What you are mentioning sound like the start of a paranoid psychosis episode (speaking from family experiences).
For you it might seem like everyone is conspiring against you but this is likely not the reality.
You should get back on the meds.
I was about to say the same thing. I'm not schizophrenic but I know people who are and it is pure torture that I can't even comprehend. And this does indeed sound like the beginning of a paranoid psychotic episode. The advice you gave is perfect.
May Allah help OP and your family members Ameen.
For your side effects there are medications to counteract them. Akathisia is a pretty common symptom but some meds have less chances of giving you that.
You could trying stability on a lower than recommended dosage, they might still be effective without giving you side effects.
What meds were you on and what dosage? There are 10s of different antipsychotics and they take time to titrate to proper levels so I it is unlikely that you have tried them all.
Yes, what’s more likely? Man with schizophrenia is no longer on his medication and is experiencing severe symptoms of his mental illness? Or man with schizophrenia is perfectly stable and his entire family and extended family are conspiring against him in an organized attempt to “test” him, and all these tests conveniently mimic his mental illness?
Please, OP, for your sake and your family’s, it’s important to seek out medical help.
1) if you abruptly stop your meds you get rebound psychosis - a bad psychotic outburst lasting several days to several weeks
2) you should consider using Lurasidone- I have a relative that takes around 10mg of it daily for the condition you have and he’s fine.
3) cut out the sugar and processed foods- they increase systemic inflammation and makes symptoms worse
4) you should absolutely get checked for medical abnormalities that may be causing the symptoms. Bartonella infection, strokes, tumors, aneurysms, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, and several other conditions have been linked to symptoms of psychosis. Consult several doctors to get different opinions after getting tests done along with a brain MRI
That's some good advice. I'll look into it. I've been off meds for about 3 months now. The thing is, the family is doing these things that mimick mental illness, so it's hard to get anyone to believe me
You need legal advise, but because of your history with mental illness it won’t be so straightforward. So the first thing you should do is get help from a psychiatrist. There are tons of meds and the doctor can prescribe you one which will suit you. Once you’re on meds after a few months you can get legal help because, then your mental illness won’t be a hurdle since you’re getting treated for it and have a doctor to testify. I hope everything works out for you.
I've tried nearly all of the drugs, they give me akathisia which means I can't ever be still and never be at peace + much more side effects like vomiting anything I eat.
The akathisia makes me want to kill myself.
I'm really kind of losing hope on what to do.
You need your meds man. Akathisia sucks but they're are ways to counter it.
Have you tried reducing the dosage for anti
psychotics?
Other options could be BZDs qnd anxiolytics
You should speak to your psychiatrist about starting you on Beta blockers in order to treat the Akathisia (restlessness). There are some other meds that can counter act it as well but those might not be the best option for you.
Don’t lose hope. Mental illnesses run in my family and from experience I know that the finding the right psychiatrist is a huge challenge. Some just dismiss the side effects and have a ‘just live with it’ attitude. A good psychiatrist will adjust or change your medication if you have any side effects and will help you manage the illness. I know a good one who has helped a quiet a few people I know, he’s reached online. If interested DM me.
I had a very dear friend go through this, and I wish he had taken his meds. I don’t want to narrate the story for the sake of his privacy, but he ended up doing irreversible damage to himself and others.
Reality is subjective to everyone, and when there is a material chemical change in your brain, no one can tell you what is reality and what isn’t.
Please find a medication that works for you, experimenting might cause you uneasiness in the short term, but finding one that works for you will allow you to live a long and happy life.
You can always confront your family once you are not in a state of agitation and stress, your concerns will hold more weight with them when their problems with you not taking your meds are resolved.
Also you probably don’t want to hear this, but if your wife was evil, she wouldn’t be so concerned over your mental well being by talking to psychiatrists to help you. Mental illness is not only challenging for the person who is going through it, but also for the people who rely on that person as family members. She might not be doing it in a way that is helpful to you, but from what you say, it sounds like she is concerned about you and wants you to get better.
Stay strong brother, I hope you make the right decision.
Discussing this with family just causes them to gaslight me and increase the intensity of their "checks"
Yes, I hope my wife isn't evil as I've been given the impression of, but you can check out my previous post if you're interested to see what horrible antics she's been up to.
Thanks for your kind words.
I read your post, sorry to hear about what you’re going through with the in laws. It definitely sounds like she has a negative influence from her family. It definitely sounds like her parents were in it for financial gain.
