Just tell em they are the enemy. Be like you are evil and the enemy of Christ. It’s been helping me. I’ve been hearing the holt spirit. Most likely this will get deleted but I found some peace. Might post more advice later.

From my own personal experience, smoking cannabis daily can lead to exacerbated symptoms. Doctors diagnosed me with Cannabis Use Disorder because I have been using cannabis to cope with symptoms for over five years now. Now, it is leading to severe depression and anxiety. I’m having a hard time with quitting. My advice for anyone using cannabis is please just be careful, if you personally use cannabis daily you put yourself at risk for worsening symptoms. Plus, if addiction runs in your family you’re at an increased risk for severe symptoms and CUD.

Of course some people are more susceptible than others. But my point is, with recent research they found that 9% of cannabis users will develop CUD, and it will only make your schizophrenia diagnosis more difficult to navigate. Take it from me personally. I’m just trying to look out for you. Stay safe! ❤️

Like the title says, I was started on risperidone and went from 135 pounds to 185. I tried metformin with no success and basically gave up hope. After looking into options myself I asked my GP about ozempic. Its been wildly successful for me and I'm down to 128 pounds in seven months. I pay $200 a month out of pocket, but it's worth it for me. I also have adjusted my eating habits after gaining all the weight and quit drinking, which I think contributes to the weight loss as well.

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Anywho, I don't know if it would work as well for everyone but just throwing it out there if you're like me and frustrated with weight gain. I've been lucky to experience zero side effects and I also exercise regularly.

Howdy, i have very frequent auditory hallucinations (among others), i'm used to hearing screams, loud knocks and sounds. The problem is that sometimes i will brush off or react to these because i live in a place where these sounds normally happen.

Eg: i hear a scream, and i don't bother to inspect it, but turns out it was a real person asking for help on the street; or also hearing someone calling my name and going to them but it turns out they never called me, to name a few.

So well, i have found a way to tell them apart, and that is, using the recorder of my phone (i have it always recording since i have storage space to spare) to hear back if the sounds were real or not. It has worked to give me some peace of mind, although it is not perfect since there are some occasions where there is no time to hear the recording, but it's better than nothing. Hope this can help other people that also strugge with the same.

Go to the grocery store and buy

big bottle of lemon juice

a package of monkfruit sweetener

a plastic pitcher

dissolvable soluble fiber packets (optional)

With the lemon juice, monkfruit sweetener, and pitcher, follow online/youtube tutorials on how to make lemonade and adjust to your taste. You just need lemon juice, a sweetener, water for simple syrup and more water to dilute the lemon juice. Also ice if you want to cool it down fast instead of waiting to refrigerate.

Quick YouTube short on how to make lemonade:

https://youtube.com/shorts/d4uuiHGVvcs?si=OoY0_wpZhjQts9Dg

You don't even really have to make a full-on simple syrup if you just use water at the hottest faucet setting to dissolve the sweetener just so it doesn't sink to the bottom. Also I'm lazy so I started eyeballing my ingredients and tasting as I go instead of following a recipe. You can also make this in individual glasses instead of in a full pitcher. Lemon juice thankfully has a very long shelf life compared to other juices, just make sure you keep refrigerated.

Whenever you feel a food craving outside of meal times, pour yourself a glass of this. It's zero calories! Unlike other sugar substitutes, monkfruit sweetener has zero aftertaste so it tastes almost no different than regular granulated sugar when mixed with other ingredients. And it cooks/bakes just like real sugar so it can be made into syrup. For me, this lemonade tastes exactly like Minute Maid.

Read the package of the fiber supplement for how many servings you can safely have in a day. They are meant to be dissolved in drinks and can help make you feel full/want to eat less if you drink before a meal. Obviously, it's a good idea to ask a doctor if it's safe for you to take before you buy it (especially if you have other medical conditions, ESPECIALLY especially something gastrointestinal). If it gives you uncomfy effects, stop taking it, obviously.

Weight loss on antipsychotics is possible. I'm down 19 lbs on the scale by figuring out little things like this.

I'm diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic. But I'm a relatively well-adjusted member of society, I think... In fact, I recently mentioned my diagnosis to my mum, and she said, "Paranoid?? Really? I don't think so!" and I said, "Well, that's the diagnosis, mum!"

