Is Being Diagnosed with Schizophrenia the End of the World?

Schizophrenia is one of the worst mental illnesses and it has no cure.

Understanding the human mind has always been complex. There are tons of unresolved arguments trying to unravel how the mind which is immaterial links with the human body. Nonetheless, such discourse barely takes a central stage today as there is a shift of focus towards a more crucial purpose; which is Mental Health Awareness.

One of the benefits of today’s society is how people are daily becoming comfortable in being vocal about mental health issues. The fact a person’s physical body is unharmed does not mean they are healthy. There are tons of mental illnesses but schizophrenia is the focus of this piece.

What is Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a mental health issue with no known cure. This mental disorder disrupts how people think, feel, and perceive. 

There is no known particular cause of schizophrenia. However, reports have it that environmental, genetic, and psychological factors can trigger the condition. This mental illness normally begins from age 16-30, however, though rare, children sometimes suffer from Schizophrenia.

Most times people with this condition are unaware of their plight until they are diagnosed. Schizophrenia sometimes causes gradual behavioral and psychological changes before the symptoms become full-blown.

Symptoms of Schizophrenia

The symptoms of schizophrenia are divided into positive, negative, cognitive, and behavioral.

Positive Symptoms 

The positive symptoms of schizophrenia are psychosis, hearing voices, visual and auditory hallucinations, and speech disorder.

One distinguishing trait of schizophrenia is psychosis. Psychosis is a chronic mental disorder that distorts a person’s thoughts and emotions to the point they lose touch with reality. Psychosis leads to psychotic behavior.

Persons suffering from psychosis are prone to hallucinate and act delusional. They are likely to cling to beliefs or impressions that are contradicting their reality. They also struggle to present rational arguments.

Negative symptoms

Negative symptoms of schizophrenia include a severe decline to process emotions, depression, and a tremendous loss of interest in activities. 

Cognitive symptoms 

Reduction in memory span and attention abilities. Receding ability to organize, function, and execute tasks. Difficulty in building relationships.

Behavioral Symptoms 

People suffering from. schizophrenia can behave in a manner that is tedious to process. They can sometimes be overly cheerful without a reason but in most cases they are depressed. 

Living With Schizophrenia

To live an independent life even when dealing with schizophrenia, it is very important to accept your diagnosis. Denial never helps when it comes to mental health issues. Also, be determined to live a good life despite your diagnosis.

Furthermore, it is vital to take your medications as prescribed by your doctor and stay in touch with a therapist for strong support. A strong support system is needed when dealing with schizophrenia. 

Also, reduce stress and join therapy groups to build relationships. Exercise regularly to help keep your mind active, improve your diet, and stay actively involved with friends and family.

Conclusion

Managing schizophrenia is possible and it is not the end of the world. People with schizophrenia can still strive to live a life filled with goals. John Forbes Nash Jr, an American mathematician is the only person to have been awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences and the Abel Prize, yet he was a schizophrenia patient. The Oscar Award-winning movie ‘Beautiful Mind’ was about the life of  John Forbes Nash Jr.

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