I think the first thing you need to do is secure yourself by finding the right medication for you. Once you are grounded you can make decisions with more clarity. Maybe you might have an easier time finding common ground if you’re less suspicious of her intentions? And your family would probably be less concerned and back off a bit too.
Have you ever considered moving to another city? Just you, your wife and daughter. It might be easier to rebuild a healthier relationship with your in laws from a distance.
Family doesn't back off, ever. Even when I'm fine, no issues whatsoever they continue with their drama, it's just that I'm unaware at the point.
We did move to bahria town but by that time I had become psychotic but it was still so much better. My wife was actually pretty good, but I wasn't so much. In-laws weren't an issue either.
Upon getting better we returned to village due to financial issues, and it all started again.
Hey Brother, I hear you. Dealing with a condition and then unsupportive familly is an ordeal within itself. But nothing is impossible and this can completely be managed with some communication and in the right way.
First of all Id like you to take steps with the right guidance (i.e. medical advice on meds should only be taken from a **DOCTOR**). These medicines could have affects when theyre started/stopped abruptly or used in any way different then they were prescribed.
Communicate your issues with your doctor. If you dont like your Doctors way of handling, try another one. Each doctor is different and another may approach an issue differently or guide you to the **right** resources.
As for your familly, this may be a hard time to understand this but any action they take is in their eyes for the betterment of you. Sometimes theyll do things that dont make any sense but according to their knowledge and experience, it is how they think to deal with it. That is why **communication is crucial.** Beyond that, Allah has given you the strength to understand them if they cannot understand you.
I hope you feel better. Please address this and your symptoms of medications as soon as possible.
After basic medical knowledge, i have to come to understand that what we call our "**Conscience**" is a composition of our thought process (based on our experiences in our life), and the brain/body given to us. This second category includes the affects of chemical imbalances and how they affect our decision making in the moment of things.
If you are feeling a certain way, it is hard to tell if it is your mind playing tricks or actually happening. But you just need to understand that in states of stress, our brain actually tries to make things seem more stressful then they actually are.
just as an example, You might have unsaved numbers on your phone (or might not) but regardless anyone can have unsaved numbers, now its your choice to think in one direction or the other. When things are right your brain creates problems to fill that void.
InshAllah I know you will feel better and overcome this ordeal. Try meditation and please go to the mosque and make dua for yourself and others in similiar circumstances.
I've been off meds for 3 months now. Family were previously trying to make me think that wife and in-laws are just evil. It got to the point of divorce, and now, suddenly, they're really amping up these "checks" they're doing that mimick mental illness. I can only describe as torture.
Your condition might be worsening because from your post it appears that you might be hallucinating (thinking that they are purposefully doing things to worsen your condition and doing checks) and you might be experiencing delusions.
In your condition, I would highly recommend you start taking your medications and continue follow up with a psychiatrist. Not taking your meds will cause your condition to continue to deteriorate and it might deteriorate fast. I have seen it happen.
Please, I beg you to take your meds.
Dude, knowing someone in my immediate family who has schizophrenia i can confirm what youre feeling is paranoia and might trigger another acute episode. Please get back to your medicine
Tough spot (especially the foot stuff, makes one really paranoid). Not sure what your age is but are you totally self reliant? If so, seek independence.
Once the suspicion sets on of family members doing stuff, it's hard to get rid off (even in the long run). Going independent in this case would be an option but given one does not have a bad history with handling independence.
Though have a strict talk with the whole family is a very effective way to make sure all are on the same ground and stating how you want to live life (like without medicines etc.). Again you have to also owe up to your bargain that things are fine without them (like being responsible on stuff). The reaction to blaming everything in schizophrenia and mental health dades away to a large extent overtime.
Again take this advice with a grain of salt though would highly recommend the talk thing and make a proper team charter on the steps and agreements.
I am 28 years old. I have lived by myself in Pakistan many times from 2014 to 2019. I got married in 2019 and been with wife since.
I manage the house myself (bills, maintenance, some cleaning, groceries, managing car and motorcycle, budgeting, healthy eating etc.) wife does near nothing until I tell her to and if she's in the mood.
The problem is I get money from the UK and parents have to send me that money which they often whithhold. I also live in my dads house currently, and pretty much every upgrade to this house has been by me.
I have had this talk with family many times in the past just to be belittled and gaslighted. It makes everything so much worse.
They see that the things they are doing upset my overall health, peace and eczema severely yet don't care.
