Some people may feel they would prefer not to take the medication prescribed, because of the unpleasant effects it has. Suddenly stopping medication can have unpleasant effects too, so it is important to discuss any such decision beforehand with your doctor and other advisors to work out what is best for you. No matter how effective medication proves to be, you may well find other forms of help useful, at least for a while to allow you to find your feet again. It is sometimes useful to be able to talk things over with someone outside our circle of family and friends. Counselling and therapy are sometimes called 'talking treatments' because they give people a chance to talk through their difficulties.
Counselling is more practical and focuses on present day feelings and difficulties.
It keeps me stable. When I was ill the first time, I was given no idea what to expect. I had to learn the hard way. I did many wrong things, which could've been avoided. A lot can be gained from meeting other people who have experience of schizophrenia themselves.