Myths about schizophrenia

It’s Schizophrenia Awareness Week and there are many misunderstandings about schizophrenia; what it is and how it affects people. SuicideLine Victoria is working to reduce the stigma of schizophrenia by looking at the most common myths and comparing them to the facts.

SuicideLine Victoria is focusing on the many misunderstandings about schizophrenia – what it is and how it affects people. We are working to reduce the stigma of schizophrenia by looking at the most common myths and comparing them to the facts.

 

Myth

Having schizophrenia means you have split or multiple personalities.

 

Fact

No. People with schizophrenia do not have more than one personality. Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness that affects your thoughts, behaviours and perception. People with schizophrenia may have trouble distinguishing between what is real and what is not.

 

Myth

Schizophrenia is very rare.

 

Fact

No. Around one in a hundred people will develop schizophrenia., with it typically affecting people in their late teens to mid-twenties.

 

Myth

People with schizophrenia only suffer symptoms that involve delusions and hallucinations.

 

Fact

No. People with schizophrenia can experience two or more of the following symptoms:

  1. Delusions – fixed beliefs that are implausible
  2. Hallucinations – experiencing things that no one else is hearing, seeing, tasting, touching or smelling
  3. Disorganised thinking – not connecting thoughts logically, speech is difficult to follow
  4. Abnormal movement – includes catatonia
  5. Negative symptoms – reduced facial expressions, low motivation, inability to enjoy once-liked activities, and social withdrawal

 

Myth

People who have schizophrenia are violent.

 

Fact

No. Violence is not a symptom of schizophrenia. Unfortunately, popular culture has often depicted people with schizophrenia to be violent.

 

Myth

You cannot treat Schizophrenia.

 

Fact

No. There are treatments for schizophrenia. These include medication, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based treatments, and education identifying the suffer of the warning signs. Many people living with schizophrenia go on to live productive and successful lives.

 

If you are worried about yourself or someone you know, a GP can help with an initial assessment and then refer you to a specialist. The earlier schizophrenia is diagnosed, the better a chance for recovery.

 

If you are struggling and want to speak to a professional counsellor, SuicideLine Victoria is available 24/7. Call us on 1300 651 251.

If it is an emergency, dial 000.

Further reading

What can cause depression?

We may all feel sad or in a down mood at some time in our life, but when you have depression, these feelings last for a long time and can be quite intense. There usually isn’t one single event or factor that can cause depression, but rather a combination of several factors. Here we look at key these factors that can lead to depression.

Read more

What are the symptoms of anxiety and what can cause anxiety?

Many of us feel anxious when we have a stressful event or situation coming up, and we are worried about it. This feeling is temporary and usually goes away after the event or situation has ended. Anxiety is when that feeling of anxiousness does not go away and is long term. Find out more about the symptoms of anxiety and what can cause anxiety.

Read more

Tips for a self confidence boost

Discover effective self confidence boost tips and examples to overcome self-doubt and achieve your goals. Learn how positive thinking, self-care, and celebrating your accomplishments can help you boost your self-confidence and live your best life.

Read more

What is depression?

Depression is an intense feeling of sadness or low mood that lasts for a long time, sometimes weeks, months or years. If you are depressed, it can start to interfere with your personal and work life, your wellbeing, and your physical health. Find out more about the symptoms of depression and how you can get help.

Read more

Myths about suicide

Suicide can be a complex and sensitive topic that is often surrounded by myths and misconceptions. To help break the stigma of talking about suicide, we look at some common suicide myths and facts. We hope this will help you reach out to someone in your life who may be overwhelmed and not coping.

Read more

Tips for a self confidence boost

Discover effective self confidence boost tips and examples to overcome self-doubt and achieve your goals. Learn how positive thinking, self-care, and celebrating your accomplishments can help you boost your self-confidence and live your best life.

Read more

What is depression?

Depression is an intense feeling of sadness or low mood that lasts for a long time, sometimes weeks, months or years. If you are depressed, it can start to interfere with your personal and work life, your wellbeing, and your physical health. Find out more about the symptoms of depression and how you can get help.

Read more

Myths about suicide

Suicide can be a complex and sensitive topic that is often surrounded by myths and misconceptions. To help break the stigma of talking about suicide, we look at some common suicide myths and facts. We hope this will help you reach out to someone in your life who may be overwhelmed and not coping.

Read more