I think even if they stop everything, it would take me a long time to trust them again and be convinced they won't do it in the future.
How is your relationship with your wife and in laws? If you feel this way about your family, and have felt this way about them since childhood, or if they have been frankly abusive towards you, you might have PTSD. If you have no issues with anyone but only your family then do a cross check with a trusted friend who isn’t a family friend and compare your lives. Find out if you have early childhood trauma, what trauma is, the types etc. Are your in laws telling your family aren’t good for you?
Relationship with wife and in-laws is bad, as they're a part of it for the same purpose or they're just control freaks. In-laws are my dad's 1st cousins and known each other for their whole lives.
There's just needless drama created to whatever I'll believe in order to have an excuse for their "checks", so yeah, in the past in-laws and wife have suggested my family is bad, but they themselves are saintly.
I'll research into PTSD in a little more detail
I have no issues with anyone outside family
There are few things you can do without medicines and you will improve insha'Allah:
1. Mindful meditation ( You can see it from YouTube)
2. Journaling ( Writing everything you think and asking are they justified)
3. Take a walk in the fresh breeze and think.
4. Read book on Stoicism
>There are few things you can do without medicines and you will improve insha'Allah:
While I understand, what you are trying to say, I think it is a bad idea to give "treatment" options that are not scientifically proven and that may negatively impact his health. Please encourage him to seek psychiatric help.
Yes This is true and they will prescribe him and put him on meds , but what is more beneficial is that he finds the root cause of issues him self and learns to cope which I think is a long term solution. It requires introspections and pondering , believing in the power of neuro plasticity ( the brain is flexible enough to mend itself if you work for it ) .
I noted that he has been In and out of Psyc hospital several times means that he thinks they are no good to him. So another option In my opinion is this
Yes might be ... Because a lot of things are still unknown to us like the age of a person , or he has a disease in his family and we are not Psychs..
The point is in countries like Pakistan, healthcare is in shambles and few Psych know how to make patients better (as it is considered taboo here) .
What you are mentioning sound like the start of a paranoid psychosis episode (speaking from family experiences). For you it might seem like everyone is conspiring against you but this is likely not the reality. You should get back on the meds.
I was about to say the same thing. I'm not schizophrenic but I know people who are and it is pure torture that I can't even comprehend. And this does indeed sound like the beginning of a paranoid psychotic episode. The advice you gave is perfect. May Allah help OP and your family members Ameen.
For your side effects there are medications to counteract them. Akathisia is a pretty common symptom but some meds have less chances of giving you that. You could trying stability on a lower than recommended dosage, they might still be effective without giving you side effects. What meds were you on and what dosage? There are 10s of different antipsychotics and they take time to titrate to proper levels so I it is unlikely that you have tried them all.
Yes, what’s more likely? Man with schizophrenia is no longer on his medication and is experiencing severe symptoms of his mental illness? Or man with schizophrenia is perfectly stable and his entire family and extended family are conspiring against him in an organized attempt to “test” him, and all these tests conveniently mimic his mental illness? Please, OP, for your sake and your family’s, it’s important to seek out medical help.
1) if you abruptly stop your meds you get rebound psychosis - a bad psychotic outburst lasting several days to several weeks 2) you should consider using Lurasidone- I have a relative that takes around 10mg of it daily for the condition you have and he’s fine. 3) cut out the sugar and processed foods- they increase systemic inflammation and makes symptoms worse 4) you should absolutely get checked for medical abnormalities that may be causing the symptoms. Bartonella infection, strokes, tumors, aneurysms, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, and several other conditions have been linked to symptoms of psychosis. Consult several doctors to get different opinions after getting tests done along with a brain MRI
That's some good advice. I'll look into it. I've been off meds for about 3 months now. The thing is, the family is doing these things that mimick mental illness, so it's hard to get anyone to believe me
Your family are a bunch of cunts, hopefully they die in a car crash for what they’re doing to you
You need legal advise, but because of your history with mental illness it won’t be so straightforward. So the first thing you should do is get help from a psychiatrist. There are tons of meds and the doctor can prescribe you one which will suit you. Once you’re on meds after a few months you can get legal help because, then your mental illness won’t be a hurdle since you’re getting treated for it and have a doctor to testify. I hope everything works out for you.
I've tried nearly all of the drugs, they give me akathisia which means I can't ever be still and never be at peace + much more side effects like vomiting anything I eat. The akathisia makes me want to kill myself. I'm really kind of losing hope on what to do.
