Schizophrenia - General Discussion

My diagnosis is F21 and F60.3, along with a few other minor details I’m too lazy to Google right now.

Anyway, I attended an xyz group, and the people I met there—honestly, I can't tell which of them are more empathetic, kind, or caring... you name it.

One girl I was particularly drawn to has SCH, but it’s so severe that she hears voices constantly. Sometimes her episodes are so intense it feels like the ceiling changes color, as if she woke up in a movie starring Freddy Krueger. Her attacks are that brutal. I’m not certain if it’s strictly SCH, but she is in a bad way. I must admit, she is one of the finest people I have ever met. It’s purely by chance we didn't end up together.

In truth, I would rather be with her than any neurotypical woman. I know I could find depth in her, even if it isn't obvious. Besides, I don't know what I would even do with a healthy partner; she would likely break under the weight of my issues sooner or later. Conversely, a woman with SCH brought out the best in me, pushing me to evolve and improve. At least briefly, she guided me back to the "right path."

Even if we had stayed together and, hypothetically, had a child—and let's say that child was 125% healthy—imagine how that would play out? It would be difficult. Extremely difficult.

There is a reason I mentioned Jake. Despite being only in his twenties, he is remarkably advanced. I believe there is much to be learned from him.

@blueheron7... from my perspective as a layman, what you have described sounds more like she might be dealing with a combination of schizophrenia and epilepsy.

I recall reading somewhere—or perhaps it was just a common belief at one point—that schizophrenia and epilepsy were thought to be mutually exclusive. It is almost as if they are physiological antagonists; for instance, one cannot simultaneously suffer from a common cold while also battling heatstroke. They simply do not coexist. Yet, I cannot help but wonder: could her condition actually be a complex intersection of both schizophrenia and epilepsy?

The idea of a "healthy" person dating someone who is struggling... heheh, honestly, it feels more like a myth to me. If we could actually define what "healthy" or "unhealthy" even means in this context, maybe there'd be an answer. But I truly believe that beyond just love, two people need common ground to actually understand one another, which is why I mostly agree with blueheron7.
For instance, I don't really have many friends, and a huge part of that is simply because most people wouldn't get me... so I don't even bother trying.
And here I go again, hitting another phase of total emotional numbness. Everything feels empty. The only guy I’ve actually dated after being isolated for five years? I'm ignoring him right now because I just don't feel anything at all.
I'm considering seeing a therapist to work through some things. He tells me, "Just because you stay busy with your projects doesn't mean you're okay; you have no social life, nothing." And he's right. My life feels completely hollow, much like my soul. If only there were a pill for that... hah...
I wish I could just wake up one day and realize this was all just a bad dream.

The whole idea of "healthy meeting broken" feels like a myth to me. If we actually sat down and defined what constitutes being healthy versus being struggling, maybe there'd be an answer... but I think beyond just love, two people need common ground to truly understand one another. That’s why I find myself agreeing with blueheron7.
For instance, I don't really have many friends, and a huge part of that is simply because most people wouldn't get me... so I don't even bother trying.
Here I go again, hitting another phase of emotional numbness. Everything feels empty. Even the guy I finally started seeing after five years of total isolation—I'm ignoring him now because I just don't feel anything at all.
I'm considering seeing a therapist to work through this. He tells me that just because I'm staying busy with my projects doesn't mean I'm okay; he says I have zero social life and that my existence is essentially hollow. I think he's right. My life feels empty, and honestly, so does my soul. If only there were a pill for that... hah...
If only I could wake up one day and realize this was all just a bad dream.

I remember the people I dated back when everything was still under control, and I remember those I saw after everything fell apart. I wouldn't say they were vastly different, but generally speaking: one group consisted of carefree, happy high schoolers. This second group? It was just a joke, because I was going through something similar myself...

I am not saying it is impossible for a healthy person to date someone who is ill. However, I simply never sensed any empathy or true understanding in that kind of dynamic. If someone prefers a healthy-unhealthy relationship, be my guest. For me—not my type. sry.

It is the same thing regarding children.

