MySchizophreniaTeam2

It sounds like there may be some confusion — MySchizophreniaTeam doesn't process orders, so there's nothing to cancel in that sense!

If the goal is to delete a MySchizophreniaTeam account, here's how… read more

It sounds like there may be some confusion — MySchizophreniaTeam doesn't process orders, so there's nothing to cancel in that sense!

If the goal is to delete a MySchizophreniaTeam account, here's how to do it:

1. Tap the menu icon in the upper left corner
2. Go to Account Settings
3. Scroll down and select Deactivate My Account
4. Choose a reason for deactivating

Just a heads up — the account is held for 10 days before permanent deletion. If logging back in happens during that window, everything will be restored automatically.

MySchizophreniaTeam2

Most people are diagnosed with schizophrenia during their late teens or early adulthood. The timing can vary a bit depending on gender:

- Men are typically diagnosed between ages 18 and 25
- Women tend… read more

Most people are diagnosed with schizophrenia during their late teens or early adulthood. The timing can vary a bit depending on gender:

- Men are typically diagnosed between ages 18 and 25
- Women tend to be diagnosed a little later, between ages 25 and 35 That said, schizophrenia doesn't always follow these patterns. A smaller number of people — around 20% — are diagnosed after age 45, and in rarer cases, it can develop in children, though that tends to be more severe and harder to treat.

MySchizophreniaTeam2

Yes, absolutely — the voices heard in schizophrenia can sound like people you know, including family members. Some people have even reported hearing the voice of someone close to them who has passed… read more

Yes, absolutely — the voices heard in schizophrenia can sound like people you know, including family members. Some people have even reported hearing the voice of someone close to them who has passed away. It can feel very real and disorienting, especially when you're alone at home. Voices can vary a lot from person to person. They might sound:

- Loud or quiet
- Familiar or like a stranger
- Like they're in the same room or far away
- Internal (inside your head) or external (coming from the environment)

Being alone can actually make voices more likely to appear or feel more intense. Isolation and stress are known triggers that can make auditory hallucinations worse. If the voices are becoming more frequent or distressing, it's worth bringing it up with a doctor or mental health professional. It could be a sign that the current treatment plan needs a closer look. Antipsychotic medications and talk therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can both help make voices quieter and easier to manage.

MySchizophreniaTeam2

That sounds incredibly stressful and scary — and it's okay to feel overwhelmed right now. Here's what can help in the moment:

Right now, focus on safety first
- Stay calm and speak slowly and simply
-… read more

That sounds incredibly stressful and scary — and it's okay to feel overwhelmed right now. Here's what can help in the moment:

Right now, focus on safety first:
- Stay calm and speak slowly and simply
- Move to a quiet, low-stimulation space if possible
- Don't argue about whether what he's experiencing is real
- Acknowledge his feelings without agreeing with the beliefs
- Keep yourself safe — don't put yourself at risk If things escalate or feel dangerous:
- Call 911 if there is immediate risk of harm
- When calling, be specific — for example: "My son has schizophrenia and is experiencing psychosis"
- You can also call or text 988 (the mental health crisis line) for guidance from a trained counselor
- Try to meet first responders outside so you can explain the situation before they approach him Longer term, when things are calmer:
Refusing medication during psychosis is very common. Many people with schizophrenia don't realize they are unwell — this is actually a recognized part of the condition, not stubbornness.

Working with his care team on a plan, including coordinated specialty care, can help. This brings together medication management, therapy, and family support to find an approach that works for him.

MySchizophreniaTeam2

Great questions! Whether Invega Trinza is the "best" medication really depends on the individual — what works well for one person may not be the right fit for another. That's a conversation worth… read more

Great questions! Whether Invega Trinza is the "best" medication really depends on the individual — what works well for one person may not be the right fit for another. That's a conversation worth having with a psychiatrist who knows the full picture of your health.

Invega Trinza (paliperidone palmitate) is a long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotic given once every 3 months. LAIs can be a good option because they remove the need to remember a daily pill, which can help keep symptoms more stable over time.

For schizoaffective disorder specifically, treatment usually involves:

- Antipsychotic medication (like Invega Trinza)
- Mood stabilizers or antidepressants to address mood symptoms
- Therapy and psychosocial support

So medication alone is rarely the whole picture — a broader treatment plan tends to work best. As for weight gain — yes, it's a known side effect of many antipsychotic medications, including second-generation antipsychotics like Invega Trinza. These medications can increase appetite, and if they cause drowsiness, staying active can feel harder too.

Some helpful ways to manage weight while on antipsychotics include:

- Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Limiting sugary and high-fat foods
- Watching portion sizes
- Getting regular exercise
- Avoiding alcohol

If weight gain is a concern, it's worth talking to a healthcare provider — they may be able to adjust the dose or explore other medication options that are less likely to cause weight changes.

