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Lupus and schizophrenia

A MySchizophreniaTeam Visitor · 2 answers
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How do I talk about the voices to people who don’t understand

A MySchizophreniaTeam Visitor · 3 answers
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Are people with schizophrenic dangerous around people

A MySchizophreniaTeam Visitor · 1 answer
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Intrusive vs external voices

A MySchizophreniaTeam Visitor · 4 answers
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233 questions

Relationship with someone with schizophrenia, does not believe in meds and has been off them for 30+ years

A MySchizophreniaTeam Subscriber asked a question đź’­

I met him 13 years ago and in different city when I traveled to go to the beach now I’m living in this city since last year and we have reconnected. The mixed signals are very hard for me because I am a person who loves deeply and I’m very loyal. I never shame him. I always offer encouragement. I give him rides and help him with whatever I can. When he goes into isolation which he does quite often now it’s really hard, but I try to be understanding. I love him dearly, but this is so hard.

I met him 13 years ago and in different city when I traveled to go to the beach now I’m living in this city since last year and we have reconnected. The mixed signals are very hard for me because I am a person who loves deeply and I’m very loyal. I never shame him. I always offer encouragement. I give him rides and help him with whatever I can. When he goes into isolation which he does quite often now it’s really hard, but I try to be understanding. I love him dearly, but this is so hard.

February 17
A MySchizophreniaTeam Subscriber

Thank you I definitely need to find a support group because I find myself as a loving him and giving and etc.. I am losing myself.

Thank you I definitely need to find a support group because I find myself as a loving him and giving and etc.. I am losing myself.

February 17
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What are the side effects usually

A MySchizophreniaTeam Visitor asked a question đź’­
February 11
7 Signs Your Schizophrenia Medication May Not Be Working Read Article...
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about the meds they say make th,symptoms headache

A MySchizophreniaTeam Visitor asked a question đź’­
February 11
Schizoaffective Disorder vs. Schizophrenia: 6 Key Differences Read Article...
MySchizophreniaTeam2

Are you asking about medications that might cause headaches as a side effect?

Schizophrenia medications, particularly antipsychotics, can cause various side effects as they work to balance brain… read more

Are you asking about medications that might cause headaches as a side effect?

Schizophrenia medications, particularly antipsychotics, can cause various side effects as they work to balance brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. While the search results don't specifically mention headaches, common side effects that people experience include:

- Weight gain
- Dry mouth
- Restlessness
- Tiredness or drowsiness
- Constipation

If you're experiencing headaches while taking your medication, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider. They can help determine if it's related to your medication and work with you to adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Don't stop taking your medication on your own, as suddenly stopping can lead to serious side effects or worsening symptoms. Your care team can help you find the right balance between managing symptoms and minimizing side effects.

February 11
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is this disorder rare

A MySchizophreniaTeam Visitor asked a question đź’­
February 9
Schizophrenia Causes and Risk Factors: Is It Genetic? Read Article...
MySchizophreniaTeam2

Is schizophrenia rare?

Schizophrenia is not considered rare. It affects about 0.5 percent to 1 percent of the population. In the United States, that means approximately 1.7 million to 3.4 million… read more

Is schizophrenia rare?

Schizophrenia is not considered rare. It affects about 0.5 percent to 1 percent of the population. In the United States, that means approximately 1.7 million to 3.4 million people are living with schizophrenia.

While it's not the most common mental health condition, it's certainly not uncommon either. Many people are affected by it, and there's a whole community of individuals navigating similar experiences.

February 9
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I go through these cycles of extreme motivation and progress just have a trigger and burn out send me straight into suicidal thoughts

Amy583 asked a question đź’­

I have schizophrenic bipolar disorder and anxiety

I have schizophrenic bipolar disorder and anxiety

February 5
MySchizophreniaTeam2

How can you manage cycles of extreme motivation followed by burnout and suicidal thoughts when you have schizoaffective disorder bipolar type and anxiety?

The cycles you're describing—extreme… read more

How can you manage cycles of extreme motivation followed by burnout and suicidal thoughts when you have schizoaffective disorder bipolar type and anxiety?

The cycles you're describing—extreme motivation followed by crashes with suicidal thoughts—are common with schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type. This condition combines schizophrenia symptoms with mood episodes like mania and depression.

During manic episodes, you might feel overly energetic or motivated, while depressive episodes can bring intense sadness, hopelessness, and thoughts of suicide. These mood swings happen alongside psychotic symptoms like hallucinations or delusions.

