I don't have it but a longlost friend of mine recently got in contact with me, and told me over coffee that she had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. I remember her having mental health problems before but didnt know about this. I want to support her so badly but it is very hard when i don't really know what it is like. She has not got many friends at all and i want to be there for her. She also finds it difficult explaining her schizophrenia and i don't want to push her.

Could anyone tell me what its like for you having paranoid schizophrenia? I know its not 'one size fits all' but some insight would be very helpful.

[Sometimes psychotic]

That's great that you want to support her...I would say just be there for her. Seriously be a friend like you would for anyone else but cut her a little slack if she cancels plans sometimes it can be hard to leave the house for various reasons...if she wants to tell you about the details she will but for a lot of people the voices/delusions are really negative and it can be kind of disturbing to talk about them. There are some social issues like being quieter and not making eye contact that can also be associated so just don't worry about them---its just part of the illness.