MySchizophreniaTeam2

Absolutely — delusions without hallucinations are a recognized part of schizophrenia, and many people experience them. About 80% of people with schizophrenia experience delusions at some point.

… read more

Absolutely — delusions without hallucinations are a recognized part of schizophrenia, and many people experience them. About 80% of people with schizophrenia experience delusions at some point.

Delusions are strong, false beliefs that feel completely real, even when there's clear evidence they aren't true. They can appear suddenly or build up slowly over time. There are two main types of delusions that can show up in schizophrenia:

- Bizarre delusions — beliefs that are clearly impossible, like thinking your organs have been replaced by machines or that someone is controlling your thoughts
- Persecutory delusions — beliefs that someone is watching, targeting, or trying to harm you

It's worth knowing that delusions can sometimes be complicated by something called anosognosia — a lack of awareness that the beliefs aren't real. This happens in a large number of people with schizophrenia and isn't a personal failing; it's just how the condition can affect the brain.

If delusions are feeling more intense or distressing, it's always a good idea to check in with a healthcare provider, as adjustments to a treatment plan can really help.

MySchizophreniaTeam2

Great question! Schizophrenia is a complex, lifelong brain condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and experiences the world around them. It's more common than many people realize… read more

Great question! Schizophrenia is a complex, lifelong brain condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and experiences the world around them. It's more common than many people realize, affecting around 24 million people globally.

It's important to know that schizophrenia is often misunderstood, partly due to how it's portrayed in movies and media. One big myth is that it means "split personality" — it doesn't. Schizophrenia involves two main types of symptoms:

Positive symptoms (experiences added by the condition):
- Hearing, seeing, or sensing things others don't
- Feeling watched, followed, or threatened
- Holding false beliefs (delusions)
- Disorganized thoughts or speech

Negative symptoms (experiences reduced by the condition):
- Talking or showing emotion less than usual
- Withdrawing from friends or activities
- Losing interest in hobbies
- Difficulty with daily tasks like cooking or showering

The good news is that with the right treatment and support, many people with schizophrenia are able to manage their symptoms and live meaningful lives.

MySchizophreniaTeam2

What your son is describing sounds like it could be a delusion — a belief that feels completely real to him, even though it isn't based in reality. This is a known symptom of schizophrenia, and it's… read more

What your son is describing sounds like it could be a delusion — a belief that feels completely real to him, even though it isn't based in reality. This is a known symptom of schizophrenia, and it's important to take it seriously without dismissing what he's experiencing.

The belief feels very real to him, so arguing or trying to convince him otherwise may not help and could make things worse. Here are some ways to support him right now:

- Stay calm — speak slowly and gently, keeping your tone neutral
- Don't agree with the belief, but don't dismiss it either
- Acknowledge his distress — let him know you hear him and you're there for him
- Avoid arguing — this can increase agitation
- Distract him with something he enjoys, like music, a walk, or a show

The most important next step is to contact his care team or a mental health professional as soon as possible. If he's in immediate distress or at risk of harm, don't hesitate to call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or 911.

MySchizophreniaTeam2

Great question! When someone with schizophrenia appears to be talking to themselves, it's often because they're responding out loud to internal voices — also called auditory hallucinations. Their… read more

Great question! When someone with schizophrenia appears to be talking to themselves, it's often because they're responding out loud to internal voices — also called auditory hallucinations. Their brain processes these voices as completely real, so responding to them feels natural. When it seems like two different voices are having a conversation, there's actually a specific type of hallucination for that. It's called noncommand hallucinations, where voices may:

- Talk to each other rather than directly to the person
- Comment on what the person is doing
- Criticize or mock the person
- Repeat certain words or phrases

So the person isn't really talking to two different people — their brain is generating multiple distinct voices that feel very real and separate. This can be exhausting and distressing. The good news is that antipsychotic medications can help make these voices quieter and more manageable, even if they don't disappear completely. It's always worth talking to a doctor if the voices feel overwhelming or are getting worse.

MySchizophreniaTeam2

That's a really understandable fear to have. The good news is that psychosis is treatable, and many people do improve — especially when treatment starts early.

How long a psychotic episode lasts… read more

That's a really understandable fear to have. The good news is that psychosis is treatable, and many people do improve — especially when treatment starts early.

How long a psychotic episode lasts depends on a few key things:

- What's causing the symptoms
- How quickly treatment begins
- Whether ongoing support is in place For schizophrenia, symptoms can persist or return without treatment, but ongoing care can significantly reduce symptoms and lower the risk of relapse.

Recovery looks different for everyone. For some, it means symptoms go away. For others, it means learning triggers, staying connected to care, and having a plan if symptoms return.

Research suggests that between 20% and 60% of people with schizophrenia can achieve remission with treatment. Early treatment after a first episode can cut the chance of future episodes by up to 50%.

If you're concerned about your current symptoms or treatment plan, reaching out to your care team is always a good step.