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New poster, Schizo for a while

RoutineNicotineContributor04 Nov 2025, 2:45 pm AEDT

New poster, Schizo for a while

Hi everyone, New poster, (RoutineNicotine since I am almost a chain smoker) but have been posting on occasion on Reddit at /r/schizophrenia. Just looking for something similar except more local to the country I am in since I am Australian and I can't relate much to the American experience of the illness.

Lurked here for a few hours and it might be a mixed bag since the carers and family members of those effected have a louder voice then those directly effected, but, I'll take the risk and attempt anyway.

Diagnosed with Schizophrenia since 2018, and it's been a mixed bag of sorts, at times managing full time work, but, after a major psychotic episode in 2023 that seen me become a forensic MH patient (don't worry much, found not guilty due to the illness. but, the episode also destroyed my sense of self and done damage to the things that helped me bounce back from other lesser psychotic episodes.) I have been hit for six. struggled for a few months with mixed positive and then the rest of 2024 with negative symptoms. only since Aug. this year, things had started to look up but, now, it seems the positives are starting to come back with hearing voices and screaming that don't actually exist. Then there's the delusions starting with the overarching sense of doom and the idea of "something big is going to happen and it's not good"

Already reached out to the community mental health team with the acceptance that I might need a med change and to try and catch it before I get to the stage of requiring involuntary treatment and subsequent CTO. (Plus, I don't want to languish away in the ED waiting to go to the psych ward. Plus, actually go to the psych ward and the things that triggers. Think all the staff and patients work for ASIO and they are all there to psychologically torture you whilst they get coded messages from "The Block" TV show. Or at least this was my last experience of the ward. Don't want a repeat.)

What I am currently trying: Journalling (this helps with insight), taking PRN meds (daily now). will visit them tomorrow to catch up with the psychiatrist and get the depot med.

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In response to: New poster, Schizo for a while

Sunshine-6New Contributor21 Mar 2026, 9:30 pm AEDT

Re: New poster, Schizo for a while

Hi, I’m also a chain smoker and been skitzo fir a while too..

I’ve been admitted to a ward 4 times and last episode my partner cared for me.

I had to try a few different meds to see which worked best.
I do get some side effects from them so I recently tried to lower my dose which didn’t go well.. was very close to a 6th relapse but we got it in time. I was scared most stays in the ward being only one other female in there and the rest males. I also got messages from the Tv and radio too. Having good people around that understand helps a lot too, hope you have some good family and friends there for you.

In response to: Re: New poster, Schizo for a while

tymeModerator21 Mar 2026, 9:37 pm AEDT

Re: New poster, Schizo for a while

WELCOME @Sunshine-6 ,

Great to have you with us.

@Shaz51 @MatchaToad @Oaktree

In response to: Re: New poster, Schizo for a while

MatchaToadPeer Guide21 Mar 2026, 10:09 pm AEDT

Re: New poster, Schizo for a while

Hey @Sunshine-6

It takes a lot of courage to share those experiences, especially the parts that were frightening, like the messages from the TV or feeling unsafe on a ward. It sounds like you have a very strong partnership, and the fact that you both "caught" the relapse before it fully took hold is a huge success.

Finding the right balance with medication is notoriously difficult. Many people try to lower their dose because of the tough side effects, but as you found, it can be a really delicate process. I myself am still trying to figure out what medications work for me for my anxiety and PMDD, and my migraines, and so far, not much success, so I'll be asking my GP soon to get PGx testing (this looks at your genetic makeup and how it affects your body's response to medications)

You and your partner should be so proud that you recognised the signs of relapse early. That kind of teamwork is what keeps people out of the ward. Have you ever put together an "Early Warning Sign" list or a Wellness Plan (sometimes called WRAP) together? It can make the process feel a little less scary next time.

It is so valid to feel scared when you're in a vulnerable state and the ward environment feels unbalanced or overwhelming. Many people find that specific 'sensory' items, like heavy blankets, specific music, or even a scent, can help create a tiny bubble of safety when the room feels so chaotic.

As a carer of a partner who has Paranoid Schizophrenia, I have learned that some people living with Schizophrenia may find themselves smoking more, often because nicotine can temporarily help with some of the brain fog or side effects of medications. You are not alone in this habit at all, though it is a tough one to manage alongside everything else, but it is possible to quit - my partner has been smoke-free for over 2 years now, which is so amazing.

Since you mentioned you're currently on a stable dose again after that close call, how are you feeling right now? Are the TV and radio staying quiet for you for the time being?

I am so glad that you are here and sharing your story with us all!

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