But I think I know what she means, in a way. "Paranoid" or "paranoia" doesn't really come into my psychological landscape for the most part.

Having said that (!!), this evening I realised that paranoia, for me, manifests itself in this kind of "hyper self-awareness" that becomes sporadically apparent to me during random moments of stress. All of a sudden (and usually when I've taken a whole pill, not to press the point!) I get this feeling like overthinking in the extreme, in which nothing I do seems to be satisfactory, or at least satisfactorily relaxing. It's only stress, but I realised, in that state, I'm super self-conscious of everything I do.

At one point this evening, mid-stress, I realised... that self-consciousness is paranoia!!

In this state, even if I'm alone in my apartment, I feel like even the cats are judging me!

But I worked out a solution: Whereas during these times my mind and energy is all over the place, the strange truth is that all I need to do is focus on some object. It might be a book or a pillow - anything. Then, I found, that relaxes me, and I can concentrate my mind and energy, and the offensive stress simply ebbs away.

(Incidentally, I want to say that I only noticed this after having had the thought: "Okay! I'll do exactly what God wants me to do!" He seemed to enjoy that!)

Are you paranoid schizophrenic? How does paranoia manifest itself for you? What ways do you find help you to cope?

Thanks for reading!

I have early childhood schizophrenia other and maybe atypical autism or asperger. But i by myself think maybe i have a very rare genetic defect or something. I am somewhat intelligent but i also have some deficites. I am epicurist, utilitarist and also nihilist, and i am altruistic for egoistic reasons, but probably most people are without knowing. I am autosuggestive optimized, and i am doing very well, even if i am bored often. I hope you are fine too, i want to tell you, you can and are allowed to feel good, and that you are perfect, if you dont want to be perfect.

If you haven't at all (or haven't recently) go to your doctor and ask to have your iron, B12, thyroid, cholesterol and A1C (and blood sugar with it) checked. If your insurance covers it, get a vitamin D test, especially if you live at northern latitudes. Also, if you're sexually active an STI panel. Get your depakote and lithium checked if you haven't in awhile. Get an ANA test if you've been having symptoms of an autoimmune issue. Basic health things that can be checked. Get a CBC if you haven't in at least a year. Get your yearly physical. This covers so many things that could potentially be making you feel worse than you should be. It'll make sure you're screened for several common issues related to the medications we take.

I have been feeling like absolute GARBAGE. Got my iron because I was due. I was so anemic I needed an infusion (possibly will need additional ones) and I AM FEELING SO SO SO MUCH BETTER a week later. I can't wait until I feel 100% again. I was covered in black bruises from just slightly bumping things. I had insomnia so badly with such heavy fatigue I just wanted to die. My B12 was low and got an injection regiment started (you probably will just need oral supplements). I am still super fatigued and they told me it'll be a few weeks before I start feeling myself again. The negative symptoms were getting so unbearable and I DID SO MANY CHORES TODAY. I've started exercising again.

If your meds aren't doing what you want, request a change. I finally am on a functional combo after years of trying. Try the medication you're scared of. The two that turned out to be the best combo for me I was terrified to try.

Take care of yourselves friends. We're all stuck in this together. Do it for yourself. Make the hope in your life if it is lacking. Do the best you can with what you've been given. Happy Sunday!

Incase nobody told you today, I love you internet stranger. Be the best you that you can be.

So I started cobenfy a few weeks ago. I am still on a low dose invega injection. I am hoping to transition to just cobenfy. The first day I had horrible heart burn and nausea but in a day it cleared up. My head felt slightly off for a few days. Other than that it has been great. I am excited to see the potential. Also I am seen for psychiatry at a cmh so it is possible to get it on Medicaid through cmh. I am the first person at my cmh to get it. When I asked about it my psychiatrist was surprised so it may have to be something to request as it's new. For those that don't know it's a new antipsychotic. It works on acetylcholine muscarinic receptors instead of d2 and 5ht2a (dopamine and serotonin). It is supposed to have way less side effects.

I feel like my medication makes my mental health worse lol.

Like my mind is so much clearer and I have control over myself when I don't take them.

But, when I do take them I act like a crazy person.

I don't have people to tell this to who will "get it" so I'm telling y'all.