PS. Someone mentioned the diagnosis earlier. All I know is she was on Haldol for quite a long time. She was constantly walking around with an MP3 player and headphones on. She would literally tremble all over just to keep from doing something drastic... and in those moments, she would blast music through her headphones to try and drown out the voices. And this business about the ceiling and changing colors is also true. It might seem completely inconsistent or unrealistic to some, but it really is like that. It feels like a combination of a movie featuring Freddy Krueger and waking up in a nightmare from Max Payne.

EDIT:

I wanted to add one more thing... it truly is a joke. I also wanted a normal, healthy girlfriend for a while, thinking it was the best possible "way out" from my problems. Looking back now, I realize that isn't true at all. I have no idea what I was thinking then, but I am certain such a relationship would not work for me. sry.

Let’s be real, everybody has some kind of health issue going on. G20 is just one entry on a massive list of diagnoses. I’d bet anything that if you grabbed 100 young people under twenty who all swear they’re in perfect health, then ran them through a battery of deep medical screenings and blood work, more than half would end up with some kind of underlying condition that needs managing.

The stigma around this stuff is weirdly similar to how things used to be with cancer about twenty years ago. Back then, if you knew someone had been diagnosed, the social stigma was heavy—it felt like a huge deal. But look at how we view cancer today. You see public figures talking openly about their battles in the news or on TV, and it’s become part of the daily conversation, much like high blood pressure. When it comes to psychiatric diagnoses, I think the issue isn't just about other people being judgmental; it’s often about us allowing ourselves to hang out in circles that still hold onto those old prejudices.

Next time you head in for a checkup—and honestly, every time you go—just take a second to notice how many new faces are showing up at the clinic. People are constantly coming in, seeking help, and moving forward. And hey, who’s to say that doesn't include some of us? Me, you...

It feels like everyone is losing their minds lately... it’s almost like madness is becoming the norm. Even those who seem fine probably show at least some early symptoms or signs of it.
I guess that applies to you and me too; you put it perfectly. When I look in the mirror and compare myself to the person I was just a few years ago... I see someone physically frailer because of the exhaustion, pale because I haven't seen much sunlight, and with long hair because even making it to a barbershop felt like too much of a burden.
But when I really study my reflection, there are these new lines on my face that I don't even recognize

Today, for the first time, I started hearing things. The voices aren't loud and they aren't bothering me too much, but I hear them. When will this pass? Maybe when I wake up, they'll be gone......
And I'm moving so slowly now that my mom is already asking me if I'll go see a doctor....
Ugh... I just hope I feel better tomorrow.

It feels like everyone is losing their minds lately... it’s getting to the point where you can barely find anyone who isn't caught up in some kind of collective madness. Even if they aren't fully there, they all show at least some initial symptoms or signs.
I could say the same about you and me; you put it perfectly. When I look in the mirror and see the person staring back compared to just a few years ago... I see someone physically frailer because of the exhaustion, pale because I haven't seen much sunlight, and sporting long hair because even a trip to the barber felt like too much of a burden back then.
But honestly, when I look closely, there are new lines on my face that I don't even recognize myself.

Today was the first time I heard them. The voices aren't loud, and they don't bother me too much, but I hear them. When will this pass? Maybe when I wake up, they'll just be gone...
And everything has slowed down so much that my mom is already asking me if I should go see a doctor...
Ugh... I really hope I feel better tomorrow.

Laura Castillo6 said:Let’s be real, everybody has some kind of health issue going on. G20 is just one entry on a massive list of diagnoses. I’d bet anything that if you grabbed 100 young people under twenty who all swear they’re in perfect health, then ran them through a battery of deep medical screenings and blood work, more than half would end up with some kind of underlying condition that needs managing.

The stigma around this stuff is weirdly similar to how things used to be with cancer about twenty years ago. Back then, if you knew someone had been diagnosed, the social stigma was heavy—it felt like a huge deal. But look at how we view cancer today. You see public figures talking openly about their battles in the news or on TV, and it’s become part of the daily conversation, much like high blood pressure. When it comes to psychiatric diagnoses, I think the issue isn't just about other people being judgmental; it’s often about us allowing ourselves to hang out in circles that still hold onto those old prejudices.

