them to play. They end up totally neglecting their own needs and gut feelings just to chase some hollow version of happiness for other people. Honestly, it's kind of depressing to watch.

And then they actually start hitting the booze and smoking weed thinking it’s some kind of magic cure for all their problems—as if a bottle of Jack or a joint is gonna fix a broken life. ☕

If you ask me, most people are pretty selfish when it comes to chasing their own quality of life—though, granted, there are plenty who just don't bother at all.

Now, if it were up to me—and I mean, if I actually had the agency—I’d probably indulge in some weed and a few drinks every now and then. Not a daily thing, mind you, but it isn't the end of the world; as for anything else, absolutely not.

But my main point was regarding >—she’s still just a kid, really, and her character hasn't even fully formed yet. She's dealing with some intense symptoms and is clearly lost in it all, because let's be honest, it’s a completely different beast whether you're facing a sickness at 14 or at 24.

David Vaughn75 said:Look, let's be real for a second—most people aren't actually out there grinding to build a life they actually enjoy. They aren't working on their own quality of life at all. Instead, they’re just performing this endless, exhausting act to meet whatever expectations the people around them throw their way. It’s like they’ve completely checked out of their own lives just to play the part everyone else expects them to play. They end up totally neglecting their own needs and gut feelings just to chase some hollow version of happiness for other people. Honestly, it's kind of depressing to watch.

And then they actually start hitting the booze and smoking weed thinking it’s some kind of magic cure for all their problems—as if a bottle of Jack or a joint is gonna fix a broken life. ☕

From where I'm sitting, it feels like you eventually have to pivot your focus inward, otherwise you're just going to spend your whole life running headfirst into a brick wall. And honestly, prioritizing yourself doesn't mean shutting others out—if anything, it usually makes your relationships much healthier.

David Vaughn75 said:Look, let's be real for a second—most people aren't actually out there grinding to build a life they actually enjoy. They aren't working on their own quality of life at all. Instead, they’re just performing this endless, exhausting act to meet whatever expectations the people around them throw their way. It’s like they’ve completely checked out of their own lives just to play the part everyone else expects them to play. They end up totally neglecting their own needs and gut feelings just to chase some hollow version of happiness for other people. Honestly, it's kind of depressing to watch.

And then they actually start hitting the booze and smoking weed thinking it’s some kind of magic cure for all their problems—as if a bottle of Jack or a joint is gonna fix a broken life. ☕

Thank God I haven't had to deal with that particular brand of coping mechanism myself. ☕