I personally haven’t seen things, but I do hear one distinct voice. It’s not the inner voice that everyone has. This one feels outside of me, like I’m having a conversation with a friend. This voice can be comforting, but it makes it hard to focus when it’s loud.

When you have schizophrenia, you may be more likely to have other conditions such as substance use disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and major depressive disorder. Talk to your doctor if you have symptoms of any of these.

While schizophrenia affects everyone differently, certain stressors can trigger symptoms. For me, things like death, conflict with others, and sensory overload tend to make my symptoms worse, and understanding this has helped me manage them.

Black and Hispanic people are diagnosed with schizophrenia more often than other groups and may also face barriers to accessing mental health care.

Almost everyone with schizophrenia asks this question. I expect to stay on antipsychotic medication long-term to avoid a future relapse or crisis. Talk with your doctor about what approach is best for you.

My recovery didn’t happen overnight, but I had a personal renaissance after my diagnosis. Since then, I’ve graduated from college with two bachelor’s degrees. One is in psychology, and the other is in studio arts. Now I have a job I love, good relationships, and a happy, productive life.

Your doctor will want to know how you’re making sense of your experience. You may interpret your symptoms differently depending on personal beliefs, cultural background, or what you’ve previously heard (or seen in the movies) about schizophrenia.

Describe your symptoms in detail, noting if they’ve changed over time. Bring up stressors or situations that seem to worsen your symptoms and any healthy or unhealthy coping strategies you use to feel better.

You might not have tried many treatments yet. Let your doctor know if you’ve had any success with any medications, therapy, social support, or other strategies.

Mention any blood relatives who’ve been diagnosed with schizophrenia or other mental health conditions.

I wanted to be able to think clearly, take care of myself, go to college, and get a job. Your goals may be different. Just remember, treatment should ease your symptoms so that you can get back to your regular life and the things you care about.

I have a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), which includes strategies to help me with daily living, identifying early warning signs, and concrete steps to take when I have symptoms to help prevent a crisis. But I also have a crisis plan that I’ve shared with my support network.