Intervention after the first episode is great; it can prevent further relapses.
Lifestyle changes will make a big impact, and for people like you, medication may not be required for life.
Just temporarily until symptoms subside.
Good Luck. 
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Welcome to the forum @maiden. I got knocked sideways by SZ at age 23 and was told my life was over. It wasn’t, it had just changed from what I had thought it would be. I have still managed to get educated after a fashion, get married, have a kid, some successful careers, and am living comfortably and happily at age 56 despite coping with ongoing positive and negative symptoms.
I have always done best when I have taken my meds as directed, worked with my doctors, eaten well, excercised regularly, kept a recovery journal, and maintained a growth mindset. This is what I recommend for anyone who is new to the illness. That, and never take anyone else’s word for what your limits are. It is your job to find that out for yourself.
Cheers.
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Excellent advice @shutterbug !
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You’re not so bad yourself, sir.
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Dang that was nice to hear. Uplifting.
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Right off the bat, I can tell you’re intelligent and well-educated, so you’ve got that going for you.
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Sorry you’re experiencing it at such a young age. I don’t think you’re destined to a life of psychosis. Hopefully you’ll be able to resume a life you want to lead.
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I was 16 when I was diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Now, 7-8 years later, I can confidently say that if you take your medication and rely on your support system you can have an easier time than most who don’t keep up to date with their treatment.
I wish you the best, and hope you like it.
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Thank you to everyone here for your encouragement and advice, I’m so grateful for this community.
I don’t know if it’s just me but I feel so lost; one of the only things I thought I could always rely upon (my perception of reality) is completely challenged and I can’t even notice.
It is also so disconcerting to see the word psychotic used in reference to me. It feels like it’s supposed to be this vague concept that would never affect me out of all people. I’ve come to terms with it now more or less though.
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Look at it this way: Everyone has problems, but you’re lucky enough to know what yours are.
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I think most of us feel this way. Becoming psychotic and being diagnosed schizophrenic was a complete surprise to me and before I got sick it never occurred to me that it could happen to me.
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I remember when I first found out I was diagnosed with “schizophrenia “ it was a punch in the gut. The word itself carries a heavy stigma. I was guilty of believing that stigma. The formal diagnosis really hurt me. I was 20 and finding my way in young adulthood. It felt like my life was over.
It took time, but I slowly realized that my life was far from over. It’s important to keep that in mind, especially early on.
You matter, your voice matters, you are important. Keep advocating for yourself and take pride in who you are. You are far more than the word “psychotic” or “schizophrenic “. These words do not define you.
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Dont lose courage. I suffered my first psychotic episode that lasted months around 16 years old too. Life isnt so bad. In fact I’d say its pretty good at times. Im 31 years old now. So ive had schizoaffective disorder for half my life. It presents challenges. But who doesn’t have challenges really? If i could give my 16 year old psychotic self advice, it would be to not focus on achieving hapiness or trying to limit suffering too much. But instead to strive for adventure. And to desire the strength to face fears instead of wanting things to be easier. And to always keep bettering myself. And if i am to fall, get back up quickly, instead of wallowing in the depths for too long.
Anyways. Good luck!
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Thank you, this really touched me in a way:)
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When I first got diagnosed I was determined I would overcome this diagnosis. I was 20. And that determination was always deep inside me. Now I am dealing with severe addiction that has added to my diagnosis. I am 54 and wouldn’t change a thing. I still wouldn’t be surprised if I do overcome this diagnosis and addiction completely.
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@maiden, I think that’s an important point. You may not want to take your medication or talk to psychiatrists but the people who do that are usually doing better than the ones not taking their medication. If you have schizophrenia it will make your life harder but with medication you have a chance of doing something with your life. And there is much you can do, despite the diagnosis.
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welcome to the forum!! I had one of my first psychotic episodes at a super similar age so I understand how kinda scary it is 
Treatment really does help though :> wishing you the best and hoping you find some community here!
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Hey, welcome, my advice would be to try and take it easy, therapeutic ventures are great ways to relax and a good distraction, maybe even put some nice music on, basically do everything to take your mind away from the mundane.
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Initial days I too was on same meds now only on aripiprazole 20mg plus bupron sr 150 .
Life will change for the best when you search for a normal life .
I would say not to go for higher goals start from small. Then grow slowly. You will know the only way out is be at the present moment which is a gift, no past or future.
I used to wonder to be successful I should be having an experience on some subject, the subject will carry you along is of what we think at the moment.
Welcome to the forum
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I hope you’re doing okay Maiden. I was 16 when I went through psychosis too and I found it so lonely and overwhelmingly sad. No one really understood it. Even my parents who came to my appointments seemed to expect me to just shake it off. And even myself - very little was explained to me until I saw a specialists team. I totally know what you mean by “mourning”.
Just remember there are still things you can do and achieve. Keep pursuing things you enjoy and are important to you. I think trying to give yourself activities you enjoy and make you feel better is really important for keeping you going.
The sedation from the meds can be super difficult to tolerate. In time you may adjust to them and if not after a year or whatever you may be better off requesting a different drug.
Also - I didn’t explain in detail to any of my friends at the time what was going on and kept things super vague as there is a lot of stigma attached to the diagnosis and I didn’t want to give a detailed explanation to anyone.
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