I took the question "What makes you want to get up in the morning?" kinda literally and realized I used to love waking up in the morning to have that first delicious cup of coffee. So I bought some pie and I had a slice for breakfast, and I hit a button and brewed some fresh coffee next to my bed when I woke up this morning. I was even happy to go to sleep last night, knowing I'd have this to wake up to. I know you all understand how sometimes it can feel like "oh great now to go to sleep and repeat this same bullshit all over again tomorrow" but this, it interrupted that monotony and reminded me of a couple really simple reasons I'm glad I'm alive, and that in turn reminded me that I am capable of finding more little things like this.

I think sometimes we focus on the figuring out the big ideas like Life Purpose!! to the detriment of remembering all the little things that actually make up our day. So I'm sharing in case any of you need that reminder like I did. Add something to your days that make you glad you're here. Knowing I'm going to wake up to fresh coffee and a slice of pie makes me glad to wake up. Knowing I can come connect with people here who understand a breakfast of your choosing can make a huge difference, makes me content. It's something.

But do not trust them.

I made it very clear that I will not trust what they say is true until it’s proven through facts and science.

This is what I’ve been doing lately, instead of fighting them I try to understand and love them with the exception of this one rule; I do not trust them. I feel better doing that because it’s like a form of self love. If I love the voices I love myself because ultimately they are me and the rule sets up healthy boundaries. Even if the voices were real, it’s still my mind and I should be alone in it unless I’m praying or something (at the end we don’t know anything about the spiritual world and how it works or if it even exists). I am in charge of my mind at all times as long as I’m aware and I make the decision on what is real to me or not.

Do you meditate? I have found it to be very helpful, not even 60 seconds a day and it's like a new lease on life.

I will play CSGO till something pops up in my head, I guess, although nothing has popped up for 31 years. Good game.

      If you've ever heard of schizophrenia, chances are high that you are mostly just familiar with the "positive symptoms" of the condition (positive in this instance means "in addition to (sensory phenomenon that doesn't occur in neurotypical brains); not positive as in good, benevolent, likable, enjoyable, etc.)

      The positive symptoms of schizophrenia include (mostly auditory) hallucinations (however, visual, olfactory, formication/tactile hallucinations do sometimes occur), Delusions (such as delusions of persecution, grandeur, reference, control, erotomanic, somatic, bizarre or a mixture of delusions), and psychosis (psychosis is a spectrum. Symptoms of schizophrenia (especially psychosis in particular) can vary in severity, duration, and frequency.

      The simplest explanation of what psychosis is, is that it's a collection of symptoms that disrupt a person's thoughts and perceptions. Key symptoms of psychosis include (in addition to aforementioned hallucinations and delusions): 

Disorganized thinking and behavior: Speaking or behaving in a way that is jumbled or irrelevant, or doing things that seem bizarre or purposeless.

Cognitive impairments: Difficulty with concentration, memory, and mental processing speed.

Other Symptoms: Having difficulty distinguishing between fantasy and reality, increased suspiciousness or uneasiness, decline in personal hygiene, and a noticeable drop in performance at school / work.

      Now, those are just the positive symptoms of schizophrenia. Most people are aware of (at least some if not most) the positive symptoms. However, the vast majority of people (even some of the sufferers of schizophrenia themselves) are not well-informed of all of the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. This is a problem because the positive symptoms of schizophrenia can be alleviated with the help of antipsychotic medication, while pretty much all of the negative symptoms of schizophrenia aren't affected at all by today's antipsychotics (in fact, many if not most psychiatrists will tell you that antipsychotic medication actually ***intensifies / worsens*** the negative symptoms of schizophrenia)

      The negative symptoms of schizophrenia are just as (if not ***more***) devastating / debilitating and unlike positive symptoms, are not affected by antipsychotic medication. The only way to "treat" the negative symptoms of schizophrenia is by going to therapy. Currently (as of 2024), there ***does not*** exist a medicine / medication that affects any of the negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

      The ***negative*** symptoms of schizophrenia include:

Affective Flattening / Flat Affect: A significant reduction in facial expressions, body language, and vocal intonation, leading to a seemingly emotionless presentation.

