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?

If you have it your doctors will tell you. A lot of people think they are schizophrenic, a lot of people self diagnose themselves with things. Your doctor has almost certainly seen schizophrenic people before and if they don't see it in you, you most likely don't have it. A lot of people display the same symptoms as schizophrenic people, that's why so many people think they have it. Again, you might have it, I mean there's a chance, but the likelihood that your doctor hasn't already identified it is very slim. Everyone wants to be able to identify what is going on in their brain with a disorder, and everyone probably has a few different disorders that are too minute to identify officially.

A doctor will take your symptoms seriously: they may believe you have prodormal rather than full-blown schizophrenia, or they may believe you have a schizoform disorder that does not cause lack of insight into reality, or they may believe that you have schizophrenia with insight. Even if they don't diagnose you with a psychiatric DISORDER you still would have psychiatric SYMPTOMS, which they will take seriously. Even if it is just some weird anxiety it is worth going to a doctor for, because anxiety is a problem of its own. So whatever the ground issue is, your problems will be taken seriously (by a good doctor at least).

Hi! Be as honest as possible. No matter what, be as honest as you can. Try to clearly voice any and all concerns you may have to your doctor. And I suggest asking your primary care doctor to refer you to a psychiatrist, if you haven't already. As they are trained to help diagnose disorders such as schizophrenia, and provide support and/or medication. They can catch symptoms and schizophrenic behaviors. Also, try looking into family history if possible. It is not uncommon for schizophrenic to be genetic, so try your best to find out if anyone in your family has had schizophrenia for the purpose of being thorough. If your doctor believes you do not have schizophrenia, do not be afraid to get a second opinion. Hope this helps!

If you feel like this is an genuine concern of yours you are probably not thinking about it for no reason. There must be some truth to it. My advice for you would be to either try and tell your doctor even though you are scared. Remember this is for your wellbeing. In the worst case scenario you will go to be tested and end up not having schizophrenia. But remember you can always go to your local psychologist and have a talk with them and they can help you realise what is happening. Never be ashamed of your issues.

Feeling ill for any reason can be scary, so it makes sense that you would have some fear about going to the doctor. Schizophrenia is a very complicated condition, so knowing exactly what is going on might actually bring you peace. If you go to the doctor, you will be tested and – whatever the diagnosis – you will know how to treat the problem, right? Not knowing means you might need medication that you are not getting, so you continue to feel bad. Talking to a counselor first might be an option, too, as therapists are trained to recognize different types of mental illness. A therapist can certainly let you know if you need to see a doctor in order to get you the help you need to feel better.

It is really scary to think that there might be something happening to us that we cant control. It is ever scarier when we are scared that nobody will believe us. That's the really great thing about doctors though, they are completely confidential, and if you don't have schizophrenia but there is something going on, a doctor will help you figure out what that something is. You know you body more than anybody else, so if something is happening that shouldn't be you have the right to voice your concerns and they will help you find the best way to proceed, even if its not what you thought it was.

Let me start by saying that your concern is completely understandable. It is easy to be afraid of what other people think and if they will believe you. I suffer from anxiety and I remember being concerned about the psychiatrist thinking that I don't have anxiety. So like I said, your concern is totally valid and you are not the only one who has experienced fears about this. There is no harm at all in going to the doctor and speaking your truth. They are trained to respond to their patients concerns and help them in the best way possible.

Realize that that could actually happen. It happened to me. But without trying you are stuck where you are without help. Try to figure out a way where you could get a 2nd or 3rd opinion and don't just go with the first person if they tell you "a psychotic person can't realize they're psychotic" That is an opinion that is out there professionally, but not everyone professional believes that. It could be that you are just catching it before you lose your insight into the illness. With me I was treated for depression only until I totally lost contact with reality, and then they treated me for the schizophrenia. If I had to do it again, I would find another doctor, sooner, and I would keep going until I found someone that would listen to me. Keep in mind, a lot of doctors aren't going to like you insisting they might be wrong. But its your life and you are the one that will be living it and the consequences of keeping or not keeping your sanity, lay in your hands. I'm a lot better now, but its been years of counseling and medication for me to get here, and I think some of what happened could have been avoided if I'd found a doctor who was really willing to listen to what I had to say.

Do not be afraid to bring up these concerns to a doctor. A doctor is a professional who took an oath to help people. Why would a doctor not believe you? You are the expert of your life. If you say you might have symptoms of schizophrenia and want to be examined the doctor has NO CHOICE but to look into your concerns. Go to a doctor and tell them what symptoms specifically aline with your concerns. You can even tell them the initial paranoias is what caused you not to come in for an exam. Being paranoid of a doctor not helping you is enough of a reason to be checked out.

Schizophrenia can be considered a mental health condition characterised by delusions (unusual beliefs such as aliens), hallucinations (hearing, seeing things that do not exist outside the mind) and losing interest in everyday activities. It can be really scary and frustrating to be going through something whilst feeling like your doctor would not be receptive to your concerns. If you think you have schizophrenia the best thing you can do is meet with a mental health professional such as a licensed social worker, psychologist, or psychiatrist to determine what the issue at hand is. Mental health professionals are especially equipped to manage mental health conditions because the scope of people they serve is narrower than that of a general doctor or physician. Thus, they may be more receptive to your inquiry regarding what you are going through. If feeling hesitant about this route why not reach out for support from any online therapists or listeners on our site who have lived experience or expertise in this area? I wish you the best of luck in reaching out and hope you get the support you need!