If you're having suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help immediately:
* Call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline)
* Text "HELLO" to 741741 (Crisis Text Line)
* Go to your nearest emergency room Managing these cycles requires consistent treatment:

Staying on your medication is crucial, even when you're feeling good. Stopping treatment increases your risk of another episode. Set daily reminders and refill your pill box weekly to stay on track.

Work with your healthcare team to adjust medications if needed. Treatment often includes antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and sometimes antidepressants to address both the psychotic and mood symptoms.

Setting small, realistic goals with a therapist can help boost motivation without leading to burnout. Research shows goal-setting is effective for managing motivation challenges in schizophrenia.

Anxiety can make everything harder. Talk to your doctor about therapy options like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medications that can help manage anxiety alongside your other symptoms.

February 5
Hi, this is just a check-in, based on a phrase you mentioned. If you — or anyone else who sees this — is thinking about self-harm, we want to say that you are an important part of this community. No part of this is easy, but there is support that can help. Read more >
All updates must be accompanied by text or a picture.
Hi, this is just a check-in, based on a phrase you mentioned. If you — or anyone else who sees this — is thinking about self-harm, we want to say that you are an important part of this community. No part of this is easy, but there is support that can help. Read more >

My son drinks alcohol and ends up back in hospital. How do I encourage him to stop?

A MySchizophreniaTeam Visitor asked a question đź’­
February 4
A MySchizophreniaTeam Visitor

Thank you

Thank you

February 4
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Can someone who has it be dangerous to others?

A MySchizophreniaTeam Visitor asked a question đź’­
February 4
8 Facts To Know About Schizophrenia Read Article...
A MySchizophreniaTeam Visitor

Thank you for the information.

Thank you for the information.

February 4
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Do deaf people experience "voices" as flashing images or flashbacks instead?

A MySchizophreniaTeam Subscriber asked a question đź’­

Have any studies been done among the Deaf population?! We keep reading that people hear "voices," but, in our case, we have a deaf family member describing "flashing images" or flashbacks that feel VERY real to them. They have, in fact, weaved these images into a tapestry and created a destructive narrative of abuse, with the help of their therapist, that frankly just didn't happen... Yet, in their mind's eye, it did and they're holding the entire family hostage... What we're getting at is… read more

Have any studies been done among the Deaf population?! We keep reading that people hear "voices," but, in our case, we have a deaf family member describing "flashing images" or flashbacks that feel VERY real to them. They have, in fact, weaved these images into a tapestry and created a destructive narrative of abuse, with the help of their therapist, that frankly just didn't happen... Yet, in their mind's eye, it did and they're holding the entire family hostage... What we're getting at is, if a deaf person can't hear these "voices," does their brain then compensate by altering how this inner dialog & messaging occurs? They are absolutely convinced that these "flashing images" are fragments of some suppressed trauma. Their therapist has asked us to try and validate this family member's feelings, but how can we when their narrative has so many holes in it? Don't get me wrong, we all love, care & support this family member more than they'll admit but how do we "validate" their feelings without hurting our own? We've spoken with the therapist, and mentioned family history, but it seems like the therapist refuses to heed any of our input... Our family member is doing better, but we're afraid they're not getting ALL the help they need... Any advice would be greatly appreciated...🤔

February 3
MySchizophreniaTeam2

How might deaf people with schizophrenia experience hallucinations differently?

This is a really challenging situation for your family. While the search results don't specifically address… read more

How might deaf people with schizophrenia experience hallucinations differently?

This is a really challenging situation for your family. While the search results don't specifically address hallucinations in deaf people with schizophrenia, it's worth understanding that hallucinations in schizophrenia can take different forms beyond just hearing voices.

Hallucinations in schizophrenia aren't limited to auditory experiences. While hearing voices is the most common type, people can also experience visual hallucinations or other sensory experiences that feel completely real to them. The brain can create these experiences in ways that feel indistinguishable from reality.

What's particularly important here is that hallucinations and delusions (false beliefs that feel absolutely true) often work together in schizophrenia. Someone might experience something unusual and then create an explanation for it that doesn't match reality. This isn't intentional—their brain is genuinely interpreting these experiences as real. What can families do in this situation?

This situation requires professional guidance beyond what a therapist alone might provide. If your family member has schizophrenia, they should be working with a psychiatrist who specializes in mental health conditions, not just a therapist. A psychiatrist can assess whether symptoms are well-controlled and adjust treatment if needed.

