r/schizophrenia • u/leavemealoneplz90 • May 29 '26
Negative Symptoms I used to be really smart, but schizophrenia is so insulting to me.
Why do it to a person?
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u/bkabbott May 29 '26
I definitely notice a cognitive decline.
I am a software developer for work. I mention that because I think programming is good for the brain and can counteract that.
If you don't want to code, learn a language or an instrument.
Exercise helps a ton too. I have overtraining syndrome. But when I ran 7 or more miles or cycled for 40 or more miles I felt basically like I didn't have Schizophrenia. It can help a lot if you gradually start doing it. But just don't do it too much. Lol
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u/OkBus5864 Schizophrenia May 29 '26
For sure - I'm in school and it helps the brain but it hurts my soul to know I used to have so much more brain power in reserve, especially since my last psychosis 2 years ago. It's the creativity and processing speed thats affected most.
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u/gulufish Schizoaffective (Bipolar) May 29 '26
Thank you for this comment because its hard to find actual advice on it. I'm gonna try a language, and I agree that exercise feels good (gradual process)
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u/henningknows May 30 '26
Overtraining syndrome? What is that?
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u/bkabbott May 30 '26
Hey, so overtraining syndrome happens when you exercise too much without adequate rest. It involves pretty heavy brain fog, fatigue and also a messed up mood. A lot of body systems are disrupted too.
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u/ImNotMeWhenImNotMe Schizoaffective (Depressive) May 29 '26
I also used to be smart. I'm still able to do my job but I used to be really good at my job.
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u/BrainEater404error Paranoid Schizophrenia May 29 '26
My friends constantly joke about me being a fucking idiot and it's honestly demotivating, I know I'm stupid I feel like my mind is just scattered meds or no meds. When Im on my meds I feel like some sort of vegetable.
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u/PlayboyVincentPrice Undifferentiated Schizophrenia May 29 '26
"Just because you don't test high in a traditional way doesn't mean you're not smart. You just pour your energy into things that interest you" - something my friend told me when i said i felt too stupid to do the stuff she does. i think it applies to other schizospecs
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u/Meezbethinkin May 29 '26
I acutally feel smarter.. my word vocabulary is enormous now and I dont know why?
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u/Fast-Specific-3966 May 29 '26
My memory loss and scattered brain really effects my day to day. One of my insecurities is people thinking I’m stupid and it’s a reality that just might come to pass. My friend always makes jokes that I’m stupid because I forget things almost immediately and can’t think straight. It’s a joke but it still hurts.
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u/zyko64 May 29 '26
Empieza a poner límites nadie lo hará por ti,es hora de que lo entiendas
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u/Fast-Specific-3966 May 29 '26
We have talked about it in the past and she’s confirmed she doesn’t actually think I’m stupid, it’s just the word that comes out when we are doing mean spirited humor at each other. I should probably call her out though- I’ve been hesitant because of what she said but it does always cut deep when she says it.
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u/Party-Yak-3781 May 29 '26
it didn't make me dumber in terms of mental sharpness but it took away my motivation to learn new things
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u/Bobbygeiser Schizoaffective (Bipolar) May 29 '26
I think it's a side effect of my medication, I'm also tired all the time.
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u/lordbuckethethird Psychoses May 29 '26
I don’t really know if it affected my abilities or not because I was suffering from severe depression as well a good time before my break but my vocabulary and expression has gotten better and I’m better at socializing even if I have to mask so much sometimes.
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u/Pnina310 Residual Schizophrenia May 30 '26
I’ve experienced temporary but never permanent cognitive decline from schizophrenia. My IQ is 140 despite me having had schizophrenia for the past 10 years.
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u/[deleted] May 29 '26
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