If you're having some mental health issues, you may be wondering whether you're showing signs of schizophrenia. It can be scary to entertain the thought that you may be dealing with paranoid schizophrenia, but the good news is that the condition is more treatable than ever. Studies in the signs and symptoms of schizophrenia have shown that with treatment and medication, a normal life is possible. If you think you may be showing signs of schizophrenia, it's important that you reach out to your doctor as soon as possible.

 

The signs of schizophrenia may differ from person to person. For many people, signs of schizophrenia include:

 

Seeing or hearing things that aren't there. These hallucinations may seem a little "off," or they may appear as clear as anything else in the person's life.

 

Feeling panicked, as if someone or something is out to get them.

 

Disorganized speech patterns. Others may find it difficult to follow their train of thought.

A steep decline in work or school performance.

 

A change in response to emotional situations, such as crying when something is funny or laughing when something is sad.

 

Disorganized thinking. While the person's thought process may make sense to them, it's hard to get anyone else to follow along with their line of thinking.

 

If you or someone you love is showing signs of schizophrenia, it's imperative that you get help sooner rather than later. The longer you wait to get help, the more of a hold the condition will take on your life. Recovery is possible, and the prognosis is good if you get help right away. Paranoid schizophrenia can be treated in a way that lets you speak, think, and react normally again, just like you used to. When you have signs and symptoms of schizophrenia, it's not your fault. Just like a diabetic can't force their body to produce the proper amounts of insulin, you can't try hard enough to make your schizophrenia go away. It's a real medical condition, and it's not all in your head.

 

When you reach out to your health care provider, it may be helpful to provide them with a list of the symptoms you've been experiencing. Keeping a journal of your symptoms may make it easier for you to explain what you've been going through. Don't worry about your health care professional judging you - it's unlikely that you're the first person they've seen with the signs of schizophrenia. The more detail you can provide, the more easily your health care provider will be able to diagnose you and develop a personalized treatment plan that gets you back on your feet. While paranoid schizophrenia can be a scary diagnosis, recovery is available to you. Talking with your health care provider is the first step toward getting your life back.