If you are reading this article, it means you have taken steps to identify whether you have schizophrenia disorder. The signs and symptoms you experience may sound similar to what a schizophrenic experiences.

Do you have it?

First of all, no online test or quiz should be taken as an official diagnosis for this mental illness.

It is important to understand that not all common symptoms, like hearing voices, are definite schizophrenia cases. Only a medical doctor or a clinical psychologist/psychiatrist can give an accurate diagnosis. Otherwise, you cannot be sure.

Let me share with you the early stages of schizophrenia. Perhaps you will be able to relate to all or some of the symptoms associated with this mental illness. Then, decide if you need to pursue further medical assistance.

Do note that one does not need to experience all the symptoms to be diagnosed as schizophrenic.

Can You Be Schizophrenic And Not Know It?

For starters, it may prove to be difficult for schizophrenics to identify schizophrenia. This is because schizophrenics experience hallucinations and delusions that seem so real. This renders us the inability to distinguish between reality and otherwise.

It feels as if there is something wrong with our sense of reality. People’s words and actions do not feel real to us, as we are doubtful. We feel differently from what we used to. The important thing is to get help from medical professionals to identify the cause.

How Does It Feel At The Early Stages?

Before the official diagnosis of my having schizophrenia, I noticed that I was sensitive to sounds, and I was hearing voices of people talking about me. The voices that I ‘heard’ felt like they belonged to the people around me at that time. I was not able to identify that they came from inside my head.

Feeling confused is an understatement. I thought I had a hearing superpower as I could hear things from afar. I was also depressed as the voices kept saying negative things about me. I was often very irritated. Oftentimes, I find my emotions all over the place, and I cannot keep myself calm. I also thought that my house was bugged by devices where my neighbours were able to hear my subconscious mind.

Common Signs And Symptoms

Listed below are the most common symptoms of schizophrenia. By definition, one must have one or more of these symptoms over a period of 6 months to be properly diagnosed :

How Schizophrenia Disorder May Start?

The common early warning signs may include changes in attitude that others may find weird.

Schizophrenics may seem emotionless, unresponsive, lack motivation, and tend to isolate themselves from others in the early stages. They may lack hygiene, say eccentric things, have negative thoughts, and mismanage their emotions. There may only be a very limited number of tasks that they can complete for the entire day.

The relationship with others may be strained. Suspicions and paranoia tend to build up, and they feel that trust in the people around them is being challenged. They may act strangely and feel that there is no one they can trust at all.

What If I Am Talking To Myself?

Muttering and talking to oneself may seem as though an individual has schizophrenia. Well, it may be, or may not be the case.

People talk to themselves due to stress. Sometimes, it is a normal behaviour of sorting thoughts out loud. Patients with mental health conditions, like ADHD, self-talk too. For schizophrenics, self-talk could be a way of managing paranoia or just responding to the voices due to auditory hallucinations. I have this habit of mumbling to myself when I am highly stressed.  

I noticed that when I respond to the voices, I tend to spiral into delusions or hallucinations. This leads to building unwanted negative emotions. It affects my mood and causes further unhappiness. As a schizophrenic, I find it is better to ignore the voices. Of course, this is easier said than done. I am still working towards this daily. It takes a lot of hard work and effort to be zen while dealing with the annoyance caused by the voices.

How To Get Diagnosed?

It is best to consult a mental health professional for a proper diagnosis. You may be schizophrenic and not know it. About 40% of individuals continue living their lives without proper treatment.

Before visiting a professional, be more aware of your behaviour. To do so, try keeping a behavioral journal over a period of time (ie. a week). List any changes in your daily routine from the most important to the least important. Do not forget to write down how these changes make you feel. 

If possible, get someone whom you trust and who knows you best. A close friend or family member can help to observe and keep track of any unusual changes in your behaviour. Share the information gathered with your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Is Schizophrenia Incurable?

Battling schizophrenia is tough. It is a serious mental health condition that affects how we think, feel, and behave in life. Not to mention the mood swings and the roller coaster of emotions that we go through each day. However, the condition is manageable with the help of medication and a proper treatment plan.

After reading this post and if you can relate to the symptoms mentioned, it is important to talk to your doctor right away so that they can diagnose it properly. Be sure to discuss any signs or symptoms that you may have been experiencing so they can more accurately assess your condition.

Just know that even if you are diagnosed with this mental health issue, it is possible to live a fulfilling life.

You are not alone!

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Let’s manage Schizophrenia together.

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