Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia (/skɪtsəfrɛniə/ ⓘ) is a mental disorder[17][7] characterized variously by hallucinations (typically, hearing voices), delusions, disorganized thinking and behavior,[10] and flat or inappropriate affect.[7] Symptoms develop gradually and typically begin during young adulthood and are never resolved.[3][10] There is no objective diagnostic test; diagnosis is based on observed behavior, a psychiatric history that includes the person's reported experiences, and reports of others familiar with the person.[10] For a diagnosis of schizophrenia, the described symptoms need to have been present for at least six months (according to the DSM-5) or one month (according to the ICD-11).[10][18] Many people with schizophrenia have other mental disorders, especially mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, as well as obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD).[10]

About 0.3% to 0.7% of people are diagnosed with schizophrenia during their lifetime.[19] In 2017, there were an estimated 1.1 million new cases and in 2022 a total of 24 million cases globally.[2][20] Males…

What not to do:

1. Don’t say, “I know how you feel.” Even if you’ve been severely depressed or even suicidal, everyone’s situation is different. It’s very likely that you do not know how this person feels.

2. Don’t say, “Get over it.” Depression or suicidal thoughts are not simple to get over. Depression is a complex medical and emotional condition. A person cannot “get over” clinical depression on their own.

3. Don’t say, “There was a tornado in Arkansas. Be thankful for what you have and realize other people have it worse than you do.” This may make the depressed person feel like their pain and sadness is further diminished in importance.

4. Do not ignore warning signs. People who are depressed or suicidal often ask for help either verbally or with other warning signs. Take these signs seriously; they are a cry for help. Take action.

5. Do not keep it a secret. Even if the depressed or…

What not to do:

1. Don’t say, “I know how you feel.” Even if you’ve been severely depressed or even suicidal, everyone’s situation is different. It’s very likely that you do not know how this person feels.

2. Don’t say, “Get over it.” Depression or suicidal thoughts are not simple to get over. Depression is a complex medical and emotional condition. A person cannot “get over” clinical depression on their own.

3. Don’t say, “There was a tornado in Arkansas. Be thankful for what you have and realize other people have it worse than you do.” This may make the depressed person feel like their pain and sadness is further diminished in importance.

4. Do not ignore warning signs. People who are depressed or suicidal often ask for help either verbally or with other warning signs. Take these signs seriously; they are a cry for help. Take action.

5. Do not keep it a secret. Even if the depressed or…