Recognizing Your "SYMPTOMS" of Schizophrenia

Having Trouble Concentrating?

• It's hard to pay attention for long periods of time.
• At times, I have too many thoughts.
• My thoughts are sometimes jumbled or confused.
• At times, I have trouble reading books or following movie plots.
• It's sometimes hard to focus on what people are saying to me.
• At times, it's hard getting my thoughts together.
• I can't hear well over background noises.
• Sometimes I lose my train of thought.

Having Difficulty Talking to Others?

• I find it hard to start a conversation.
• I don't have anything to say.
• It's hard to express my thoughts.
• I can't understand people when they speak.
• It's hard to have a conversation.
• People sometimes don't understand what I'm trying to say.

Overstimulated Senses?

• Certain colors bother me—they seem too bright or intense.
• There are too many noises and sounds..
• I can't focus on what I want to hear.
• Noises are louder that usual sometimes.
• Lights really bother me. They are too bright.

Having Hallucinations?

• I catch glimpses of someone following me.
• I see ghost-like figures.
• I hear a voice that no one else can hear.
• I hear two voices talking about me.
• I hear a voice telling me to do things.
• My food or drink tastes as if it has been poisoned.
• I smell sickly sweet odors.
• It feels like something is crawling on my skin.

Being Overly Suspicious?

• I have many fears about being harmed or killed.
• I think that people are plotting against me.
• I believe someone is watching me.
• Someone is trying to poison me.
• People are following me.
• Someone is playing tricks on my mind.
• People are talking about me or making fun of me.
• My neighbors are bothering me.
• Somebody goes through my things and moves them.
• My phone is being tapped.

Having Delusions?

• I have special powers or knowledge.
• At times, I can hear other people's thoughts.
• Others can hear or read my thoughts sometimes.
• People on TV talk directly to me.
• At times, my thoughts or actions are controlled by others.
• There is something inside my body moving or trying to get out.
• I have a special relationship with a famous person.

Negative Symptoms?

• Often, it's hard to relate to other people.
• Usually, I'd rather be alone than with other people.
• I just don't feel like planning or beginning any tasks.
• Often, I feel like staying in bed all day.
• I don't feel like washing myself, combing my hair, or getting dressed.
• I seldom feel like talking with others.
• Few things give me pleasure.
• People have told me I don't show emotions in my face or voice.
• I just don't feel like doing anything.

|THE END|