Validating feelings doesn't mean agreeing that false memories are true. You can acknowledge that their experiences feel real to them and that they're struggling, without confirming details that didn't happen. Something like "I can see this is really distressing for you" validates their emotional experience without endorsing a false narrative.

If the current treatment isn't addressing potential psychotic symptoms like delusions or hallucinations, the treatment plan may need adjustment. Antipsychotic medications and specialized therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help people manage these symptoms more effectively.

Consider seeking a second opinion from a psychiatrist who has experience with schizophrenia. Family input about symptom changes and concerning behaviors is valuable medical information that should be considered as part of comprehensive care.

February 3
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Our patient’s hygiene is beyond normal! Is this what others have experienced?

A MySchizophreniaTeam Visitor asked a question đź’­
January 21
Understanding Schizophrenia Denial: Why It Happens and How Caregivers Can Help Read Article...
MySchizophreniaTeam2

Is it common for people with schizophrenia to struggle with personal hygiene?

Yes, difficulties with self-care and hygiene are actually quite common experiences for people living with schizophrenia… read more

Is it common for people with schizophrenia to struggle with personal hygiene?

Yes, difficulties with self-care and hygiene are actually quite common experiences for people living with schizophrenia. This isn't about laziness or not caring—it's often a direct result of how the condition affects the brain.

Schizophrenia can impact someone's ability to organize their daily life, problem-solve, and maintain routines. Even basic tasks like remembering to shower or brush teeth can become overwhelming when cognitive symptoms are present.

Some helpful approaches include:
* Creating simple, structured daily routines
* Using reminders or checklists for hygiene tasks
* Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps
* Offering gentle support without judgment

Self-care challenges are a real symptom of the condition, not a personal failing. With patience and the right support strategies, many people find ways to manage these difficulties more effectively.

January 21
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I have symptoms from time to time with seeing my distorted face in the mirror and sounds when I’m alone, I struggle with undiagnosed anxiety

A MySchizophreniaTeam Visitor asked a question đź’­

Not diagnosed with anxiety or depression but struggle with them a lot, sleep is changing all the time. I’ve never been diagnosed with anything, could my symptoms be schizophrenia?

Not diagnosed with anxiety or depression but struggle with them a lot, sleep is changing all the time. I’ve never been diagnosed with anything, could my symptoms be schizophrenia?

January 19
Symptoms of Schizophrenia: Positive, Negative, and More Read Article...
MySchizophreniaTeam2

Could the symptoms you're experiencing be schizophrenia?

The symptoms you're describing—seeing your distorted face in the mirror, hearing sounds when alone, anxiety, and changing sleep patterns—could… read more

Could the symptoms you're experiencing be schizophrenia?

The symptoms you're describing—seeing your distorted face in the mirror, hearing sounds when alone, anxiety, and changing sleep patterns—could potentially be related to schizophrenia, but they could also be connected to other conditions or factors. It's really important not to jump to conclusions without a proper evaluation.

Schizophrenia typically involves specific types of symptoms that persist over time. Visual hallucinations (seeing things that aren't there) and auditory hallucinations (hearing sounds or voices) are common in schizophrenia. Between 40 to 80 percent of people with schizophrenia experience auditory hallucinations, and some also experience visual hallucinations.

However, for a schizophrenia diagnosis, healthcare professionals look for at least two specific symptoms lasting most of one month, with symptoms continuing for at least six months. These must include things like:

* Delusions (strong false beliefs)
* Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there)
* Disorganized speech
* Disorganized behavior
* Negative symptoms (withdrawal, reduced emotional expression)

There must also be a noticeable decline in daily functioning, like at work or in relationships. Your anxiety and sleep changes are also important pieces of the puzzle. Anxiety disorders are very common and can occur alongside schizophrenia, but they can also exist on their own. Sleep pattern changes can be a symptom to track, as they may signal worsening symptoms if schizophrenia is present.

The most important step you can take right now is to see a qualified mental health professional for a thorough evaluation. They can help determine what's causing your symptoms and create an appropriate treatment plan. Many conditions can cause similar symptoms, and only a professional assessment can provide clarity.

Don't try to diagnose yourself—getting proper help early makes a real difference in managing whatever might be going on. Your symptoms deserve attention and care, regardless of the specific diagnosis.

January 19
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