MyTherapy Discussion Forums

Š1995-2016 Phillip W. Long, M.D.

Schizophrenia Community

Nickname:	Password:
Save Password

All Forums

Schizophrenia: General Topics

A Course About Schizophrenia

Topic #5 Essay

New Topic

Reply to Topic

Printer Friendly

Author

Topic

Administrator
Administrator

14915 Posts
Gratitude: 577
Very caring Very wise I agree

Posted - 05/04/2016 : 20:41:56

Here Is Your Chance To Share Your Wisdom With The World

Did You Ever Have Any Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia?

fleurette
Incredible Member (2000+ posts)

3282 Posts
Gratitude: 292
Very honest

Posted - 05/04/2016 : 22:24:23

I don't pull my weight when it comes to doing chores around the house. My family puts up with me but they are thinking that I am lazy and unproductive. If someone else will wash the dishes, I won't do them. If someone else will do the laundry then I don't offer to do it. If someone else will take out the garbage, then I don't have to do it. I am trying to change by cooking some meals for my family but I am still too lazy to clean up properly after I have cooked.

Also when I have a party or dinner party, I will often not say anything unless some one asks a specific question of me. I will hardly ever interject something into the conversation out of my own initiative. I will just participate in the conversation if asked.

Dr. Long, when are we going to cover memory. I have major problems with my memory and retaining information.

Thank you Fleurette for sharing your experiences,

The last two topics, "basic symptoms" and "negative symptoms" are seldom discussed on the internet - but they are very common features of schizophrenia.

My next topic will be about memory.

computer_chip1
Amazing Member (1000+ posts)

1593 Posts
Gratitude: 357
Very honest

Posted - 05/15/2016 : 17:59:39

I have had schizophrenia for 35 years and I think I have had some negative symptoms for most of that time. The have gradually improved over the last 10 years, perhaps due to atypical antipsychotic medications or due to working.
For more than 20 years I had loss of pleasure in usual activities, and was treated every way possible (all types of drugs) for depression. I had a hard time expressing emotion and rarely smiled or laughed. Like Fleurette, I was almost non-verbal in social settings which involved more than one or two people. I rarely initiated conversation (including at work). I had very few friends for many years. I had social withdrawal. But I never felt dead inside. I was a real person with a lot going on inside.
Just as you and others have recommended, I have taken meds from the beginning and I intend to take them for life. I was in a day activities program for about 15 years. I have stayed away from street drugs and alcohol.

Washington, D.C. native.

Hi Computer Chip1,

You are doing everything right: you are faithfully taking your antipsychotic medication, you are now working, and you are increasing your social participation.

Schizophrenia is a tough illness, but you have managed it very well.

Congratulations!

Phil Long MD
Administrator

Administrator
Administrator

14915 Posts
Gratitude: 577
Very caring Very wise I agree

Posted - 06/24/2016 : 21:08:30

This Ends Our Pilot Test Of An Online Course For Schizophrenia

Phil Long MD
Administrator

computer_chip1
Amazing Member (1000+ posts)

1593 Posts
Gratitude: 357
Very honest

Posted - 06/25/2016 : 05:55:38

Hi, Dr. Long,
I liked the course and it was helpful to me. One thing that really helped me a lot was learning that "feeling like a victim" is a symptom of paranoia. Breaking through this symptom, I have become more social at work.
I have two comments. I was afraid to answer the short quizzes because I was embarrassed to admit I had some of those symptoms. I know that is my own sense of stigma. I just never know for sure how confidential my answers would be.
Also, I felt some resistance to the concept of what symptoms immediately precede onset of schizophrenia. I guess they are generally true, but I don't believe we can pro-actively predict (and perhaps prevent) the onset. I would not want any person to be told they look like they are going to be developing schizophrenia. However, I can see the importance from a scientific point of view.
Thank you for your efforts to educate about this illness.

Washington, D.C. native.