Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.
Unknown userMember
Hey folks!
In regards to clinical diagnosis of Schizophrenia.
do we get progressively worse inspite of our best efforts?
or do we endure it till they find a cure?
I am fine with enduring it.
Just want to know if anyone here has gotten better over time.
Its disheartening when you suffer thru relapses despite your best efforts.
In response to: Mental Illness
QueenieSenior Contributor
Hey @Former-Member, I was originally diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, until a manic episode changed it to schizoaffective disorder. Although I don't work and am on a pension (which I hope will only be temporary), I am much higher functioning than I used to be. I can do tasks unsupervised for long periods of time, my cognitive deficit has actually improved and I am not as 'disabled' as I once was. Sure, I still have relapses, but I don't see recovery as a cessation of symptomology, rather, re-engagement in living a fulfilling life which is important to me. Sure, under the medical model I may never be completely 'cured', but under the recovery paradigm, I have achieved so much.
I say recovery is possible!
In response to: Re: Mental Illness
AppleblossomSenior Contributor
I agree with @Queenie
Many people presume that schizophrenia is a life sentence.
I know of a few people who have lead fairly fulfilling lives, own a house or are well respected in their community.
That said, I know of few people whose lives were shortened by the illness. A lot matters on the individual, their choices and opportunities, ie their unique set of circumstances.
Good Luck @Former-Member
In response to: Re: Mental Illness
Unknown userMember
In response to: Re: Mental Illness
QueenieSenior Contributor
No worries @Former-Member, I'm glad my post struck a chord with you. 🙂
In response to: Re: Mental Illness
Unknown userMember
Thanks @Queenie and @Appleblossom
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
You’ll soon be able to use one secure login to access all SANE services.
For added security, members are now required to log in with their email address and password - member names are no longer supported for logging in.
If you had a Forums account before 19 May 2026 and haven’t set up your new login yet, you'll be prompted to set up your new secure login when you sign-in.
Fields marked * are required