Next time you head in for a checkup—and honestly, every time you go—just take a second to notice how many new faces are showing up at the clinic. People are constantly coming in, seeking help, and moving forward. And hey, who’s to say that doesn't include some of us? Me, you...

You are talking absolute nonsense here; there was never this intense stigma surrounding malignant tumors (at least not twenty years ago), people spoke openly about it, and there was genuine empathy. Perhaps what we are seeing now is simply a heightened awareness regarding preventative screenings and better treatment options.

Regarding the "schizo" label, there isn't even that kind of stigma among decent, reasonable people (meaning anyone who hasn't turned into a hardline right-wing zealot), so you really don't need to lose sleep over it...

darksurfer4 said:You are talking absolute nonsense here; there was never this intense stigma surrounding malignant tumors (at least not twenty years ago), people spoke openly about it, and there was genuine empathy. Perhaps what we are seeing now is simply a heightened awareness regarding preventative screenings and better treatment options.

Regarding the "schizo" label, there isn't even that kind of stigma among decent, reasonable people (meaning anyone who hasn't turned into a hardline right-wing zealot), so you really don't need to lose sleep over it...

But honestly, that’s just the truth. I certainly didn't feel that way. And where on earth did that nickname come from? It makes no sense. What are you even talking about?

Jose Ward4 said:But honestly, that’s just the truth. I certainly didn't feel that way. And where on earth did that nickname come from? It makes no sense. What are you even talking about?

Look, I have a massive, potato-shaped nose, and people actually go around thinking I’m the son of Vojislav Šešelj....

darksurfer4 Asks:
I think you’re getting a little carried away with some pretty misguided ideas here. Honestly, the idea that people were actively stigmatizing cancer patients back in the day just doesn't hold up—at least not in my experience from twenty years ago. People actually talked about it openly, and there was a genuine sense of empathy and understanding toward those going through it. If anything, I feel like what we’ve really seen lately is just a much higher level of awareness regarding preventative screenings and the incredible advancements in treatment options available to us now.

When it comes to mental health struggles, you won't really find that kind of stigma among most regular people—well, if you aren't hanging out with those hyper-rigid, right-wing types—so honestly, you don't need to lose much sleep over it.

I don't personally think schizophrenia is such a massive issue all on its own, provided that it’s being managed properly and isn't one of those particularly severe cases. But when you start layering in things like financial instability, or if there's a history of mental health struggles within the immediate family—things like disability, depression, or various types of social anxiety—it really makes sense why people might resort to stigmatizing or isolating someone. It’s a heavy combination to carry. At least in my own experience, that’s how it feels, though I obviously can't speak for everyone else.

Poverty just makes everything worse. When you're struggling financially, you can't afford the kind of support you actually need, and what the government provides is rarely enough to get someone back on their feet or even able to work. So, what's the alternative? The only answer I see is helping ourselves... Even if a state psychiatrist wants to help me more than anyone else—I don't know why, maybe he just likes me or feels sorry for me—it still doesn't solve the core issue.
So... the question remains, what is the right way to handle this?
I believe everyone has to help themselves as much as possible, even when it’s incredibly difficult, and sometimes people simply can't, which I understand. I've been in a position where I was completely stuck myself. But as long as I am able, I try not to spend my hard-earned money on psychotherapy. It's not because I think it's useless, but because I truly believe that through sheer strength and willpower, you can pull yourself up. At the end of the day, no one can help you as much as you can help yourself.

Rebecca Rivera3 said:Poverty just makes everything worse. When you're struggling financially, you can't afford the kind of support you actually need, and what the government provides is rarely enough to get someone back on their feet or even able to work. So, what's the alternative? The only answer I see is helping ourselves... Even if a state psychiatrist wants to help me more than anyone else—I don't know why, maybe he just likes me or feels sorry for me—it still doesn't solve the core issue.
So... the question remains, what is the right way to handle this?
I believe everyone has to help themselves as much as possible, even when it’s incredibly difficult, and sometimes people simply can't, which I understand. I've been in a position where I was completely stuck myself. But as long as I am able, I try not to spend my hard-earned money on psychotherapy. It's not because I think it's useless, but because I truly believe that through sheer strength and willpower, you can pull yourself up. At the end of the day, no one can help you as much as you can help yourself.

