I have mostly only the negative symptoms of schizophrenia, I have a mood disorder, and I am severely depressed. I took a quiz which guides you in knowing whether or not you have social phobia, and the only symptom I have is being uncomfortable with attending big parties where I didn't know anyone. I am not only very attractive, and intelligent, but also most people who I meet like me quite a bit! Why then can I not leave my home or even answer my telephone? I cannot leave my home even if I'm guaranteed not to have to run into another soul. Like just taking a ride in the car scares me. Not afraid of an accident. My mailbox is right downstairs from me, within the walls of the same building, and it gets so backed up that the office has to bring me my mail. Could it be an extreme case of apathy? I often rather go hungary then have to fix myself or go get myself something to eat. But why the fear?
Q: I have schizophrenia and I am severely depressed, why can't I leave my home?
Hi julia111
Your sharepost is something of a puzzle. Most of the symptoms you outline appear unrelated to schizophrenia? That's not to say people with schizophrenia don't get depressed for example, as they most certainly do.
I see that you have been active in the self-diagnosis area with quizzes. I'm therefore interested to know whether you have been formally diagnosed with schizophrenia and what medication you are taking?
Try not to get too involved in worrying about what you can't do, or feel you can't do, and play more to your strengths. Not everyone is comfortable doing everything and if your problems feel extensive, try breaking them down into smaller chunks and looking first at the things you feel you can manage.
I believe there are different levels of paranoia. Some might have a mild or moderate level of paranoia that keeps them from wanting to venture out. But if you cannot leave your home even to pick up the mail, you definitely have a level of paranoia that warrants a frank discussion with your psychiatrist. One type of schizophrenia does consist of mostly negative symptoms, and it is common to have severe depression along with any type of schizophrenia. My depression was so bad that my fear it may return is much worse than any fear of a sz relapse.
On the bright side, after a few years, my severe social phobia and depression both went away quite suddenly. And I can tell you that I now go to parties, to church, to the grocery store, to the gym, etc., without feeling like I am being watched and talked about. What a relief! I think a combination of an antipsychotic and antidepressants finally changed the tide of events.
Best wishes,
Carolyn
Hello julia111,
Like Jerry said, I wouldn't "self-diagnose." You could possibly be under stress of some sort. If you are being treated for schizophrenia, or for your mood disorder, bring up with your psychiatrist what you told us here is happening.
A lot of people to a greater or less degree have issues with crowds or strangers [though of some of us don't have a hard time with this]. When it crosses a line, and prevents you from functioning in the world and maintaining your activities of daily living, that's when you need to get help.
It sounds like you would benefit from talking to your doctor.
Regards,
Christina
I feel the exact same way. Ever since I quit my job due to severe anxiety and depression things have gotten worse. You think that if you run away from situations your anxiety will lessen but it just gets worse. Now I am having trouble leaving my apartment due to severe depression and extreme paranoia. What makes it even worse is the fact that I live in an apartment building full of gossips and some very nasty critical people. I can totally relate to the food issue. I barely eat anymore. As a person who has been extremely active in the past having done several mini triathalons I have got to put an end to this. Unfortunately I have been battling clinical depression my whole life. I am scared that my depression has developed into schizophrenia. Can that happen if you suffer severe depression for a long time? I have always had the paranoia and the only thing that makes it go away is swimming. I feel I have no control over it. I am scared there may come a time I never leave my apartment as my world has gotten smaller and smaller throughout my life. I also live alone which makes it so much easier to do nothing and hide. I have noone to push me as my family has given up and are leading there busy lives. Just wanted to let you know I could relate and maybe someone could provide some advice for me.
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of The HealthCentral Network. The HealthCentral Network does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
