Dating With Schizophrenia

You may not ever feel like or be able to pursue a romantic relationship -- and that’s OK. “Your symptoms might get in the way of socializing or make you anxious,” says Lionel S. Wininger.

But if you’re in treatment and your condition is well-controlled, it could be something to try. Though many people with schizophrenia do get worse, others do improve and can have successful relationships.

When you’re ready, let them know you’d like to discuss something personal.

For example, you could say, “I have schizophrenia, but it’s well-managed and I’ve been symptom-free for X number of months or years.”

Explain that it’s a lasting mental disorder that can affect how you think, feel, and behave. Also let them know that while it can cause severe symptoms, you can also treat it so that you avoid these problems in the future.

Even if your condition is well-managed and you feel good, keep in mind that it may cause social anxiety and other issues that can make it a challenge to date. You could have trouble with focus or flat affect (when your voice and facial expressions don’t express your emotions). You may not speak as much as other people do, which can make it tough to communicate. It can help to work through some of these issues with a therapist. You’ll find ways to feel better about yourself and your condition.

Stress can make schizophrenia harder to manage. That’s why it’s smart to ease into a relationship. You may want to choose low-key activities, like a meetup for coffee or a walk together, for your early dates. If it heats up, “It’s important to try to keep the rest of your life as regular as possible so you can stick with your treatment plan".

Your medications may impact your interest in sex or ability to get aroused or achieve orgasm. If you do have sexual side effects from medication, talk to your doctor and partner about them. It could help to switch medications.

If you and your partner get serious, you may want to bring them to a doctor’s appointments or therapy sessions.

“A committed partner probably knows you better than your health care provider does,” Wininger says.

“They can check in with you and help you pay attention to important signs [that you need to adjust your treatment], like feeling more down than usual.”

A partner’s support can be one more way to live better with schizophrenia.

Even if your condition is well-managed and you feel good, keep in mind that it may cause social anxiety and other issues that can make it a challenge to date. You could have trouble with focus or flat affect (when your voice and facial expressions don’t express your emotions). You may not speak as much as other people do, which can make it tough to communicate. It can help to work through some of these issues with a therapist. You’ll find ways to feel better about yourself and your condition.

Even if your condition is well-managed and you feel good, keep in mind that it may cause social anxiety and other issues that can make it a challenge to date. You could have trouble with focus or flat affect (when your voice and facial expressions don’t express your emotions). You may not speak as much as other people do, which can make it tough to communicate. It can help to work through some of these issues with a therapist. You’ll find ways to feel better about yourself and your condition.

Stress can make schizophrenia harder to manage. That’s why it’s smart to ease into a relationship. You may want to choose low-key activities, like a meetup for coffee or a walk together, for your early dates. If it heats up, “It’s important to try to keep the rest of your life as regular as possible so you can stick with your treatment plan".

Your medications may impact your interest in sex or ability to get aroused or achieve orgasm. If you do have sexual side effects from medication, talk to your doctor and partner about them. It could help to switch medications.

If you and your partner get serious, you may want to bring them to a doctor’s appointments or therapy sessions.

“A committed partner probably knows you better than your health care provider does,” Wininger says.

“They can check in with you and help you pay attention to important signs [that you need to adjust your treatment], like feeling more down than usual.”

A partner’s support can be one more way to live better with schizophrenia.

Stress can make schizophrenia harder to manage. That’s why it’s smart to ease into a relationship. You may want to choose low-key activities, like a meetup for coffee or a walk together, for your early dates. If it heats up, “It’s important to try to keep the rest of your life as regular as possible so you can stick with your treatment plan".

Your medications may impact your interest in sex or ability to get aroused or achieve orgasm. If you do have sexual side effects from medication, talk to your doctor and partner about them. It could help to switch medications.

If you and your partner get serious, you may want to bring them to a doctor’s appointments or therapy sessions.

“A committed partner probably knows you better than your health care provider does,” Wininger says.

“They can check in with you and help you pay attention to important signs [that you need to adjust your treatment], like feeling more down than usual.”

A partner’s support can be one more way to live better with schizophrenia.