I have a 13 year old daughter that is schizophrenic and living and dealing with her is sometimes very difficult.I also have a brother that was married to a woman that is schizophrenic.Their marriage ended by her choice because she couldn't deal with life and marriage at the same time.
To answer your question,yes it is for life,it can be managed on some level but it never goes away.As far as losing him,well you probably never really had him,the disease does.If you truly love him and he will listen to you,then encourage him to stay on his meds above all else and see his doctor regularly.It's great to want to help him but some people only God can fix.I don't mean to sound mean or uncaring but if this is the life you choose ,it will be a difficult and sometimes frustrating one.I'm not saying count your losses and move on but it ain't gonna be no picnic.I hope you make the right decision because you sound like a very loving and caring person,I wish you all the best.Remember, God still works miracles!

Also if you are afraid of him ,it will never work because you can't have a relationship based on fear.Ask yourself,is this what I really want and if it is make sure he stays on his meds and sees his doctor,unless there is a miracle he will always be the way he is ,some days better,some days worse.

I would like to add a few thoughts. My son is 21 and was diagnosed at age 19. He is a very caring, loving young man who would never hurt a fly. However, when he does experience a psychosis, it can indeed be frightening. I have taken many courses through the Mental Health Assoc. and have learned about his illness, and therefore I do not "fear" him. I think the fear is of the unknown. Educate yourself first about his illness. If you understand what you are giving up (if you leave him) then so be it. But do not leave until you totally understand the illness (well not totally because I think it is a long journey and one may never completely understand it). As for the comment about God curing the disease - I think all the prayers in the world to God won't cure it. However, prayers to God will give others the means to keep him well (doctors, nurses, family members, YOU). We are all God's hands and feet - we do God's work here on earth. Not going to get into a religious debate but those are my thoughts. You say you do not want to lose him - well first learn all you can, make sure he learns all he can (because a lot of schizophrenics do not believe they are ill) and from the sounds of what you say he says - it sounds like his illness is not yet in check. He should see his doctor to make sure he is taking the right meds. There are many out there and everyone is different therefore what may work for some may not for others. Or sometimes, they need a med adjustment or simply a change in meds. My thoughts and vibes are with you - you sound like someone who really really cares about your boyfriend. And someone that maybe God put in his path for his stabilization. Education is the key.

I'm a scyzophrenic and I'm married. I've kept alot away from my husband not to bother him. I wouldn't go without my med's but in the beginning I thought I could. I love my husband very much but sometimes I get paronoid he doesn't love me as much. I start problems because of my paranoia. I think I deserve him but I don't think he deserves to be with me because I'm sometimes to much to handle. I've pushed men away because I feel brocken. I can't tell you what to do but you must be certain he feels the same. Don't waste your time if he doesn't show you the same feelings. I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with my husband do you really feel the same than I would say go for it.

Having been diagnosed Schizoaffective disorder, Bipolar Type, I have had some real scarry paranoid episodes. The only thing that really, really helped was a change of meds. (or being on meds.) Yes, the things he believes are real to him. I would not give him an ultimatum. He has no choice about his condition. But I would, as others have, encourage him to keep taking his meds. Wouldn't things be worse without them? And to see his pdoc., esp. if he's still having hallucinations. Do educate yourself. Find out more about the "illness." And lastly, be there for him. The paranoia is really frightening! Take care, JP

You are a real special person to be by your boyfriends side. It is a life long illness, but from what they have told me is if they stay on there medication it can be handled pretty well. I know when my husband was sick the 1st time he started taking his meds and then I think the same thing happened with him he was told to stop taking them by the voices he was hearing so he hide them from me and stopped taking them. That just made it spiral out of control.
I have found this site very helpful for me....Also I have joined a NAMI support Group, you should see where they are located in your area. I have also been in close contact with my husbands doctors. Sometimes they can't tell you anything but you can defintely tell them what you are seeing and hearing from him. I know my husband the 1st time took along time to tell them the whole story so they weren't treating him for the right thing.
I will keep you and your boyfriend in my thoughts and prayers.

what do you do?
-you take as much as you can as is healthy for the both of you. it's possible for you to care for him too much so that you sacrifice your own well being, and by taking care of him, he is allowed less responsibility.
you can try to beat him at his own game, but that can be very tricky. you can ask him, say, "What happened last time you quit taking your meds?" or "Didn't you feel better last time you began taking them again?"
but, you're fighting a steep uphill battle. I can't say, but he may be hearing the other voices much more often than yours.
Also, as is my case, the more people try to convince me to do something, the more suspicious I become of them. It may be best that you split if it is a constant strain on you. Sorry.

Yes, Hopefully your bf can find meds that work not everyone can. They will slow him down and he will never be the way he was before he got sick. There will always be episodes, Sometimes violent, some not. Depression will happen too. i am not trying to discourage you(its wonderful that you do want to try to help and make things better) Well I just want to say that my brother became schitzphrenic at 19, He is 45 now . Married about 5 years, then she left. My heart breaks for him everyday, But he has to make a life for his self. I don't know really, Just that I have been around him our whole lives and I guess he has had some highs and alot ups downs.