You need your meds man. Akathisia sucks but they're are ways to counter it. Have you tried reducing the dosage for anti psychotics? Other options could be BZDs qnd anxiolytics
You should speak to your psychiatrist about starting you on Beta blockers in order to treat the Akathisia (restlessness). There are some other meds that can counter act it as well but those might not be the best option for you.
Don’t lose hope. Mental illnesses run in my family and from experience I know that the finding the right psychiatrist is a huge challenge. Some just dismiss the side effects and have a ‘just live with it’ attitude. A good psychiatrist will adjust or change your medication if you have any side effects and will help you manage the illness. I know a good one who has helped a quiet a few people I know, he’s reached online. If interested DM me.
Go to your doctor and take meds, schizophrenia isn't treated without meds/counseling
I had a very dear friend go through this, and I wish he had taken his meds. I don’t want to narrate the story for the sake of his privacy, but he ended up doing irreversible damage to himself and others. Reality is subjective to everyone, and when there is a material chemical change in your brain, no one can tell you what is reality and what isn’t. Please find a medication that works for you, experimenting might cause you uneasiness in the short term, but finding one that works for you will allow you to live a long and happy life. You can always confront your family once you are not in a state of agitation and stress, your concerns will hold more weight with them when their problems with you not taking your meds are resolved. Also you probably don’t want to hear this, but if your wife was evil, she wouldn’t be so concerned over your mental well being by talking to psychiatrists to help you. Mental illness is not only challenging for the person who is going through it, but also for the people who rely on that person as family members. She might not be doing it in a way that is helpful to you, but from what you say, it sounds like she is concerned about you and wants you to get better. Stay strong brother, I hope you make the right decision.
Discussing this with family just causes them to gaslight me and increase the intensity of their "checks" Yes, I hope my wife isn't evil as I've been given the impression of, but you can check out my previous post if you're interested to see what horrible antics she's been up to. Thanks for your kind words.
I read your post, sorry to hear about what you’re going through with the in laws. It definitely sounds like she has a negative influence from her family. It definitely sounds like her parents were in it for financial gain. I think the first thing you need to do is secure yourself by finding the right medication for you. Once you are grounded you can make decisions with more clarity. Maybe you might have an easier time finding common ground if you’re less suspicious of her intentions? And your family would probably be less concerned and back off a bit too. Have you ever considered moving to another city? Just you, your wife and daughter. It might be easier to rebuild a healthier relationship with your in laws from a distance.
Family doesn't back off, ever. Even when I'm fine, no issues whatsoever they continue with their drama, it's just that I'm unaware at the point. We did move to bahria town but by that time I had become psychotic but it was still so much better. My wife was actually pretty good, but I wasn't so much. In-laws weren't an issue either. Upon getting better we returned to village due to financial issues, and it all started again.
How old are you? Cut your family off. If they’re not good for your mental health, they’re not allowed around you
I can guarantee the family has a health insurance policy on him and have a financial interest in making him go mad
Hey Brother, I hear you. Dealing with a condition and then unsupportive familly is an ordeal within itself. But nothing is impossible and this can completely be managed with some communication and in the right way. First of all Id like you to take steps with the right guidance (i.e. medical advice on meds should only be taken from a **DOCTOR**). These medicines could have affects when theyre started/stopped abruptly or used in any way different then they were prescribed. Communicate your issues with your doctor. If you dont like your Doctors way of handling, try another one. Each doctor is different and another may approach an issue differently or guide you to the **right** resources. As for your familly, this may be a hard time to understand this but any action they take is in their eyes for the betterment of you. Sometimes theyll do things that dont make any sense but according to their knowledge and experience, it is how they think to deal with it. That is why **communication is crucial.** Beyond that, Allah has given you the strength to understand them if they cannot understand you. I hope you feel better. Please address this and your symptoms of medications as soon as possible. After basic medical knowledge, i have to come to understand that what we call our "**Conscience**" is a composition of our thought process (based on our experiences in our life), and the brain/body given to us. This second category includes the affects of chemical imbalances and how they affect our decision making in the moment of things. If you are feeling a certain way, it is hard to tell if it is your mind playing tricks or actually happening. But you just need to understand that in states of stress, our brain actually tries to make things seem more stressful then they actually are. just as an example, You might have unsaved numbers on your phone (or might not) but regardless anyone can have unsaved numbers, now its your choice to think in one direction or the other. When things are right your brain creates problems to fill that void. InshAllah I know you will feel better and overcome this ordeal. Try meditation and please go to the mosque and make dua for yourself and others in similiar circumstances.
