Stuart Baker-Brown's Everest Blog

The Cure for Schizophrenia

Is there a cure for schizophrenia?

Well, over the years i used to think not! It is easily assumed by the medical world and others that this demoralising and destructive condition can not be cured totally. Some years ago i thought the same and could not see a way forward.

Now in 2007 i can recognise that i am virtually cured of my condition. I dont live with any voices, sometimes i have fear of persecution but speaking to others, i recognise my levels of this symptom are probably only slightly higher, than which others, friends and family, sometimes experience for themselves. Its my own perception of the situation that is often different and recognition that my own perception is different helps to ease my fears.

I have suffered with all the symptoms of schizophrenia in the past.

I’ve always been able to recognize symtoms such as voices, psychosis, false and irrational beliefs, thought disorder, suicidal thoughts, depression, lack of motivation, the feeling of being controlled by outside forces and of course the paranoia and fear of persecution.

But over the years and after finding the correct medication in 2001, i feel that i am finally cured, if there is such a thing. This has been achieved by my own 'will' to survive and my own understanding of my condition, learning how to deal with my symptoms productively, working with my voices rather than fighting them, recognising that i do feel paranoid and feel persecuted, amongst other ways of coping. Recognition of symptoms and understanding when they were becoming active helped me not to lose control and spiral down that dark tunnel. 'Awareness' and 'acceptance' as well as correct medication, a personal belief in oneself are some of the keys to coping.

My own success has been achieved over many years and did not happen over night. Having a deep insight and personal understanding of myself and how i react to situations helped me to control my symptoms until they have now almost dissappeared altogether.

The other great thing i always held on to in my life was 'hope and dreams'. Schizophrenia can leave the sufferer feeling broken day after day, year after year, without 'hope' and unable to 'dream' for a good future. I always held on to the future and believed that one day, i would regain control where all other belief from others had been lost.

I now only take a very low dose of medication, seroquel, when i feel my mind is active-to help me sleep.

If i am suffering from schizophrenia now, its what i call the 'fall out' of the condition. I have had schizophrenia for many years and have lost a lot of confidence in myself and others and the confidence to interact in society fully. I also feel inferior and sometimes feel i am incabable of achievements.

The condition and the misunderstanding of schizophrenia has left me with many knocks and chips.

I still find social occasions and people hard to deal with. This is because of my own fears and how people may judge me because of my diagnosis. 'Stigma and Discrimintion' towards my condition. These fears are sometimes justified, sometimes not.

It is difficult to talk about my diagnosis to others, especially people i meet for the 1st time. It is also very difficult to initiate new relationships with a potential partner-once i mention my diagnosis, doors can simply close.

When doors close this knocks confidence and the ability to take future steps to interact with others.

I am also concerned about work and having to take things easy. Although my life is becoming far more active, after years of being treated as though i may never work again by the psychiatric services, doubts about overstretching myself are sometimes strong and this can hold me back.

So, the 'fall out' of my condition is the next big step to conquer and is being conquered. It is my own self believe that keeps breaking down these barriers and will continue to do so. Although my self belief can sometimes be low, it can on many occasions be great and easily outways personal self doubt and doubt from others.

The 'fall out' of my condition can be hard to deal with. The lack of belief and understanding from others and the stigma and discrimintion towards people with schizophrenia can be just as heart breaking as the diagnosis itself.

But the stronger i become, the more people believe in me, and the more people believe in me, then doors will open in relationships, personal and work, as they are and then life will be fully regained.

Stuart Baker-Brown.