I feel really down.

Bear · 12-10-2009, 08:04 PM

I know this sounds silly. My psych upset me a bit. I have schizophrenia (which I knew already) but the last time I saw him he told me that it was "a chronic condition" and that there was no cure, and that I would be on medication for years. Since he said it I've been feeling really down. I just don't want to be feeling scared forever, its a pretty depressing thought :(
Could I have a hug please?

Ami · 12-10-2009, 08:07 PM

I found some statistics that might be helpful

In the long term:
For every 5 people who develop schizophrenia:

1 in 5 will get better within five years of their first episode of schizophrenia.
3 in 5 will get better, but will still have some symptoms. They will have times when their symptoms get worse.
1 in 5 will continue to have troublesome symptoms.

So chances are that it can be controlled and managed, but may not "go away".

I hopes you feel better, bear. You can get the condition under control, it wont always be this bad xx

http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mentalhealt...zophrenia.aspx

Bear · 12-10-2009, 08:19 PM

I didn't know that, thank you :)
The link looks very good too.
And thanks for the hugs x

Rain that's Fallen · 12-10-2009, 08:45 PM

Heya,

It's really shitty when people tell you it's chronic, I remember the first thing I was told regarding my illness was 'do you understand, it can be treated but not cured'. But any mental illness - even schizophrenia - can go into remission, or be improved.

Try to think of the medication as if you have diabetes or a similar long term illness. Yes you will probably have to be on medication for a long time, but people are advancing medicine and psychiatry every day. They may find the right medication for you to have to take it to remain well, but have a relatively symptom free life. Also try to think of it as a physical problem, like diabetes (sorry to backtrack), you have an illness, its not your fault, you can get help, and it can get better. It is something you have to look after, but it is not the whole of you, no matter what it feels like now.

Are you getting support for feeling low after the diagnosis? I believe the Nice Guidelines state that you should be given extra support when the diagnosis is made, because the illness has stigma and any diagnosis of an illness is going to unsettle you. Also would it help to meet other people in your situation? I notice you're in the UK, there's the Early Intervention Team for people with a recent diagnosis of a psychotic illness. Your CMHT/CAMS may also provide support groups where you can meet others going through similar feelings and experiences.

Also you don't sound silly at all, I worry about being scared forever too, it would depress anyone, you're not silly. But you don't have to be scared forever, I've read articles about people with schizophrenia who have gone on to have fulfilling lives, even one where somene became a doctor, then there's people like... whatisname? The guy from the film/book A beautiful Mind, William Nasser or something like that, who one a noble prize, had schizophrenia and although he went through hell, he got somewhere with his life, and at the end of the film at least (apologies for not knowing the full story) he was living really well.

Remember you are never alone here, there's always Samaritans, RYL, a crisis line, someone who will be at the other end of the conversation. You may be suffering, but you don't have to suffer on your own, people are here, and people will help. We on RYL will do what we can to support you.

Maybe check out Steel Maiden's story in the Moving Forward Forum (hope it's ok Oly to mention you, let mek now and I'll delete if you're not), you may find it helpful and inspiring, and be able to relate to it.

Take care,

Abigail x