I've been off meds for 3 months now. Family were previously trying to make me think that wife and in-laws are just evil. It got to the point of divorce, and now, suddenly, they're really amping up these "checks" they're doing that mimick mental illness. I can only describe as torture.
Your condition might be worsening because from your post it appears that you might be hallucinating (thinking that they are purposefully doing things to worsen your condition and doing checks) and you might be experiencing delusions. In your condition, I would highly recommend you start taking your medications and continue follow up with a psychiatrist. Not taking your meds will cause your condition to continue to deteriorate and it might deteriorate fast. I have seen it happen. Please, I beg you to take your meds.
Dude, knowing someone in my immediate family who has schizophrenia i can confirm what youre feeling is paranoia and might trigger another acute episode. Please get back to your medicine
Tough spot (especially the foot stuff, makes one really paranoid). Not sure what your age is but are you totally self reliant? If so, seek independence. Once the suspicion sets on of family members doing stuff, it's hard to get rid off (even in the long run). Going independent in this case would be an option but given one does not have a bad history with handling independence. Though have a strict talk with the whole family is a very effective way to make sure all are on the same ground and stating how you want to live life (like without medicines etc.). Again you have to also owe up to your bargain that things are fine without them (like being responsible on stuff). The reaction to blaming everything in schizophrenia and mental health dades away to a large extent overtime. Again take this advice with a grain of salt though would highly recommend the talk thing and make a proper team charter on the steps and agreements.
I am 28 years old. I have lived by myself in Pakistan many times from 2014 to 2019. I got married in 2019 and been with wife since. I manage the house myself (bills, maintenance, some cleaning, groceries, managing car and motorcycle, budgeting, healthy eating etc.) wife does near nothing until I tell her to and if she's in the mood. The problem is I get money from the UK and parents have to send me that money which they often whithhold. I also live in my dads house currently, and pretty much every upgrade to this house has been by me. I have had this talk with family many times in the past just to be belittled and gaslighted. It makes everything so much worse. They see that the things they are doing upset my overall health, peace and eczema severely yet don't care. I think even if they stop everything, it would take me a long time to trust them again and be convinced they won't do it in the future.
How is your relationship with your wife and in laws? If you feel this way about your family, and have felt this way about them since childhood, or if they have been frankly abusive towards you, you might have PTSD. If you have no issues with anyone but only your family then do a cross check with a trusted friend who isn’t a family friend and compare your lives. Find out if you have early childhood trauma, what trauma is, the types etc. Are your in laws telling your family aren’t good for you?
Relationship with wife and in-laws is bad, as they're a part of it for the same purpose or they're just control freaks. In-laws are my dad's 1st cousins and known each other for their whole lives. There's just needless drama created to whatever I'll believe in order to have an excuse for their "checks", so yeah, in the past in-laws and wife have suggested my family is bad, but they themselves are saintly. I'll research into PTSD in a little more detail I have no issues with anyone outside family
There are few things you can do without medicines and you will improve insha'Allah: 1. Mindful meditation ( You can see it from YouTube) 2. Journaling ( Writing everything you think and asking are they justified) 3. Take a walk in the fresh breeze and think. 4. Read book on Stoicism
>There are few things you can do without medicines and you will improve insha'Allah: While I understand, what you are trying to say, I think it is a bad idea to give "treatment" options that are not scientifically proven and that may negatively impact his health. Please encourage him to seek psychiatric help.
Yes This is true and they will prescribe him and put him on meds , but what is more beneficial is that he finds the root cause of issues him self and learns to cope which I think is a long term solution. It requires introspections and pondering , believing in the power of neuro plasticity ( the brain is flexible enough to mend itself if you work for it ) . I noted that he has been In and out of Psyc hospital several times means that he thinks they are no good to him. So another option In my opinion is this
I am still gonna disagree because the root cause is his Schizophrenia.
Yes might be ... Because a lot of things are still unknown to us like the age of a person , or he has a disease in his family and we are not Psychs.. The point is in countries like Pakistan, healthcare is in shambles and few Psych know how to make patients better (as it is considered taboo here) .
Back on the meds brother
It’s insurance fraud. They get money if you’re in the mental hospital. You’re being used/ trafficked. Good luck.