Hello Pamela Gaskill,   I second what Robin said: there is good news.   Yet while your mother was able to hold a job, it appears she is having troubles or had troubles.  She may not be receptive to getting treatment, even if treatment helps the majority of people with schizophrenia.   I would suggest, as Robin did, you contact your local NAMI affiliate.   By building a relationship of trust with your mother, you may be able to influence her to seek treatment.  I always recommend the Xavier Amador book I Am Not Sick, I Don't Need Help so that family members can learn how to couch what they say to increase the chance that the loved one will seek help.   Best wishes, Chris