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Allie Burke first started seeing shadows when she was three years old but it wasn’t until she was in her mid-twenties that she was formally diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.
When it comes to mental illness, the day to day realities, challenges, and symptoms of living with these conditions are as varied people who have them. VICE is spending time with people who live with mental illness everyday to get a first hand perspective of what their lives look like and how they live with mental illness.
What are some common delusions and hallucinations experienced by individuals with paranoid schizophrenia?
Paranoid schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder that affects individuals in different ways. The condition is characterized by delusions and hallucinations which manifest in different ways. These symptoms significantly impact the lives of individuals, making it challenging to complete everyday activities.
A day in the life of an individual living with paranoid schizophrenia is nothing short of a roller coaster ride. The day often starts with a feeling of fear, anxiety, and worry that floods the mind, clouding thoughts that would usually occur in the morning. The mind, in most cases, creates a scenario or a danger that is not present in reality, which further fuels paranoia.
As the day progresses, the individual may have to interact with people, attend to work, or complete daily tasks. However, given the constant fear that schizophrenics experience, it is a challenge to concentrate on these activities, leading to an inability to complete them efficiently. For instance, simple tasks such as making a phone call or sending an email, may take hours or days to complete as the individual may be struggling with the fear of consequences, judgment, or persecution.
The fear takes a more intense turn when interacting with people. Schizophrenics often feel that individuals may harm them or be conspiring to hurt them. In a work environment, they may feel that their colleagues are aiming to harm them or trying to steal their work. This fear may result in missing work or severing relationships with other people.
One of the most potent aspects of paranoid schizophrenia is the delusions, which can be all-consuming. One may feel that they are being recorded, tracked, stalked or even monitored through phone calls, emails, or spying devices. These delusions lead to changing phone numbers, moving from place to place, and becoming isolated, making it harder for individuals to find human connection and empathy.
The constant delusions, hallucinations, anxiety and fear can affect a person’s sleep leading to insomnia, one of the most significant challenges in a schizophrenic’s life. The pressure on the mind and emotions makes it impossible to unwind and rest, which can lead to irritability, fatigue and overall decline in mental health.
In conclusion, the day-to-day challenges of living with paranoid schizophrenia are numerous and significant. The constant fear, delusions, hallucinations, and anxiety, coupled with difficulty concentrating, completing tasks or connecting with other people, can be overwhelming. As the disorder is pervasive, it is crucial to receive proper diagnosis and treatment, including therapy, counseling or medication. With a supportive network, and proper care and management, individuals with paranoid schizophrenia can lead a fulfilling life.
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