my boyfriend was diagnosed with schizophrenia

a few months ago, my boyfriend was diagnosed with schizophrenia. for the months prior, i was convinced he was having severe anxiety. it has taken me a long time to finally accept his diagnosis. i am trying my hardest to be strong for him, but i am so afraid. at first, the doctor said it was the earliest and slightest case he had ever seen. now, in only a few months, he his medication has been increased over and over again to the point where he is beyond the typical dosage. he is not hearing voices, just a constant buzzing in his ears. but he is so afraid all the time. my heart breaks every time i see the fear in his eyes. i am afraid i'm falling apart and not being strong enough for him. i just don't know what to do.

((((((((lafindutemps))))))))) It's ok to feel scared. You can post here and talk with his family and your own about this, maybe. The two of you could try counselling together, if it's possible. He's lucky to have you by his side. You can tell him that you love him and you'll always be there for him. I'm sure the doctor will be able to help.

Thank you. I really appreciate the kind words. Unfortunately, things have gotten worse so quickly. It looks like you, yourself, have gone through this. But it seems so hard to understand from the outside. To watch someone get worse and worse...it is terrifying. We are very lucky in that we live in Philadelphia. He is currently in a study at the University of Pennsylvania under one of the best psychiatrists in the country. I am so proud of him for the way he is handling this, and I truly never thought I could be this strong for someone else, as well. Not to pat myself on the back...he has certainly helped me through a tremendous amount of things. I'm just really glad that I can be there for him. At the same time, I find myself crying every time he has a bad day. It is just so sad to watch. Can I ask about your experiences with medication? He started on one drug (can't remember the name) and his doctor switched him to 50 mg of Seroquel (he though he was a very mild case). He is now at 800 mg and still having symptoms. His new doctor wants to watch him for a month and maybe switch him after that.

I have no doubt that I will be with him for the rest of my life, no matter what happens. I have had issues with depression for the last 10 years, and I find myself more committed than ever to taking my meds and staying healthy just so I can support him. From what I read, it seems like this disease is so much more common than one would expect, but neither of us know anyone that has experienced it. I think it would be so helpful to hear from someone that has gone through it and succeeded.

(((((((((((lafindutemps)))))))))))) I'm sorry if I gave you the impression that I had this illness, I don't. But I do know how much it matters to have someone by your side when you're having a really hard time and I am here if you need to talk to someone. I was at a very low point in my life when I came here and someone pulled me through it.
Helping eachother through rough times will be important to the both of you.