Schizophrenia

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I am thinking of having a full mental diagnosis. I have ruined my life because I chose not to worry about it, preferring to concentrate on my fantasy lives instead.I live alone, and I am also increasingly talking to myself. I have never had any friends or any relationships, nor sex.I want to go to university as a mature student soon but I am worried that I will not be able to cope with it, considering my mental state.I just find it hard to go to the doctor here in the UK and say "I've got schizophrenia - send me to hospital please". My doctor will just laugh and ignore me.

It may not be schizophrenia. Do you hear voices that sound real talking to you, or making a commentary on you?

Don't tell the doctor your diagnosis, but instead tell him/her your symptoms - you have no friends or relationships, you talk to yourself a lot, you have fantasy lives, you're worried about your mental state. The doctor should give you a referral to a psychiatrist, since it needs a specialist to give a proper diagnosis.

I doubt you've RUINED your life. Life is pretty transitive. You can always move on to a time in your life. And if you're in a bad place don't try to make decisions about anything other than seeking help. I think once you get help you'll have a better outlook on the rest of your life as a whole. I'm sure they'll have you in a high functioning place in no time. Keep your chin up.

Ineligible is right. It's usually not a good idea to go overboard with self-diagnosis. Leave that to a qualified professional. You should definitely get a psychosocial assessment done by a psychologist (which I would recommend over a psychiatrist). It's quite possible, based on what you've said, that you don't actually have any psychopathology, but possibly just some life issues that could be worked out with a good counselor.I would also say that it is a great thing that you are willing to take a look at yourself and see if something is up. That is a major strength. I think you'll do fine in college.

It is difficult for me to cocentrate on anything for a long amount of time. I get bored easily, and often flirt from one fantasy life to another to alleviate boredom.

In the space of one day I can go into fantasy worlds such as: "Footballer, football manager, actor, film director, F1 driver, pop star, inventor, mathematician, businessman, billionnaire..." The list is endless.

I simply don't like being me. Therefore I don't enjoy wasting time in the real world when I could be pretending something much happier.

However, I am worried that without treatment I will get even worse and lose any chance of rehab.

I reckon I must talk to myself 75% of the day. I am usually on my own until I go to my part-time job in the evening, and throughout the day I have conversations with imaginary people.

I don't see other people, nor do I hear voices. So I'm obviously not that ill yet, however I can feel my brain going mad because of this lifestyle.

I am only 24 and I have a lot of grey hairs on my head already, plus ill-looking black marks under my eyes - so clearly I cannot consider myself to have a healthy life.

Also, I find it EXTRAORDINARILY DIFFICULT to mix with other people. Clearly, I am out of practice, as I've never had any friends or girlfriends in my entire life. But I fear I will never be able to socialise in my condition. It's as though I see other people as a kind of inconvinience - I know I can't relax and talk to myself when they are around, so I just wish they weren't there. When I'm around other people, I have to keep quiet and hope I don't get picked on.

Does anyone have any advice on how I can break my news to my doctor? I know for a fact that he will not believe me, so honestly is it worth trying to make an appointment?

Also, what happens when you admit to be schizophrenic? Do you get forced to be hospitalized whilst they observe you in a mental institution, or can I just go home straight away?

Do you even know what schizophrenia is? It is a serious mental disorder in which a person's personality is totally shattered. Features of schizophrenia are acute psycosis, delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, catatonia, severely disorganized behavior, or a flat affect. People with this order are not able to hold down jobs and certainly would not be able to post in the basically intelligent, coherent manner in which you are. And finally, they are typically not aware of their disorder.Bottom line...you do not have schizophrenia.That being said...I believe there might be some issues you need to deal with. But they don't sound pathological to me. You don't have a mental disorder as much as you have some pretty unhealthy ways of thinking and being. The good news is that you sound willing to get some help. But my question is, would you still be willing to get help if it were not as dramatic as all that, but was just a need for some solid therapy or counseling?

I do not get any enjoyment out of life at all. I dislike and distrust other people, I have no sex drive, I have never had enough motivation to seek a proper job, I have never had any friends or girlfriends, I have never had any confidence, I regularly talk to myself, and I choose to pretend I'm someone else.I would say that's enough of a diagnosis of schizophrenia, wouldn't you?

>>>>>>I would say that's enough of a diagnosis of schizophrenia, wouldn't you?

**actually no, you could be severly depressed, you can't diagnose something like this, only a professional can. If you are that worried then get yourself to a doctor to be referred to a specialist etc, and get your life back. Good luck! **

No. It could be other things. Depression, anxiety, stress. You need to see a doctor.

But how does one approach this delicate situation? How can I just waltz into my Doc's office and claim that I am schizo?Surely he will just laugh at me?

You don't, because you almost certainly don't have schizophrenia. There are lots of things you could have, but schizophrenia is the least likely. Go to the doctor and tell him all the things you've told us, without telling him you have schizophenia. Your symptoms are important and the doctor will take them seriously. Diagnosis is the doctor's job.

In reply to:I would say that's enough of a diagnosis of schizophrenia, wouldn't you? No! Did you not read my description of schizophrenia? It's nothing like what you are describing. It's like saying "I've got this terrible cough and my nose is running. I would say that is enough of a diagnosis of a broken leg, wouldn't you?" Everything you are talking about boils down to choices you are making. Look, I know a bit about psychopathology and diagnosing mental disorders/personality disorders, and I can assure you that you do not have schizophrenia. Where did you get the idea you do?I have a suspicion. Is it possible that you are for some reason ashamed of where you are and how you're doing life that you want some dramatic diagnosis to explain it all? There is no need for that. I can tell you that I have been at a very similar place to what you're describing. It boiled down to my choices, but at the same time there were precipitating factors that compelled me to make those choices. I finally sought help form a qualified mental health professional. Doesn't have to by a psychiatrist or psychologist. IN your case, I think a therapist/counselor would do you good. And it's nothing to worry or be embarassed about. It's the first step to a better life. I personally believe that the very fact that you posted your question betrays a strength that you possess...reaching out for help. Let that serve you.

I have virtually all of the symptoms listed on this page:http://www.schizophrenia.com/earlysigns.htm

Did you read the part where is says to be careful about diagnosing yourself? Trust me on this one. I know what I'm talking about. You do not have schizophrenia. If you did, you wouldn't be posting here worried about having it, you would be denying it. People with schizophrenia are not cogent, rational people.

I tell you what...Why don't you stop looking for answers to this or some sort of validation around this on a message board and actually make an appointment to see a mental health professional. If he diagnoses you with schizophrenia, I will eat my hat and post a link to naked pictures of myself. That's how sure I am that YOU DON'T HAVE IT.