How You Can Understand and Cope with Schizophrenia

man struggling with schizophrenia standing on a busy street

You may know someone battling schizophrenia, a complex mental health condition affecting how your loved one thinks, feels, and interacts with you and their world. But with the right support, your loved one can still live a meaningful, fulfilling life despite these challenges.

To help you better understand schizophrenia, we’ve put together symptoms, causes, and treatment options for those dealing with the illness.

Your loved one may experience the following symptoms:

  • Delusions – Strong beliefs that don’t change, even when given new facts.
  • Hallucinations – Hearing, seeing, or sensing things others can’t.
  • Disorganized thinking –Trouble staying focused or making decisions.
  • Memory issues – Difficulty remembering information.
  • Emotional changes – A lack of expression in voice or face.
  • Social withdrawal – Avoiding friends, family, or activities.
  • Suicidal thoughts – Feelings of hopelessness that may lead to self-harm.

These symptoms may enhance the myths and misconceptions about schizophrenia. You may feel fearful about the illness because there is a stigma attached to it. But here is the truth about the illness:

  • Schizophrenia is not a split personality – It’s different from dissociative identity disorder (DID).
  • Most people with schizophrenia are not violent – They are more likely to be survivors of violence than perpetrators.
  • It’s not caused by bad parenting – Family support is important, but bad parenting does not cause schizophrenia.
  • People with schizophrenia can work and live independently – Many thrive with proper and consistent support.
  • It can be treated – There’s no cure, but treatment helps your loved one manage symptoms and lead full lives.

You might encounter your loved one resisting treatment. This is a common behavior. However, this is when your loved one needs your support and the help of a professional. The exact cause of schizophrenia is not known, but research tells us there is a mix of factors, including:

  • Genetics – A family history of schizophrenia increases risk.
  • Environment – Stress, malnutrition, or prenatal exposure to viruses may contribute.
  • Brain differences – Unique brain chemistry and structure play a role.

However, schizophrenia is treatable, and your loved one can find relief through:

  • Medication – Antipsychotic medications help reduce hallucinations and delusions.
  • Therapy – Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT teaches coping skills and symptom management.
  • Community support – Share with your loved one about Breakthrough’s programs, which provide a vital network of resources, including peer support and professional assistance.

Your loved one’s long-term success comes from staying connected with healthcare providers, following a treatment plan, and building a strong support system.

Are you or a loved one navigating mental health challenges, homelessness, or poverty due to schizophrenia? We can help. Our team, including a licensed therapist, is here to support and guide you—whether that means connecting you with resources, walking alongside you in your journey, or simply listening. Our generous donors also provide funds for these programs so you can focus on healing, not financial stress.

No one should have to face this journey alone. If you or someone you love is struggling, we’re here. Call us today—not tomorrow, not next week. Hope starts now.