I Have a Family Member With Schizophrenia

[c=#7700B2]As some people know here, My brother has schizophrenia and one of the biggest symptoms he has said he suffers with is hearing lots of voices all the time. I could never even imagine what that must be like but for a little while now at work a few people told me about a video game that was made about a girl that is implied is suffering with schizophrenia and it was created in collaboration with neuroscientists and people who experience psychosis.

I played this game today for about 40 minutes and it was honestly terrifying. I was told to play it with headphones on and in doing so it makes it like some voices are coming from all angles around you and it truly like someone is yelling at you or talking about you from behind.

If this is just a taste of what someone who is experiencing psychosis must feel like, im truly sorry anyone has to go through with it. I don't know how anyone can function like that.

If anything also this might help with my job, you know a tiny little bit of better understanding and all. Just wanna give my brother a big hug now :([/c]

This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »

SW-User

I used to have the same condition but have gradually got better over time, i used to have a lot of conflicting thoughts that i could not stop, but personally never heard any audible voices. I lived with my parents for support until i was 33 years old (which was not long ago to be honest) because i could not function alone. It is an unusual life to live getting pocket money, playing video games and around the house all the time, but family can make a big difference.

PlumBerries · 31-35, F

@SW-User [c=#7700B2]used to have it? there is no cure for schizophrenia, if you have it you will have it for the rest of your life. were you ever diagnosed or anything? there are other similar things that are not life long like psychotic episodes due to drugs or stress and so on [/c]

SW-User

Yes i was diagnosed and then read afterwards that there was no cure for it, that is not true, the truth is that the drugs do not cure the illness but the mind can heal over time. I went crazy and was too ill too even see a doctor for many years because i was too messed up but the diagnosis was paranoid schizophrenia, the drugs made me feel worse to be honest. Things got weird for a while, i attacked my dad and spent nearly all the time alone in my room or cuddling on the sofa with my mom. I got very close to suicide to be honest but am glad i carried on..

PlumBerries · 31-35, F

[c=#7700B2]not saying I don't believe you but I have never heard of the mind fully healing if you have schizophrenia. Sure symptoms can lessen at times and seem gone but it is a chemical imbalance in the brain and that can only be treated with medication to even out levels of dopamine.
Well I am glad you are doing better anyway[/c]

SW-User

@PlumBerries The medical community do not fully understand the condition and the healing process. I have worked in mental health myself since getting better and am pretty disappointed with the lack of knowledge that professionals have on the subject. The drugs made me feel worse to be honest. The love of my family did help(my mum).

PlumBerries · 31-35, F

[c=#7700B2]I also work in the mental health field and still never heard of it. you must be one of the lucky ones I suppose. I don't understand how one can fix a chemical imbalance naturally though, that kind of stumps me.. regardless I am glad you are doing good[/c]