SCHIZOPHRENIA DON’T BE SCARED

What does the word schizophrenia conjure in your mind? It may depend on what type of movies you watch or what you read. This often misunderstood condition is making those living with it anxious and fearful about how people will view them. An expert says what should scare us most is how little we know.

Around one in 100 of us will suffer an episode, yet its true impact is poorly understood by the general public. Consultant psychiatrist, Gopalakrishna Chinnari (pictured) sees people with schizophrenia when they are acutely unwell.

“The reality is quite different to the stories told in films and some media,” says Dr Chinnari. “The condition can appear quite unnerving, but we need to understand that it’s the person themselves who is scared and at risk of harm. It’s difficult to see people who are at their most unwell struggling, but I have never once felt threatened. Like most mental health problems, it can happen to anyone. We should be more kind.

“It’s worrying how schizophrenia – or psychosis – has been labelled when the reality is so different. I often think that renaming it might help. Media portrayal of people as ‘violent killers’ may be far from accurate, but people watch, listen and think real people with the condition are dangerous.

“A gentleman we visit was upset because the constant voices in his head had left him so frustrated that he had damaged his home. It’s understandable. But if he’d done that because of frustrations about a physical health condition we’d be sympathetic.

It’s worrying how schizophrenia has been labelled when the reality is so different.

“When we can see what’s going on we understand more. If all we can see is someone’s behaviour, we’re unsure how to react.“

HOW IS SOMEONE EXPERIENCING SCHIZOPHRENIA AFFECTED?

“The person may withdraw, stop caring for themselves and lose confidence. They may think people are conspiring against them. We would probably feel the same. The problem is the impact on how the person then interacts with other people, which can lead to strained relationships.

“They may not view themselves as having the condition and be reluctant to take medicines. Yet with the right medication, and perhaps therapy and support, someone can achieve so much and be able to go back to their normal life.

“Our clients are nervous about telling anyone about their condition. If we had a broken bone, we’d tell our friends, but they agonise about it alone.

“I’d say if a friend or family member is behaving differently, ask how they are. If they’re willing to share what’s happening, don’t be judgemental. If they see or hear something you can’t, acknowledge that for them the situation is real.

“Encourage them to trust you and tell you more so you can get the right kind of help. MIND’s website is a great source of accurate information.

“To people who may be struggling, I’d say get help soon. There are lots of ways we can help. If you come to us, we will hold your hand until you’re able to do it by yourself.”

MIND: mind.org.uk

For urgent mental health support, call: 0800 145 6570 (Liverpool and Sefton, 16 and over) 0800 051 150. Halton, Knowsley, St Helens or Warrington (all ages): or visit: merseycare.nhs.uk

If you live outside these areas, find your local mental health crisis line on the NHS website: nhs.uk