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Finding Friendship with Schizophrenia

December 15, 2011 Dan Hoeweler

Building meaningful friendships is an important part of life, and it is no less true in people with Schizophrenia. The illness itself can cause people to fear the outside world, which is why it is so important to overcome this and interact with people.

Having someone that appreciates you despite your illness, can be difficult. Many people are misinformed about Schizophrenia, and will choose not to associate with you. When you cross or meet someone like this, it is important to realize that such a person would probably not make a good friend to begin with. Good friends are people who will judge you by your good deeds, and not by what your health issues are. Though it may be hurtful when someone treats you unfairly because of your diagnosis, it is important to know that such stereotypes occur predominantly out of ignorance and misguidance.

I have learned over the years that people will judge you based on your own merits. If you can learn to manage your illness, then many good people are willing to let you come into their lives and give you the benefit of the doubt. From here it is easier to build a relationship based on trust and understanding.

When I think of my “treatment plan” for schizophrenia, I think not only of the medications that I take, but also of the activities and choices that I make. One quality medication that I take, are the people and friends that I surround myself with. Like all medications it can take experimentation before finding just the right combination, but once you do it is well worth it.

If you suffer from schizophrenia, try to avoid isolation, as it causes the mind to stray off course. Staying within reality is helped by interacting with the real world. Sometimes I have been able to ease my symptoms some, by simply forcing myself out of the house and making my best attempt at enjoying the world.

If you are having difficulty building relationships because your illness is not yet well controlled, take baby steps towards this goal by such things as taking walks in the park, going to coffee shops or hanging out at the zoo. Sometimes simply being around people can be enough to lift the isolation.

Though making meaningful relationships with Schizophrenia is difficult, by no means is it impossible. Having even just a few friends will make it easier for you when you are having difficulty, and make the times when you aren’t even better. Building solid relationships will make you mentally stronger and healthier. Through others, you will be able to concentrate more on the world, and less on the fictitious imagination within. Hopefully one day, you will find yourself never feeling lonely again.

APA Reference
Hoeweler, D. (2011, December 15). Finding Friendship with Schizophrenia, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2024, March 19 from https://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/creativeschizophrenia/2011/12/finding-friendship-with-schizophrenia



Author: Dan Hoeweler

Paula Scott
July, 25 2023 at 1:43 pm

My schizophrenic son wants to do things with the guys. But he has no friends. I feel his lonli eds.

July, 26 2023 at 11:13 am

Hi Paula,
Thank you for your comment. I find it challenging to make new friends as well. I have found the most luck in meeting new people by attending writing classes with small groups, taking training, and volunteering. Also, there are several schizophrenia support groups online. You can do a Google search of schizophrenia support groups online and find several of these groups (most are free to join). I wish you both well.
Rebecca

Julia
November, 26 2022 at 9:38 am

I'm 27 y.o woman, I have schizophrenia and I'm socially isolated, I am scared of others and don't trust anyone. I would like to experience friendship some day. Good luck everyone!

Ileana Lopez
February, 8 2020 at 11:54 am

I have a very smart 26 y/o son who has schizophrenia. Thank God, with his meds and herbs, his mind is clear all the time. Because of tendency for social isolation, he is lonely and in desperate need to find friends. He's living a very healthy live style. We live near Jennings, FL.

Stella
June, 7 2022 at 5:35 pm

Hi my name is Stella I don’t judge people I was with a man that was on dialysis and lived him very much he passed away afew years ago from a fall but I don’t care what someone has I care if someone is a good person in general and I want to make it better for them

Mercia
December, 2 2017 at 12:41 am

I have a brother 31 he so desires just to have friends.During the week he attends a forworkshop from Monday to Friday but weekends he has no friend.That is when he feels really lonely.Does anyone know of a social group weekends

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Elizabeth Caudy
December, 2 2017 at 4:04 am

There are several mental illness dating sites (just google mental illness and dating) such as nolongerlonely.com. There’s also a site called meetup.com where people with similar interests can meet up. I hope that helps!

Alexander Crawford
November, 15 2017 at 11:54 pm

I agree that the goal with the illness is to find people who judge you based on your actual merits rather than some fictitious idea of a mentally ill person.

VONDA HAYES
November, 15 2017 at 10:53 am

where can people living with schizophrenia meet for movies, music, conversations, board games, dancing, and just to not feel alone with the background noises?

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Elizabeth Caudy
November, 15 2017 at 1:10 pm

There are several dating/meeting sites for people with mental illness (just google "mental illness dating") including nolongerlonely.com. I hope that helps!

VONDA HAYES
November, 15 2017 at 10:51 am

my daughter lives with schizophrenia and she is lonely. She is 31 and she has more good days than bad. She has a real desire for real friends

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

LL
May, 20 2018 at 10:13 pm

Which state do you live in?

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

karen gerald
August, 23 2018 at 1:13 pm

my daughter is 38 and in the same situation from western massachusetts

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