Schizophrenia

Yes, I do have schizophrenia but why have I been so shy to say it out all these been taking my pills in secret, been making excuses for why I really needed to visit the doctors ever so often.

I even remember there are times I even wished I had been diagnosed with a different disease, you know the likes of diabetes

YES, I do have schizophrenia
Why now?
Why am I speaking out now?
For I realized that my mental state does not make me less of a human.... 

Mental illness almost sounds like a foreign phrase for most people which is a shame as mental illness is around us and people should be aware. Mental illness is defined as a mental condition that alters a humans behavior and thinking. Approximately one in four people in the world will suffer from mental disorders at some point in their life, hence knowing the different types of disorders and how they affect one's life is important. Schizophrenia is one of the mental disorders where one has abnormal behavior, strange speech, and a decreased ability to understand reality.

Schizophrenia can be genetic however other causes can trigger it such as physical or sexual abuse, drug abuse and stress. The condition may develop slowly. The first signs can be hard to identify as they often develop during the teenage years. Symptoms such as becoming socially withdrawn and unresponsive or changes in sleeping patterns can be mistaken for an adolescent "phase". One may already have ruled their self out as they may not have any of these symptoms but it is important for one to understand mental health issues as someone close to you may be facing this illness. Can you still live your normal life after being diagnosed?

Yes the chances are high all one needs to do is take care of themselves eating healthy, not smoking, and refraining from straining environments. Some stages of schizophrenia will require one to be in constant contact with a mental health team and this will make it easier to spot when one may start having delusions. What can family, friends and partners do to help? Friends, relatives and partners have a huge role in helping people with schizophrenia recover. This involves staying positive and being supportive with the loved one facing mental illness. It is important to remember that regardless of your mental health.

You have enough 

You do enough

YOU ARE ENOUGH