By Phani Sikhakollu
(Photo by Camila Quintero Franco on Unsplash)
Imagine waking up in the middle of the night to find spiders crawling in your kitchen. You scream for help until your friend rushes by your side, but when you point towards the spiders, your friend looks at you puzzled, saying, “There’s nothing there.” Still, out of breath, your trembling hand reaches out for the spider, but you only feel the empty air. There was no spider; it was just a hallucination. This experience describes one of the several difficulties that people struggling with schizophrenia may face. Schizophrenia is a mental disorder where people perceive reality, social interactions, and thought processes differently (“Schizophrenia”). "24 million people have schizophrenia but less than 33% of them receive treatment" (Zauderer). Although these statistics vary over time, by educating ourselves we can better support those in our lives struggling with schizophrenia.
“24 million people have schizophrenia but less than 33% of them receive treatment” (Zauderer).
Schizophrenia can have fatal consequences when left untreated which highlights the importance of educating ourselves because those struggling with schizophrenia can only get help from people who know them. It has a variety of causes that can be categorized into physical, genetic, psychological, or environmental factors. Some cases involve an excess amount of neurotransmitters--chemicals carrying messages between brain cells--in one’s brain which is an effect of certain medications like dopamine. While heredity and emotional events like abuse can trigger it, they are not primary causes. Substance abuse can also increase the risk of developing schizophrenia (NHS). Additionally, people with schizophrenia have less gray matter volume (Yue). This causes them to have either too little or too much control over their movement, memory, and emotions (Schizophrenia and Your Brain). Due to the complexity and variability of the causes of schizophrenia, a definitive cure has not been determined, but treatment options like therapy are present. Nevertheless, the lasting effects of this disorder remain.
The effects of schizophrenia is evident considering Betty Ruoss’ story. Betty, a writer, struggled with schizophrenia and depression but reached recovery through talking and medicine; however, the walk there was not easy. For example, her initial lack of awareness about schizophrenia intensified the confusion, as she described it, "It wasn't just one voice talking [in my head], but many in a low tone" (Ruoss). Furthermore, her disorder presented itself through speech difficulties, an inability to experience pleasure, and behavioral changes such as sudden resistance to instructions (Wright). The effects of schizophrenia range from reduced motivation to hallucinations, with Ruoss experiencing one aspect. Understanding individual experiences is crucial as we navigate the complexities of supporting someone with schizophrenia.
Her initial lack of awareness about schizophrenia intensified the confusion, as she described it, "It wasn't just one voice talking [in my head], but many in a low tone" (Ruoss).
Supporting someone struggling with schizophrenia may seem challenging, but our role is crucial. HelpGuide, a group providing evidence-based research on mental health issues, recommends promoting consistent treatment, such as low-side-effect medications, and offering emotional support, given the difficulty individuals with schizophrenia may have in trusting new people (Smith). Additionally, vigilance for signs like insomnia or declining personal hygiene can help prevent relapse. The significant influence of our role is shown by individuals who, like Tanara, achieved remission and continue to assist others with schizophrenia in understanding and pursuing their goals despite the challenges associated with their disorder (Tanara). The urgency of our involvement cannot be exaggerated, as the consequences of untreated schizophrenia will be severe.
References
NHS. (n.d.). Causes - Schizophrenia. NHS choices. https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/schizophrenia/causes/#:~:text=Research%20suggests%20a%20combination%20of,might%20trigger%20a%20psychotic%20episode.
Ruoss, B. S. (2018). From Failing Meds to the Ones That Worked. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 45(2), 271–271. https://doi.org/10.1093/schbul/sby074
Schizophrenia - Symptoms and causes. (2020, January 7). Retrieved October 22, 2023, from Mayo Clinic website: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/schizophrenia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354443#:~:text=Schizophrenia%20is%20a%20serious%20mental,functioning%2C%20and%20can%20be%20disabling.
Schizophrenia and Your Brain. (n.d.). Retrieved November 11, 2023, from WebMD website: https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-and-your-brain
Smith, M. (2018, November 2). Helping Someone with Schizophrenia. HelpGuide.Org. Retrieved from https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-disorders/helping-someone-with-schizophrenia.htm
Southfielder Spotlight on Betty Ruoss. (n.d.). Retrieved October 22, 2023, from City of Southfield website: https://www.cityofsouthfield.com/news/southfielder-spotlight-betty-ruoss
Tanara, as told to P. D. (2017, May 8). “I Have Schizophrenia”: What It’s Really Like to Live With the Mental Illness. Johnson & Johnson. Retrieved from https://www.jnj.com/personal-stories/i-have-schizophrenia-what-its-really-like-living-with-the-mental-illness
Wright, R., BSN Stephanie A. (2023, April 17). Learning From First-Hand Schizophrenia Stories. Retrieved October 22, 2023, from Psych Central website: https://psychcentral.com/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-stories
Yue, Y., Kong, L., Wang, J., Li, C., Tan, L., Su, H., & Xu, Y. (2016). Regional Abnormality of Grey Matter in Schizophrenia: Effect from the Illness or Treatment? Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4720276/#:~:text=Schizophrenia%20is%20a%20complex%20psychotic,%2C%20and%20insula%20%5B1%5D.
Zauderer, S. (2023, June 30). 39 Schizophrenia Statistics & Facts (Prevalence). Cross River Therapy. Retrieved from https://www.crossrivertherapy.com/research/schizophrenia-statistics#:~:text=Key%20Schizophrenia%20Statistics&text=Among%20young%20adlts%2C%201%20out,rights%20abuses%20at%20some%20point.
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