Take a 21-year-old who was mastering computers. Then the voices start. Nobody else hears them, but they are constant — telling him to harm himself. When no one else hears them, his brain finds another explanation: the neighbours are conspiring against him. Slowly, sleep falls apart, then gradually his life starts falling apart. A once bright man aiming for the stars is not able to study a line, step out, and gradually loses his dignity while making sense of these voices.
That's one side of schizophrenia. But it's not the only one. For some others, the illness shows up as quiet withdrawal, minimal speech, no motivation and apathy.
While the stigma sticks because of how it's portrayed in movies — violent, chained and dangerous — the truth is often very different.
With the right medications, therapy, and rehabilitation, about two-thirds of people improve.
Sometimes progress is not always linear. There are relapses. But "better" is common, and "normal life" is very much possible. And often, these individuals are victims rather than perpetrators of violence.
Prejudice makes this illness worse and delays help-seeking. It limits their already crumbling world because jobs, housing, and friendships become harder to keep. It isolates families who don't know who to talk to.
So today, as we understand the illness, let's strive to build communities that give space for these individuals and their families to communicate and seek support.
If you're reading this and recognise someone you know or care about, you don't have to carry this alone. Talk to a psychiatrist or a trusted healthcare professional. Early intervention can change trajectories.
- Dr Kinjal Andrade Patil