5 Things You Should Know About Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is one of the most stigmatized mental illnesses out there. The media has depicted schizophrenia in a very dramatic way in television shows, movies, and talk shows. The stigmas perpetuating schizophrenia make someone with the condition even less likely to seek treatment for the disorder. Here are five things you should know about schizophrenia. Turnout, what you think you may know might be completely wrong.
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They are not all violent.
Those with schizophrenia do not go into a deep rage in the middle of their episodes. While this may happen on rare occasions, it is not at all common. In fact, study after study reveals that people with major mental illnesses are more likely to the victims of violent crimes than the perpetrators. While some school shootings and massacres suggest that only people with mental illnesses commit those crimes, evil is not an automatic tie to mental illness. People with mental illness are often very sensitive, creative and kind. They are just struggling to find clarity regarding their mental illness.
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They are still people.
A common perception of those with mental illnesses is that they are not worthy of living a full life. Just because a person has a mental illness does not mean they do not deserve a life just like anyone else. Mental illnesses are something people do not have control over. No one woke up and wished to have a mental illness. People with mental illnesses are just trying to get by. Sometimes the mind plays tricks, and they are just as scared as you are about it, if not more.
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Schizophrenia is not split personalities.
A HUGE misconception about schizophrenia is that it is the same as dissociative identity disorder. However, these are two completely different disorders. However, thanks to the media and Hollywood, people have come to look at schizophrenia and dissociative identity disorders as the same illness. Another reason why these two disorders are commonly confused is that schizophrenia in Latin means “of two minds.” Still, schizophrenia does not mean there are two different personalities inside of someone. Schizophrenia means a person has psychosis. A person with schizophrenia can see, hear or experience things that or not there. It could be delusions, hallucinations or paranoia. Those with schizophrenia struggle because they are experiencing things which are not real, so confusion and disbelief follow.
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They are not lost causes.
Schizophrenia is not necessarily a life sentence. When treated, people with schizophrenia can function normally in society. Schizophrenia is a mental illness just like so many other illnesses. While it is true that some of the symptoms may never go away, having schizophrenia should not mean you are incapable of doing great things. In fact, the disorder may make great things possible. Do not dismiss those with this illness. They want normalcy too.
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Not everyone has the same symptoms.
Lastly, everyone thinks people with schizophrenia are exhibiting the same symptoms. However, just like any illness, the symptoms vary from person to person. Schizophrenia is a spectrum disorder, which means there are vast ranges of possibility for how the illness may manifest. Yes, there are some common symptoms, but each person is different.
Mainly, living with this conditions means maintaining a balance between the things the brain is saying and reality. Those with schizophrenia are trying to deal with their condition along with the stigmas perpetuated by the media. So many people believe the worse about those with schizophrenia. Try not to put labels on anyone. At the end of the day, everyone just wants to achieve a healthy successful life.
Having schizophrenia is not easy; however, treatment allows the potential of living a healthy, functional life. The problem is, so many people with this conditioned fear reaching out for help because of the horrible stigmas. IF left untreated; that is when things get worse. Self-harm and addiction can occur as a way to self-heal. If you are struggling, do not opt for those unhealthy solutions. Seek proper treatment today. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, please call toll-free 1-800-777-9588.
Author: Shernide Delva