i just recently got diagnosed with schizophrenia (or schizoaffevtive disorder, they aren’t 100% sure) and would like to speak with someone more experienced with the effects of it.
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Can you expand on what you’d like to know? Do you have questions? Do you have a counselor? Who diagnosed you?
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Naomi Constantine, my general practitioner. I’ve been experiencing hallucinations and delusions for some months now and she just today gave me the diagnosis. If i’m being honest, I’m terrified of it. I’ve been on Abilify for two months, it hasn’t helped, I’ve felt like a zombie, and they’re considering putting me on Seroquel. I’m scared of how my life might be affected by the diagnosis or everything that comes with it. Is it really as hard as the internet makes it seem?
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Only a psychiatrist can give a serious diagnosis about these disorders.
You shouldn’t be scared of the diagnosis, which is simply a label, but of your symptoms.
The fact that you are here speaking about this is a very good sign, people with really severe schizophrenia can’t use a smartphone or a computer.
There are many people here with this diagnosis that are working and are married, so don’t lose hope and good luck finding the right med. 
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I’m surprised that she didn’t refer you to a licensed clinical psychiatrist. She’s simply not qualified to make that kind of diagnosis if she’s just a medical doctor with no further credentials. My advice is to make an appointment with a real psychiatrist. If you are curious, look for the criteria for the diagnosis in the DSM-5, it’s the latest edition of the manual psychiatrists use to make their diagnosis. But don’t try to diagnose yourself. See a psychiatrist. Not a psychologist or any other therapist. A licensed psychiatrist is the only one who is qualified to both make an assessment and prescribe the appropriate medications, if any.
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i’m seeing a new psychiatrist next week. my last one went MIA
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You seem very put together for someone recently diagnosed.
Also, with the meds, it took me several years of trial and error to find a good fit. Don’t expect the first med to fix everything.
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I’m sorta freaking out on the other side of the keyboard. But I’m trying. And I’m willing to try different meds, I just want something that helps and doesn’t turn me into a zombie 100% of the time.
By put together I mostly meant not completely psychotic, which is the state most people are in when they’re diagnosed.
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oh, yeah I don’t know. Like I said i’ve been experiencing it for a while, and I’ve had appointment after appointment since October. it was more of a gradual diagnosis than a result of a psychotic break. which is why psychoaffective is also a possibility.
If you need someone to talk to I’d be open to talking if you want! I think you should see a psychiatrist as soon as possible tbh!
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i would appreciate that. and i go to see a psychiatrist next week, wednesday morning EST.
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We are here for you. Feel free to chat with me too.
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how long have you experienced schizophrenic symptoms?
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I have had symptoms for 10 years, but with a good combination of meds, I am stable. Some days are tougher than others, but overall, I am doing very well with my med combination. Hang in there.
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i’ve always wanted to be an engineer, which is a taxing career mentally. i’m 18, about to go to college. do you think i’ll be able to do that with how recent everything is?
How bad are things for you now? I guess it depends. You may want to wait a bit to find a good med combination. I guess I don’t know what you are experiencing and can’t be sure what you should do.
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i have more hallucinations than i do delusions. the delusions aren’t huge, and the hallucinations (visual and auditory) are normally fleeting.
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How is your IQ, can you study?
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Schizophrenia is a thought disorder. Schizoaffective is a thought and a mood disorder combined. I have schizoaffective disorder. And have had it for many years. I am thoroughly versed in it. What do you want to know?