Psychosis and schizophrenia
Psychosis is the inability to distinguish between reality and imagination. Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health condition that causes a range of varied psychological symptoms, including psychosis.
If you are experiencing psychosis, your symptoms may include:
- disturbance of thought, skipping from one idea to another
- withdrawal from contact with other people
- paranoia that other people or the world is out to get you
- delusions, ie believing in things that are untrue
- hallucinations, ie hearing or seeing things that do not exist.
Misconceptions
The idea that people with schizophrenia have a split or dual personality is totally untrue. It would be more accurate to say that people with schizophrenia have a mind that can experience episodes of dysfunction and disorder.
Another misconception is that people who have the condition are violent. Again, there is little evidence to back this up. A person with schizophrenia or psychosis is far more likely to be the victim of violent crime than the instigator.
What can I do to help myself?
We would advise that you contact your doctor for a diagnosis and to discuss treatments, but the charity Mind also recommends a number of self-help techniques that can help maintain your wellbeing and manage your symptoms. You can also contact Health Assured on 0800 030 5182 to talk with a counsellor, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.