Interacting with schizophrenia

@Everan Hi Everan I contributed to the forum. I have bipolar 1 with schizoaffective disorder. It was an interesting talk that we had. I find it hard to maintain friendships as I cannot be bothered half the time or am too paranoid the other part.

Medication has helped immensely with my fight response ... as for flight it is always there in the background.

Hello @Everan

Its great you have a job.

Finding ways to express and connect has helped a lot of people on this forum. Sometimes its the return of the same "faces" or posters that makes a difference. Sometimes its reading a story that strikes a strong chord within.

Schizophrenia is a difficult condition to manage, so all kudos to you for managing work.

Hi mate, have you gotten diagnoised with a sleep disorder?

I don’t want to go crazy.

I find that when I am around other people I behave differently.

I don’t like not enjoying conversations. I don’t like appearing not smart.

I struggle to interact and think on my feet.

Also not getting into personal battles helps.

I read if i turn the struggle switch off this helps.

I want to do more self compassion to increase the soothing systems.

Does anyone relate or have any ideas?

@Everan I agree with you about avoiding personal battles, tho that can be a challenge when lots of people have all sorts of strong opinions and want me to agree with them.

It has taken a long while to be able to hold my own in conversations and not get bulldozed.

The only way to get better at thinking on my feet has been to practise it, and practising here has been great. I often overthink, but am staying in the thick of things.

CHeers Apple

Thanks @Appleblossom. It helps to hear from you. I am just beginning the journey of talking to others (avoiding doesn't work).

@Everan I am not isolated at the moment but in the past I was. Isolation is very difficult. Avoidance sometimes can be wise, but human beings are all over the place, and if we dont connect then bad feelings can arise ....

How is your work?

Yes i feel out of place when i am not connecting with others.

Work is okay. I really need to connect with others to do better.

I forgot to tag you @Appleblossom.

I gave a very short reply above.

Sorry I had to cook and have dinner.

@Everan

Some distance can be good for the workplace. I know someone who had schizophrenia and he managed to work in an office. Nobody talked to each other, just a meeting each week and very minimal socialising.

Sometimes you can get away with a friendly smile or a wave, to break the ice and then gradually have a few small conversations.

A lot depends on the particular people.

and think of a few things ahead of time that are light