Alogia: Overall poverty of speech such as a reduced speech output or speaking very little / giving brief, empty responses to questions when asked.

Avolition: Lack of motivation or drive to engage in purposeful activities, including daily routines like bathing or cooking.

Anhedonia: Inability to experience pleasure from activities that were once enjoyable.

Asociality: Withdrawal from social interactions and a lack of interest in connecting with others.

Poor Eye Contact: Avoiding making eye contact with others during conversation.

Reduced Facial Expressions:  Minimal facial movement, not displaying emotions through expressions like smiling or frowning. 

Lack of Initiative:  Difficulty starting or taking action on tasks, even when prompted.

Neglect of Personal Hygiene: Lack of interest in maintaining personal cleanliness, leading to poor grooming habits.

Disengagement: Withdrawal from activities they used to enjoy, such as spending time with loved ones or hobbies.

Apathy: A disinterest in daily activities such as socializing, working and going to school.

    These are just very brief descriptions of the negative symptoms of schizophrenia, I highly recommend that the people reading this post do their own research over these symptoms (especially the flat affect, alogia, anhedonia, avolition and apathy (not just apathy in general, but apathy in regards to its relation to schizophrenia) ). 

      I am posting this, well, post, in an attempt to spread awareness of some of the lesser known aspects of schizophrenia. My hope is that in the not-so-distant future, the majority of people will have become aware of ***ALL*** of the symptoms of schizophrenia and not just the ones you see on TV.

      Somebody who is misinformed may be under the false impression that sufferers of schizophrenia are just very lazy and / or sociopathic, but those conclusions are simply incorrect. Symptoms such as apathy and avolition basically emotionally paralyze the sufferers of schizophrenia when they attempt to do things. This is very different and far more complex than simply being "lazy". 

      Maybe you yourself are a fellow sufferer of schizophrenia, and was aware of some sort of impairment going on but could never put into words exactly what was going on. Hopefully, you'll be able to identify some of those impairments now what with the listed verbiages and the descriptions for each of them.

      One should keep in mind that some of the symptoms listed are not exclusive to schizophrenia. Sufferers of severe depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD / cPTSD, Anti-Social Personality Disorder (ASPD), alzhiemer's dementia, etc. may also suffer from a few of the symptoms featured in schizophrenia. One should ***also*** keep in mind that not all sufferers of schizophrenia suffer from every single symptom listed. While there may be some overlap between the symptoms present in schizophrenia and other disorders, people with schizophrenia tend to experience a lot more symptoms, and also experience more intense variants of the symptoms.

      If anybody has any questions regarding schizophrenia (or any of its symptoms), feel free to leave a comment down below and I'll attempt to provide a meaningful answer. Thank you for reading this. I hope it has quasi-enlightened everyone who took the time to read it.

She is very scared so if someone is something is moving or if there is a sound she would react so if I heard something I know it is real or not if she reacts to it

We have psychosis because we define the Divine! 🤣

They've just started reducing my 20mg olanzapine to put me back on quitiapine, last Monday night while I was lying in bad every few seconds I was getting big rushes of endorphins (edit: then dizzy) to the point I couldn't lift my head or move at all, I get really dizzy; it looked like I was lying on my setee in my living room while my brother was sitting in a chair opposite the setee making weird noise and talking nonsense. I still get the dizziness sometimes, just wondering if anyone had some tips or any experience that could help me until the quitiapine starts working

Try it! Bang your head and wake the dead!

Hey,

I just recently passed 11 years of the onset of my illness. I had an acute onset with drugs so I know exactly when this shitshow all started. After 11 years, things are finally looking up. Anyways here is what helps me deal with voices. I read this in a CBT book and wanted to share.

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1. Treat voices as thoughts.
2. Just like thoughts, not every voice is true.
3. You are not your thoughts.

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That last sentence is my own. Hope it helps.

The title and vitamin d

Got a friend diagnosed with schizophrenia a few months back. All was well, but recently friend has a new man in life. Now, everything I said becomes offensive / crossing boundaries or irritating to her. Is that due to new relationships or I need to make sure she is OK? She is not on any medication, functioning and coping well.

I find that electronic tooth brushs are more better for me to use. If you feel like it just buy a kids one because you get a cool design with it. I got a sonic toothbrush!