The following blog posts are written by people with personal experience of schizophrenia. By talking openly, our bloggers hope to increase understanding around mental health, break stereotypes and take the taboo out of something that – like physical health – affects us all.

No one explained my mother's mental health problems

June 8, 2016

Blogger Heli photoI grew up in a home where mental health problems were present, yet no-one ever explained to me what was going on. My mother would frequently disappear, sometimes I witnessed when they came to get her to be sectioned.

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a mental illness that affects the way a person thinks. Schizophrenia affects around 1 in 100 people and can only be diagnosed by a psychiatrist.

There are different types of schizophrenia. You can find out more about these at Rethink Mental Illness.

What are some of the symptoms of schizophrenia? 

Symptoms of schizophrenia can include:

Personal stories about schizophrenia

We have 45 stories on schizophrenia

My experience of living with schizophrenia during lockdown

Antonio

8 months ago

“Some of the misconceptions about me, and others with my diagnosis, are that we’re dangerous or unpredictable, to be given a wide berth.”

There needs to be more acceptance of schizophrenia

John

9 months ago

People put down your capabilities and say you should do things which are ‘easy’, but you don’t always have to take the easy route.

See the Bigger Picture - Antonio's Story

Antonio

10 months ago

My Mum would not hurt a fly, yet her illness has meant her having to keep her guard up

Schizophrenia doesn't mean my Mum is dangerous

Deborah

1 year ago

“Something that helps one day might not help the next, and I don’t know how to tell you that without confusing you.”

Eight things I’d like you to know about my schizophrenia

Jane

1 year ago

A picture of Sarah

I lived in fear of saying schizophrenia out loud

Sarah

2 years ago

Quotation from the blogger, Alex

What I'd like people to know about schizophrenia

Alex

2 years ago

Milly: Some people believe that because of my depression and anxiety I am capable of the worst possible things

Before I had them myself, I feared people with mental health problems

Milly

2 years ago

"I have friends, I have a job, and I go to University. And yes, I do have schizoaffective disorder." - Millie

People shouldn’t make assumptions about my schizoaffective disorder

Millie

3 years ago

Picture of blogger: Ashley

Ron saw through my mental illness to the real me

Ashley

3 years ago

I’d rather people ask questions about my schizophrenia, than assume

3 years ago

Karim: Society can be cruel but I wear my label of schizophrenia proudly

I was named and shamed for both my schizophrenia and being transgender

3 years ago

Friends in my corner started my schizophrenia recovery

3 years ago

"Conditions such as schizophrenia are still highly misunderstood and used as ways to explain away bad behaviour."

Watching Channel 4's 'Life on the Psych Ward'

4 years ago

There's so much that's happened to you, that will keep happening, that you don't talk about, just so you can be

It should be 'normal' to talk about schizophrenia

4 years ago

The ignorance and discrimination we were victims of will continue to destroy families and individuals unless public attitudes change.

Those who discriminate against people with mental illnesses should be ashamed

4 years ago

No one explained my mother's mental health problems

4 years ago

The stigma and shame around mental illness stopped me from getting support

4 years ago

Schizophrenia: I am more than my diagnosis

5 years ago

People with schizophrenia don't deserve to experience discrimination

5 years ago

I am proud to be part of the movement to decrease mental health stigma

5 years ago

I made a pledge never to stand for discrimination

5 years ago

"This is me, I've lived with schizophrenia for over thirty years and I've managed it" - Champion Stories - Stephen's Story

6 years ago

My Dad is an inspiration to me, but there continues to be many misconceptions about schizophrenia and bipolar disorder

6 years ago

A simple text from my brother helped me when I was struggling with schizoaffective disorder

6 years ago

Even people I don't know have been supportive when I tell them I have schizophrenia

7 years ago

Mental illness and online dating

7 years ago

There aren't enough positive stories about people living with schizophrenia

7 years ago

The more I've talked about mental health, the easier it has become

7 years ago

A band of brothers

7 years ago

My boyfriend was diagnosed with schizophrenia

7 years ago

I wanted to talk but didn't want anyone to know something was wrong

7 years ago

Schizophrenia: My parents are the only ones that know

7 years ago

Stigmaphrenia: a play about mental health stigma

8 years ago

A schizophrenic man or a man with schizophrenia?

8 years ago

Schizophrenia: The first time I experienced stigma was at university

8 years ago

Sticks and stones: talking about mental illness

8 years ago

Mental health on Facebook: What's on your mind?

8 years ago

A birthday wish for schizophrenia

9 years ago

My employment journey

9 years ago

When the stigma is harder than the illness itself...

9 years ago

Equality Act 2010 - Answering an employer’s questions about health

9 years ago

Don't Get Me Wrong - Erik on the airwaves

10 years ago

On the Coast of Devon the "Dreaded 'Lurgi' Struck"

11 years ago

Stop Me If You've Heard This One Before...No Actually Don't‚ Just Tell Someone Else Who Hasn't

12 years ago

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