How do I overcome this?

Question

Hi, I am 25 and I was diagnosed with schizophrenia and depression 2 years ago by the doctor at the hospital and I would love to know what I am faced with later in life. My medications are anti-pyschotics and anti-depressants and I fear the long term use of these medications. Also I fear the severity of the damage these illnesses can cause to my mind. I have re-searched both illnesses on the web and I am still lacking what I am faced with. Any help with a good outcome to this illness or any type of tools to fight these two illnesses would be a God-send. Thank You.

Answer 1

Well sweetheart unfortunately there is no cure for these things. The only thing you can do is be very willing to take the different cocktails of medications to see which one works for you and stick with it.

Ever medication for everything has side affects. You just have to measure which ones are you willing to deal with.

On a happy note.... Please don't think because you have these illnesses that you are less than a person because you are not. You can still work, you can still party, you can still have friends (all should know of your illness and except it), you can still make and be in love.

So keep you head up and just try to no matter what stick with your medication, that is the only thing that will make the difference in how you live the rest of your life

Good Luck

Answer 2

As someone whom had dealt with mental illness first-hand, both as a patient and as a family member, I can tell you that there is no easy answer, but please, PLEASE take comfort in the fact that YOU ARE NOT ALONE. There is no cure, but doctors also can't tell you what to expect; in this case, doctors are best for helping you with the problem at hand, and you must find the best way of coping yourself. No one can really understand mental illness unless they've dealt with it themselves. With the right combination of medication and therapy, you can live a "normal" life, but you have to realize that "normal" is very relative, especially in America. Some of the best writers and thinkers in science and literature have had manic depression, nervous disorders and schizophrenia, so you may very well be the thinker the 21st century needs!
So simply, no one can say what the future holds, but the most important thing is to FIND A DOCTOR YOU CAN TRUST, and try the "tried-and-true" medications before anything experimental. I have had problems with withdrawal from Paxil, but this is a different drug than would be given for schizophrenia, so ask your doctor what the POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF WITHDRAWAL are - this can be worse than the illness itself. I can help you more if you want, or you can use the resources of WebMD or any other reputable website to find support groups or help - no one has the single answer, but you can learn from the mistakes of others. Take every day as it comes and know that you are more than just your disease! Best of luck!

Answer 3

i have a friend with the same symptoms & diagnosis like yours. he has been under medication since he was 9 years old. he is already 42 years old now and he has been functioning rather well. a lot of our other friends do not even know that he is under medication. and i have not seen any adverse side effect. go with your medication if it makes you function normally well. if not, ask your doctor to change it. and also, do not be afraid to get second opinions from another doctor. it is your right. do not worry about side effects, what is important is the present. and once you have taken your medication, forget about your illness and go about your business. just let the medicine do its job. dont dwell too much on your illness. it will only add to your depression. just be happy and live your life to the fullest. that is the best cure to all illnesses.

Answer 4

When you are taking the anti-pyschotics you should watch the anti-depressants very carefully because they should have to affect one another. If you are Asian, you would have the best out come. If you are white or black, the outcome would be the worse. If you are spanish, you will be in between.
However, you would have a better out come because every individual is different. Good luck!

Answer 5

well i have to say so far what you are doin is the right plan, i have been on both for 3 years and doin really good,,its really hard what to tell you because as you may know there is 5 types of schizophrenia: paranoid, disorganized, catatonic, undifferentiated adn residual and dependin on which one you have will effect what plan is taken,,you should keep takin the meds and get with a great doctor so they can adjust your med levels and watch you and monitor which way to go, you may want to get an advanced directive so you can have a say in your course of treatment

alternative therapy- acupuncture has proved very useful, biofeedback, relaxation and guided imagery are helpful in reducing the stress that is associate with this, if histamine levels are low, some therapists prescribe folate (a form of vitamin B complex) and nutrients, if histamine levels are high, calcium is given to help release excess histamine from body cells

there is so much involved with this and i dont have the space to put all the stuff down, please feel free to contact me and i can answer some questions for you, good luck sug

Answer 6

Overcoming Depression

Depression is a it is a mood disorder that frequently co-exists with schizophrenia and which also needs treatment. Feelings of depression and hopelessness are also common with caregivers of the mentally ill. If you or someone you know with schizophrenia is feeling particularly depressed its important to see the doctor about the condition. Also, we recommend you talk to others about your feelings in the schizophrenia.com discussion areas.
Overviews on Depression
Overview of Depression, what causes it and how to treat it - (NIMH Booklet)
Depression Is a Treatable Illness - A Patient's Guide
Personal Experiences with Depression
A Haze has Lifted to Reveal a New Day
Depression No Cause for Shame - Rafe Mair
Ways to help yourself when you are feeling suicidal.
If you're thinking about suicide "Start by considering this statement: "Suicide is not chosen; it happens when pain exceeds resources for coping with pain." - resources about suicide and its prevention.
Ways to Maintain Recovery from Depression
What Family and Friends Can Do to Help Someone Who is Depressed
Strong Relationship Between Schizophrenia and Depression
Common Treatments for Depression
Treatments Overview
Medications
Effexor
Luvox
Nefazodone
Prozac
Serzone
Wellbutrin
Zoloft
Additional Depression Resources
Depression
Recommended Books for People who are Depressed
Overcoming Depression, 3rd edition by Demitri Papolos, Publisher: Quill; 3rd edition (February 1997), ISBN: 0060927828


The Essential Guide to Psychiatric Drugs : Includes The Most Recent Information On: Antidepressants, Tranquilizers and Antianxiety Drugs, Antipsychotics, Drugs annd Pregnancy, Drugs and the Elderly, Drugs and AIDS, Side-effects and Withdrawal Symptoms, and Much, Much More by Jack M., M.D. Gorman, Publisher: St. Martin's Press; (December 1998), ISBN: 0312954581

Consumer's Guide to Psychiatric Drugs, by John D. Preston, John H. O'Neal, Mary C. Talaga, Publisher: New Harbinger Pubns; (2000) ASIN: 157224111X









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Answer 7

Although I understand your fear and apprehension about what is going on with you, and I know that you just want answers, I feel that this was the wrong place to ask this question. So many times I read some of these answers and wonder what people are thinking when they give an answer that is blatantly mean. I think you should make an appointment with your doctor or mental health professional and them these same questions. If they will not take the time to answer your questions to you satisfaction then it is time to change doctors. But please, if someone gives you a mean answer about this question, don't take it to heart and let it get to you.

Answer 8

Wife has same plus some no cure has some long term side affects can't be helped Best advice take your meds Try to except the fact live your life normal with out the meds will be pure hell for you and all around DAM SORRY to hear about that Don't give up hope been with my wife 35 yrs She came down with it at your age GOD BLESS

Answer 9

you are just as equipped to heel yourself as any.you are aware of your symptoms.you ever heard of self talk?talk yourself down when out of control then you can see if your capable without the meds.It's not gonna happen overnite,don't freak so much.the human brain is VERY strong in ways we have yet to tap into.We only use 10% anyway.try to find more in yours IT CAN BE DONE BELIEVE ME

Answer 10

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