I think I might be schizophrenic, but I'm afraid if I bring my concerns to a doctor, they'll tell me there's nothing wrong even if there is, because I already think I have it. What do I do?

We know expressing your concerns and fears to a person, is frightening. But the doctor is the place where you're supposed to be honest so that they can help you the best way that they can. They will listen to you fairly and without judging you, and provide their assessment of whether your concerns are schizophrenia, or could be something else entirely. It's like 7cups, we're here to listen and try to help out the best the best way we can to help people feel better. Don't hesitate to reach out to the doctor. We know the online platform is a little different than seeing a doctor, but the concepts are similar. Thank you for addressing this with us. Thanks for the question, and let us know if we can do anything to help.

Hello! Your doctor is there to provide general feedback. You have every right to ask for a referral to a mental health professional to get your needs addressed. I would advise you to continue to push through until you find the right personal to understand your needs. Don't be afraid to disclose to people you are close with. You may know someone with a great referral to a wonderful doctor. Please don't give up. I am glad you are being proactive about your health! If there is someone you trust to help speak out for you, you can take them with you.

Perhaps you can bring these concerns up with a doctor you trust so that they can evaluate the situation and take into account how these feelings might affect the type of symptoms you have. Your thinking you already have it may make it present in a different way than it would normally because of your awareness of certain symptoms and patterns associated with schizophrenia. You could also try and get a second, or even multiple, opinions to rule out any bias. Make sure you see a doctor who is trained in an appropriate field so that they can help you best.

It's still best to bring this up with a professional. Schizophrenia can get worse the longer it goes untreated. Doctors know what they are doing and if you were malingering (which you're not, you'd have to go in with intent to trick them into thinking you have schizophrenia, which you aren't since you believe you could have it) they would pick up on it. It's perfectly normal to try to figure out what's going on with you. Whatever you're expericing is real regardless if you're correct it's schizophrenia or not. Maybe make a list of your symptoms before going to see your doctor so you know everything that you'd like to cover with them. Wishing you the best of luck!

I had the same experience with ADHD. I went and saw a psychiatrist for a diagnosis and was really nervous that he’d say I didn’t. I didn’t get that diagnosis because he actually caught something else that was more pressing that I’m very thankful for. It’s good to come to an appointment with your doctor prepared and it might relieve you of some anxiety as well. If you bring some research you’ve found indicating that you relate to the symptoms bring them to discuss. You can also do online tests (although keep in mind they’re not a diagnosis) and bring those too. Remember, if you don’t have schizophrenia the chances are that it’ll be something else (you don’t relate to symptoms for no reason) good luck x

You are the expert on you. If you believe you are experiencing symptoms or signs of schizophrenia, those are real and valid concerns to have. It's also important to tell your doctor about this so they can refer you to get appropriate help from a psychologist or psychiatrist who can help diagnose you. You don't know for sure if they'll react by telling you nothing is wrong. Even if they do react that way, it's important to emphasize how you really want to get help. Your doctor will likely not dismiss your concerns if you stress them enough. Take care and I hope all works out for you!

It is never bad to get yourself checked. A doctor's job is not to judge you or make you feel bad about your concern. But trying to live with schizophrenia without seeking help leads down a dangerous path for yourself and those that love you. Go to a doctor and get checked. Be open and honest about what you feel and think about about. And if you do schizophrenia is completely treatable. The longer you go untreated. The harder it is accept help. It can make life difficult even to have friendships and relationships with others. You deserve to be the best you that you can be.

Assuming that the results will not come out the way you want them to will stop you from doing what might be needed in your situation. Getting a diagnosis is always better than letting the issue grow bigger. You know yourself the best so if you think you have schizophrenia, then it is highly likely that you do, so please get help as soon as you can because schizophrenia can get harmful. In case the psychologist/psychiatrist tells you that you do not have it, getting another diagnosis from a different doctor always helps in clearing the doubt. I hope it helps x

Hi, Thank you for your question! If you are worried about your mental health it's a really good idea to see your doctor. If you find your doctor isn't taking you seriously, then it's okay to find another doctor who will. You deserve to be heard and sometimes that means advocating for yourself a little bit. I hope the doctor you see will take you seriously- even if you do not have schizophrenia what you are experiencing is very real and you deserve really good care. I hope this helps! Best of luck to you :)

Schizophrenia is easily one of the most difficult diagnoses to live with. It can lay dormant for years and finally appear in your late twenties and early thirties. Seemingly out of nowhere, my youngest cousin succumbed to this illness. She was able to receive intensive in-patient treatment and recover, but there were scary days for sure. I think it's very important to advocate for yourself in the medical setting. So often we think doctors have all the answers, but they don't. We, the patient, are the expert on our own experience. Instead, I think the challenge is learning how to articulate that in a cohesive self-reporting way, and also having the good fortunate of a sincere and compassionate provider. A good doctor will listen and honor your request for an evaluation. If he doesn't, get a second opinion.