A major factor that determines functionality in someone with schizophrenia is insight.  I have been living with this horribly disabling disease for over four years.  The first three years I spent going on and off medication.  When you feel normal, it is easy to believe that the disease has somehow "fixed" itself.  However, each time you stop taking medication you will relapse into a psychotic episode that is even more severe than the previous ones.  I am not well.  I believe schizophrenia is a conspiracy - socially constructed rather than biologically inherited.  However, there are rules to the game, if you prefer to call it that.  #1.  Doctors, family, etc. repeatedly tell you that you have schizophrenia.  #2.  Because you have schizophrenia, all of the emotions (fear, anxiety, panic, irritability, hopelessness) are only in your head.  #3.  Because they are only thoughts they are harmless.  No one is going to hurt you.  Stay on your meds and gradually your life will improve.  Trust your family and your doctors, they are here to help you.