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Schizophrenia
A serious condition that affects thinking, feelings, and behavior. Tracking your symptoms and connecting with others who understand can help you manage day to day.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider about your specific condition and treatment.
Get help now
If you are thinking about ending your life or hurting yourself, you do not have to carry it alone. Help exists right now, and reaching for it is not an overreaction.
- In the US: call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). Free, confidential, answered 24 hours a day. You can also chat at 988lifeline.org.
- Outside the US: call your local emergency number - 911 in the US, 999 in the UK, 112 in the EU - or find the crisis line for your country at findahelpline.com.
- If you have already hurt yourself or taken something: call emergency services now. Do not wait to see whether it gets worse.
What happens when you call - and what to do if you are worried about someone else.
When to seek help
If someone is a danger to themselves or others, or is unable to care for themselves, seek emergency care or call or text 988 in the US (or the crisis line for your country).
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local emergency services immediately.
Overview
Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It may cause hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking - but it is treatable.
Symptoms
- Hallucinations (hearing or seeing things others do not)
- Delusions (strong false beliefs)
- Disorganized speech or behavior
- Reduced motivation and emotion
- Withdrawal from others
Causes
Not fully understood - genetics, brain chemistry, and environment all contribute. It is not caused by bad parenting or personal weakness.
Types
- Schizophrenia spectrum disorders (symptoms and severity vary)
- Schizoaffective disorder (mood symptoms plus psychosis)
Join the Schizophrenia community
Talk with people who understand, share what helps, and find support from others living with schizophrenia. Private, moderated, and free.
Posts in this community reflect personal experiences, not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor before changing your treatment.