Well said and very smart.🙂

Rebecca Rivera3 said:Poverty just makes everything worse. When you're struggling financially, you can't afford the kind of support you actually need, and what the government provides is rarely enough to get someone back on their feet or even able to work. So, what's the alternative? The only answer I see is helping ourselves... Even if a state psychiatrist wants to help me more than anyone else—I don't know why, maybe he just likes me or feels sorry for me—it still doesn't solve the core issue.
So... the question remains, what is the right way to handle this?
I believe everyone has to help themselves as much as possible, even when it’s incredibly difficult, and sometimes people simply can't, which I understand. I've been in a position where I was completely stuck myself. But as long as I am able, I try not to spend my hard-earned money on psychotherapy. It's not because I think it's useless, but because I truly believe that through sheer strength and willpower, you can pull yourself up. At the end of the day, no one can help you as much as you can help yourself.

I went to see a private therapist a long time ago, even before I was diagnosed with schizophrenia, and after just three sessions, I basically thanked them and left... I mean, who can actually afford that? And the worst part is that there isn't a single, perfectly effective cure for schizo. All those treatments are just ways to manage it; if you combine medication, monitoring, and if possible, therapy and a steady routine, things might become manageable, but it's still an uphill battle. My doctor at the clinic suggested I check into a day program, but I didn't go. It just feels like one more obligation, having to drag myself up at 7 AM every morning, spending half my day there, while all my responsibilities at college and work are waiting for me. At school, I don't have any room for error anymore, and I've already burned through all my credit cards. So, yeah, that's my reality.

Reality can be incredibly harsh... when both faith and medicine fail you, you're left alone with yourself, fighting against your own reflection.

Rebecca Rivera3 said:Reality can be incredibly harsh... when both faith and medicine fail you, you're left alone with yourself, fighting against your own reflection.

Start with the Man in the mirror 🙂
We’re all in this together, Rebecca Rivera3; I definitely agree that while we have the capacity to fix so much on our own, there are those heavy moments where you just don't have enough strength left for yourself, let alone anyone else. But then things tend to look up again, and that's just how life rolls out. One day is better, one day is harder... just moving through it day by day.

I feel that familiar, low-level melancholy washing over me again... it’s not exactly a crushing weight, just a persistent, dull ache that won't quit.
My sleep schedule is a total mess lately; I’m either sleeping way too much or staring at the ceiling all night with my eyes wide open...
I think I might actually head back to the outpatient clinic, though I’m honestly not holding my breath that it’ll make a dent in how I feel...
I’m just tired of chasing false hope, and frankly, I’m a little worried they’ll just look at me like some fragile crybaby if I show up there.☕

Harold Anderson3 said:I feel that familiar, low-level melancholy washing over me again... it’s not exactly a crushing weight, just a persistent, dull ache that won't quit.
My sleep schedule is a total mess lately; I’m either sleeping way too much or staring at the ceiling all night with my eyes wide open...
I think I might actually head back to the outpatient clinic, though I’m honestly not holding my breath that it’ll make a dent in how I feel...
I’m just tired of chasing false hope, and frankly, I’m a little worried they’ll just look at me like some fragile crybaby if I show up there.☕

I just hope they have decent AC in there.
Maybe this heat is getting to me more than I realize.☕
I mean, who can even sleep at night when it's like this?
Then you end up passing out during the day, only to be wide awake when you actually need to rest...
Tell me about it...🥱

I have a question that doesn't strictly belong here, and while I am unsure where else to post it, I felt it would be foolish to start an entirely new thread just for this inquiry.

Suppose a deeply terrified patient arrives at a psychiatrist's office and, driven by intense fear, begins demanding physical contact from the doctor or perhaps a nurse. If the physician administers an injection with anxiolytic properties, there will inevitably be a period of waiting before the medication takes effect.

In such a delicate moment, would doctors actually embrace the patient, offer a comforting pat, hold their hand, or engage in some other form of soothing touch?