What Does Schizophrenia Feel Like?
You’ve probably heard of schizophrenia, a mental disorder that causes someone to abnormally interpret reality, changing how they think and behave. But what does schizophrenia actually feel like? Schizophrenia symptoms are commonly divided into the following four categories:
- Hallucinations – Someone with schizophrenia may hear, see, smell, taste, or feel things that don’t actually exist. The voices heard are often annoying, critical, rude, or even abusive.
- Delusions – A person with this condition may believe that certain things are true when they actually aren’t. For example, they might believe that someone is following or chasing them, that they’re being watched, or that a catastrophic event is about to happen. These delusions often develop as a result of hallucinations.
- Disorganized thoughts and speech – This can impact communication, causing someone with schizophrenia to say things that don’t make sense and don’t fit into the context of the conversation. People with this condition often describe their thoughts as feeling “hazy” or “misty.”
- Inability to function – Many people with schizophrenia neglect their own personal hygiene, lose interest in the activities they once loved, and withdraw from their social circles. They may also speak in a monotone and fail to make eye contact during a conversation.
Your Source for Schizophrenia Treatment
If the schizophrenia symptoms described above seem familiar, it’s important that you promptly reach out to a therapist who specializes in treating this condition. Our therapists regularly work with patients who have schizophrenia, and we’ll be happy to discuss the symptoms you’ve been experiencing and provide you with our initial thoughts. Contact us today to schedule a therapy session at the date and time of your choosing.