I am so embarrassed about being schizophrenic?

Question

I have a mental illness and have had it for 10 years I feel like a leper in my community with people not understanding my illness I also feel isolated and lonley I dont know what to do

Answer 1

Unfortunately there are many people who are still ignorant and don't understand the disorder, but there are many who do-surround yourself with those who understand and accept you for who you are. NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) can offer resources and support groups in your area, but also realize that there is far more to you than your diagnosis. Think of William Blake, the famous poet and painter, best known for the works he left behind or John Nash, a Nobel prize winner for his contributions to economic theory. They were both schizophrenic, but it was only one aspect of who they were. You are not your illness. You are a person in your own right, with opinions, ideas, talents and strengths which make you unique and irreplaceable. You are also someone's son or daughter, maybe a mother or father, brother or sister and no doubt someone's friend. Find ways to connect with people through common interests (clubs, activities) and shared values and beliefs (volunteer work in an area you support) and don't allow your illness to define you. You are much greater than just that.

Answer 2

Yank out the strong one... The one who gets things done and utilize your own illness to your benefit.

If one doesn't exist. Create one.

I find schizophrenics to be rather interesting and amazing people. The coping skills sometimes backfire on them (probably due to the medication?) But I find you to be rather resourceful and amazing really if you think about it. Give yourself more credit and stop worrying what everyone else thinks about you. It takes a lot of the pressure off!

Do you have personality shifts (Which is rare, I know), or are you a different form of schizophrenic?

Look... I see life like this... We are all essentially the same inside. Only some of us have it together a little better and are better equipped at their own form of necessary bullshit that enables them to come across as well rounded , put together and stable.

No one is... Everyone is delicate inside and apt to shatter depending on the pressure. Apply the right kind of pressure and even a diamond will shatter from the very means which makes it stable...

Think about it... and try to stop putting yourself down and buying into such a negative stigma!

Im not saying you shouldn't get help... Just find someone willing to help you understand and guide you, rather than to underestimate and exploit you.

Answer 3

If you do a search, there are forums on the internet for people with Schizophrenia. If you join one of those you can chat with lots of people who have the same diagnosis and won't reject you because of it.

Also, I'm sure there are some schizophrenia support groups somewhere near where you live (unless you live in the middle of nowhere). Try to find those. If you have a doctor that you're working with, ask the doctor is he/she knows of any.

I just read a book about schizophrenia and it says that studies indicate that approximately 1% of the population will suffer from schizophrenia at some point in their life. That means that for every 100 people that you see on the street, one of them has schizophrenia. With that many people who have it, you should be able to find some sort of group to meet with.

Answer 4

Hello. I am sorry for your illness. I think that embarrassment is mostly on the inside. Like it is mainly up to the person to resolve their feelings. I am not talking about you specifically. After all it is not your own fault that you have a mental illness. If they judge you for it then they could never understand.

Answer 5

Its hard when people dont understand.
but maybe you could start a comunity function or information evening for your comunity to understand more about schizophenia.
Obviously it iwll take a lot of hard work, and plus it will give you soemthing to do and mite get your minds off thsoe annoying people you dnot understand.
If you dont think you could organise all taht maybe you get some panflts about it or smething and post them in lettter boxes.. just get the message out there that you are still a normal person.

good luck xoxo

Answer 6

After 10 years of struggling with all sorts of creams and pills to treat this embarrassing problem I was able to get rid of my varicose veins by using natural healing methods and alternative herbal home remedies.

Read Diane Thompson's "Varicose Veins Secrets" (also available in electronic format at: http://www.varicoseveinscure.org ). By following this guide book I was able to eradicate my varicose veins pretty fast. God bless!

Answer 7

you need to own your illness. be confident in who and what you are. if people dont understand thats their problem. try looking for support groups in your area to meet people who are at least trying to understand your situation. people are out there who will be cool with you, you just have to be patient enough to find them

Answer 8

dont be sad about this stuff. just be yourself and when people get to know you then thats all that matters.

besides anyone who judges you liek that is just plain stupid. i myself have a schizophrenic friend and i love her to death so dont let anyone put you down for this. stand up for youself because you are better than those ignorant asses

=]

Answer 9

Don't feel embarrassed, any one who judges you aren't worth bothering with. Hold your head up high, and don't let other people with closed minds rule your life.

Answer 10

why do people need to know? does your neighbor introduce himself as suffering from irritable bowel syndrome? do your hairdresser tell you she is a type 2 diabetic? see where i'm going? it's no one's business unless you tell them.
consider your disorder similiar to any other chemical imbalance that must be treated with meds.