Are you bipolar or an addict looking for insight from a like-minded soul? Have a loved one suffering from mental illness or addiction and want some inside advice? While I’m not a doctor or medical expert, I can tell you about my experiences with this dual diagnosis and look to support others with replies. This week:
Sabrina T. asks: Can you explain some of the misconceptions about schizophrenia and define what it really means?
The word “schizophrenia” conjures up terrible images. A psych patient in a padded room with a straightjacket on, cowering in the corner flailing and screaming. This is the gist of what pop culture has bestowed upon our collective minds. But it is far from the truth.
Calling someone a “schizo” as an insult is colloquial for some people. That verbiage has even been used in a perverted Halloween costume. And it’s like characterizing something stupid by saying “that’s so gay.”
Most people who use “schizo” as a noun don’t even know what the heck they are talking about. Here’s a rundown of what schizophrenia really means.
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that causes confused thinking, the hearing of voices, hallucinations, delusions, unusual speech, abnormal activities, social emptiness, the lack of emotional expression, and other troublesome symptoms.
Schizophrenics live among us, and they are not crazy. Barely anyone deserves a designation of “crazy.” We all have mental health challenges.
People who struggle with schizophrenia often experience anxiety and depression. They also may have a dual diagnosis, a problem with substance abuse in addition to their schizophrenia.
The disease is genetic but it can also manifest because of environmental factors.
There is also an illness titled “schizo-affective disorder,” an ailment that marries the symptoms of bipolar and schizophrenia.
The treatment for schizophrenia is antipsychotic medication, a type of drug also used to treat the mania symptoms of bipolar disorder.
The medication can help severe cases and boost one’s functioning. High-functioning schizophrenics are able to live and work like most people.
There is no cure for schizophrenia; there is only talk therapy and medication.
