(This’ll be a long post) I’m only 15, but I’ve recently been very paranoid of developing schizophrenia. I’m currently seeing a counsellor, and discussing the issue. I know that females get schizophrenia much later than now, but I think I’ve been having a lot of prodromal symptoms.
Here are a whole bunch: Can’t experience happiness, empty inside, paranoid that people follow, spy, or talk about me, everything constantly feels like a dream, like I’m not real, horrible short term memory, get startled very easily, random meaningless actions (like getting out of bed to touch the wall), I stand weirdly, and apparently I have a weird waddle when I walk, and I have my feet turned slightly inwards, always moving/fidgeting/rocking, don’t have appropriate emotional responses to some things, sensitive to lights, sounds, textures, people touching me, always tense, takes a lot of effort to do simple tasks, let alone understand how to, stutter a lot even when I’m not nervous, occasional lisp, constantly forgetting words, mixing up words, hard to get a point across to people in conversation, hate being around people, seemingly random irritation, see shadows, constantly see coloured shapes and patterns in my vision, had imaginary friends since I was 8, still do, I do occasionally think that coincidences that happen repeatedly are messages for me, I treat inanimate objects like they’re living things.
Now that that’s over with, I’m not here for a diagnosis, I’m getting help. I’d just like opinions and thoughts if these are typical symptoms in your own experience, or if this is something different happening, thanks!
Just make sure to be honest with the counselor about it, medication can help a lot. I had delusions for about two years until the meds/treatment got rid of them, haven’t had them since. I have trouble mainly with hearing voices and seeing things in my head. Others have found meds that stop those voices and images. All you can do really is make sure you’re seeking psychiatric treatment, and get emotional support from family and friends. It’s possible to recover at least partially from schizophrenia.
Are you hearing any voices in your head?
if you had sz i wouldnt think you need to question whether you have it or not…sz hits you like a brick in the head and you would be deeply delusional…you would have severe paranoia and may be hearing voices…
Maybe it’s the prodromal phase
Well if you have it that means you have excellent insight into this condition. But it could be just a anxiety thing, but I would get checked just in case
I hear voices in my head, but they don’t sound like they’re coming from somewhere else. They’re just in my head. They kinda narrate what I do, sometimes insult me or they talk to each other
It would be wise to see a psychiatrist. Early intervention with medications leads to better outcomes if it’s schizophrenia. Insight is rare but it’s not unheard of.
The thing is, I’ve been researching obsessively, and people in the prodromal phase can have insight with their illness. Apparently the symptoms are similar to complete sz, but just at a mild scale. I have a weird belief about my imaginary friends, that I’ll finally meet them if I commit suicide. I’m safe right now, the urge comes in waves. I feel like people are following me, or watching and talking about me. Sometimes I kinda sense someone behind me, when there’s nobody there.
I marked the end of my prodromal phase at the point I started hearing voices inside my head. Up until then it was just magical thinking and a little pronoia. Your symptoms are almost identical to mine at the time of my diagnosis.
Honestly, sounds exactly like me when I was that age, minus walking strangely and lisp. I was never all that paranoid either, but the negative symptoms were VERY strong in the beginning of my schizophrenia, which I’ve basically had my entire life. But around your age is when I started developing daily, frequent symptoms. It’s good you are seeing a doctor so early about this. With the right medicines, you can feel like a normal person again. Just important to remember that when you do feel better, its largely in part to medicine and you shouldn’t stop! I also recommend seeking out different therapies. I was super sensitive to sounds, touch, and taste and sight. Asmr? Yoga? Or would cognitivie therapies help better do you think? such as creative writing, learning another language. OR something tangible, like crafting, crocheting, painting.
Let me know what you think
I was thinking it might be the prodromal part, where people could have insight into their illness sometimes. That seems to be the only thing that doesn’t really work with a diagnosis in sz for me. You’re not supposed to know you have it
Some of your symptoms go with autism, but most go with anxiety. Extreme anxiety, to the point of dissociation. Any issues with sexual orientation and/or gender identity?
I’ve been talking to counsellors, and we’ve been working to get me motivated into writing, drawing and archery again 
, thank you for the advice!
I knew I had it tbh, but it wasn’t until I was 19, after I took many mental tests that I got diagnosed. My psychosis was extremely high, while lying was very low. Intelligence can help. It’s partly why I never really excelled in therapy, because I was already pretty decent at analyzing my own behavior.
Yes, you sound like you may have some kind of sz or other psychotic disorder. It would probably be best for you to see a psychiatrist and get a proper diagnosis.
I’m questioning my sexual orientation, but I think I’m okay with my gender identity. Ever since I was little, I wanted to be a boy, but I just wish I was born that way, instead of going through the hassle of transitioning. I might be bi, but I’m unsure
The only thing is psychiatrists aren’t going to want to diagnose someone with schizophrenia so young, because sometimes psychosis is temporary and people grow out of it. Even if it’s severe, a good doctor will be patient and run the appropriate tests. Once you have the diagnosis, it follows you for life.
This sounds a lot like prodromal schizophrenia, just to reinforce what a lot of others are saying here. Should probably see a psychiatrist.
Odds are you won’t be diagnosed though, since about 97% of schizophrenics have no insight when they are first diagnosed, and the people who do think they’re schizophrenic are going against that tendency, and usually aren’t schizophrenic.
I think questioning those kinds of things are normal at this time. Hopefully you have plenty of support whether it be family or friends or us here 
I agree with you there @CarleyGee.