Schizophrenia
What is it
People with schizophrenia experience things in a way that doesn’t match up to the way other people experience reality.
For example, they may see things other people don’t see, hear things that other people don’t hear, or believe things that other people don’t think are true.
People with schizophrenia do not have a ‘split personality’ and having schizophrenia does not mean that people are dangerous or violent.
Feelings and behaviours
- Hallucinations – seeing, feeling, smelling or hearing things that aren’t there
- Delusions, where you ‘just know’ things that seem unreal to other people, for example, believing that there’s a conspiracy (secret plan) against you
- Having difficulty concentrating
- Not being able to separate your thoughts
- Feeling like you’re being controlled by something outside yourself
- Not feeling like you can manage everyday activities like washing, dressing, or seeing friends
Physical signs
- Changes in your personal hygiene or appearance
- Wanting to avoid people, including friends
- Wanting to avoid situations
What’s going on
Interviews, art, blogs, and tips about mental health and wellbeing.
Mental Health Activist Antonio explains how, despite common misconceptions, ‘you can still live a ”normal“ life‘ with schizophrenia.
Dr Paula Lopez identifies how Antonio personifies a sense of hope – that things can get better when you’re living with schizophrenia.
Dr Paula Lopez outlines some of support available for symptoms of psychosis.
Hear more about how films portray schizophrenia.
Get support for how you’re feeling
Get mental health support for young people
Information about mental health services (including CAMHS) if you’re a young person in Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Kensington and Chelsea, or Westminster.
Digital mental health support for young people across the UK
Information about apps, websites, and other digital tools that exist to support you with your mental health and wellbeing.