I’ve had sz symptoms all my life which have prevented me from learning certain things. One thing I often wonder is if my total accumulated knowledge is much less than that of most people my age. It’s frustrating to think I don’t know as much as I could know because of sz. Since my symptoms have gotten much more severe, I worry about this more because I’ve been more inhibited from learning new things than ever before.
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Since I joined this forum, I’ve been surprised by how well-written most comments are. The comments I see here make me think that schizophrenics are better writers than the general public (comments here seem more well-written than the average comment on an internet forum).
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Does anyone else feel like they know less because of sz?
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You write well as well. Me I make lots of typing errors before posting so I edit my post before posting. As for knowledge, you have all the internet to learn from, I think everything is there.
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I don’t have the energy or interest to delve into subjects I used to. My cognitives are bad too a lot of the time, I struggle making sentences and have word salad. It can take me a long time to make a simple comment here.
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Idk. I learned lots of things when I was younger pre sz. I’ve been in a bit of a limbo as far as learning new SKILLS goes for about 8 years. I’ve learned a lot about sz in that time though. About the only skill I can think of that I’ve picked up in the last eight years is miniature painting.
I recently ordered a guitar and am going to try to learn that. You can still learn things if you want to I’m sure. Maybe just focus on something that you are interested in. If you focus on one thing, I’m sure that you can become quite good in that area.
But, yes, I believe sz has hampered my learning to some degree when I was in the “funk” of post psychosis recovery.
Thanks. You’re right, The internet is a great place to learn from. What happens to me is my cognitive impairments prevent me from learning from IRL conversations with people and memorizing things I want to remember for later.
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Are you reacting badly to meds or are they not effective enough for you?
I’m not on meds.
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I guess I’m just the type of person that puts an emphasis on learning new things and values learning new things a lot. But, I believe a lot of people strongly value improving their knowledge bank. I know I can learn new things but the thought of being impaired from learning makes me think of my sz as a serious and severe disability. I’m mostly referring to learning ‘things’ as learning new information. I.e the capital of Bahamas is Nassau.
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I’m terrible at geography, so you got me there. lol. Yes, I agree that it can be a bit more of a challenge to learn new information. I find it difficult to find the will to study things I’m not interested in. I don’t have the focus. I got a book called “CBT for dummies” months ago, for example, and have only read one chapter.
I think a lot of it is about focus. If you want to learn new things, I stand by my initial recommendation of trying to find something that excites you and you really want to learn. I’m a little excited about my guitar and think this will motivate me to learn how to play it well.
You seem like an intelligent guy from your posts. I’m sure you can find an area you can excel in if you can just find something that excites you.
If you truly want to learn, don’t give up on yourself!
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And btw, if it takes you a little longer than another person, so what? We have a disorder that often impacts memory and concentration. It may take more time and study than it would for some people, but you can still get there.
My philosophy is to not beat yourself up over things you can’t control. If you have memory and attention issues because of schizophrenia, all you can do is do the best you can. Slow and steady wins the race. 
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No. I’m told I learn at a fast rate by co-workers and managers. My problem is finding the energy to study.
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I think I’m just not fully acceptant of having sz. I’ve only known for less than 3 years so I still grieve when I think that I’ll learn less than the average person. Thanks for the motivation, though.
I totally understand that. It took me awhile to accept my diagnosis. It also took me years to get out of the “funk” of post psychosis. I’m still not fully there. You don’t have to resign yourself to being “less than” though. Perhaps you’re not quite ready to hear the message I’m putting out. I know I wasn’t 3 years into diagnosis. Give it some time, but don’t give up.
Having SZ doesn’t have to stop a person from having a worthwhile life. You can still learn and experience all kinds of wonderful things.
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I can learn by repetition. But the motivation is hard to get there
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Unfortunately. I see myself as “less than” for not being able to learn easily and effortlessly. I’m hoping this new med works for me and all of my positives, cognitives get taken care of.
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I would think that it depends on the severity of your symptoms. Currently, I feel an intense feeling of lack of pleasure while doing most tasks which prevents me from really experiencing things the way they are meant to be experienced.
I totally get it. Getting your meds in order is a good start. By the sounds of it, you may need more time to accept things as they are and try to find your place. I truly hope that you do.
It may be helpful to you to try to not compare yourself to other people as well. You have your own set of circumstances.
I had this as well, it has improved a bit with time and effort trying things, but it still remains a bit of a problem for me.
Anyway, I’m going to leave it there. I wish you the best of luck on your journey. It’s still early yet for you from my perspective.
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