I often think about other sz folk and think ‘how is s/he different?’ Take Elyn Saks, the author and law professor. How is she able to manage a very public and stressful (challenging) career? How do I model myself like her- is this even possible?
There’s no doubt that she’s smart. A lot of us are. And we all deal with unwanted symptoms. I’m sure she does too. Her accomplishments are just so far removed from the norm of the sz. It boggles my mind.
She’s learned to not let the tension of being sz affect her behavior.
She just got a lucky body chemistry and less severe symptoms.
Honestly a good support system is probably highly influential on success for any mental illness, especially psychotic disorders. Support is even more important while we are trying to find the right meds. Also minimizing stress where you can is probably also super important.
You can’t compare schizophrenics as we all have different body chemistry and different reaction to meds, different symptoms severity as well.
I dont know about less severe. I mean being hospitalized three different times for long periods of time doesn’t exactly scream less severe. I would say she probably found the right med combination, but I always dislike it when we compare whose symptoms are worse or better.
I wanted to be a Dr but sz happened and I ended up with a physiotherapy degree. I don’t like it, I wanted an MD. Many of my friends are now Drs, one is a neurosurgeon. I stopped talking to all of them and deleted them from FB when I was in psychosis. Sz sucks.
In severity I meant violent, those who are homicidal and suicidal off meds like me. But yeah body chemistry too as it decides how much negative and positive symptoms you will have.
I want to go back in time to before when I was 16y.o. and stop the sz. 
I think having a good support system is key, especially in the beginning of illness. I read her book some time ago, I remember she had a psychologist or case worker that aided her after she was dz.
Personally, I didn’t have the luxury of privately insured drs, I went to city clinics for treatment. they fielded me at a time I was pretty vulnerable.
I had the best support and I ended up in bed.
Without my parents and brothers support I would be homeless and dead fast.
You’re still a young guy. Your future is still unwritten. I think it’s highly unlikely you will be bed locked until you grow old. All I know is when I was stuck in bed 20 years ago I said to myself ‘this is temporary. I will stand up again.’ I went back to school, and like you, finished.
I did that on Abilify as I was able to get out of bed but on Risperdal I just can’t get out of bed since I am on Risperdal a year ago. I guess its good to think positively just to not be depressed and suicidal.
That’s a tough hand, Aziz. I know from your posts that abilify was a good med for you, but you had some trouble with excessive behavior. I felt that ‘trap’ with Olanzapine and Quetiapine. Olanzapine is a great drug, but I was unable to break my addiction to weed. I was also undisciplined. On Quetiapine, I never had a pot craving and noticed I was way more disciplined. Unfortunately, I experienced extreme body ache and back spasms- too much to bear.
I’m a Olanzapine lifer. I still have pot cravings, today is 203 days without thc. I take cbd supplements. I’m still a bit undisciplined, but I made it a resolution to be more present in my thinking.
That’s kinda like saying “don’t be socially anxious.” Anxiety is in my dna.
ok She’s learned not to let anxiety get in the way.
I’d say anxiety is 90% the hindrance of my goals, be it social or professional. I deep breath, take extra time, and practice cbt techniques. I’d ask her about it if I ever got the chance.
You should write her a letter.
That’s a good idea. I could use a mentor.
Have you heard the term flooding? A therapist once suggested it, to just place oneself in the very situation s/he is avoiding. I’ve never been good with social cues, otherwise I’d be out there shaking my tail feather.