What are Some Things People with Schizophrenia Say?

Individuals with schizophrenia often experience a range of challenges, including auditory and visual hallucinations, disorganized thinking, and delusions. These experiences can manifest in a variety of ways, leading to peculiar or unusual statements that may be strange to those around them. Here, we explore some common examples of what people with schizophrenia say, sharing insights from personal experiences and expert knowledge.

Common Statements from People with Schizophrenia

People with schizophrenia may have unique and often bizarre things to say. These statements can be attributed to symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized thinking. Here are a few examples:

1. Paranoid Delusions and Voices

Many people with schizophrenia describe voices or other auditory hallucinations that can be overwhelming and confusing. These hallucinations may lead to statements like:

“They are pumping garbage under my door.” - Someone with schizophrenia might believe that strange substances are being placed near their home, leading to this bizarre comment.

Other paranoid beliefs might include:

“The devil is trying to steal my soul. I can’t let him though. I think he might be able to anyways since I threw my class ring away.” - This statement reflects a delusion involving religious figures and fears about losing one's possessions.

2. Disorganized Thinking and Word Salad

Disorganized thinking can cause individuals with schizophrenia to speak incoherently, which can result in what is often referred to as "word salad." This speaks to a mismatch of words that lack meaningful connection. For example:

“Do you ever just think about people’s feet?” - Such a statement can come from a person who is experiencing scrambled or disjointed thought patterns.

Another example of word salad:

“Awh look a kitty! So adorable. I wonder if it has an owner. Do you see a collar? Wait what do you mean there’s no kitty?” - This statement shows disrupted cognitive processes and may reflect a visual hallucination mixed with disorganized speech.

3. Excitability and Visual Hallucinations

Some individuals with schizophrenia may experience moments of heightened excitement or distress, leading to statements that reflect their state of mind:

“I’ve got all the energies. Gotta start my day time to save the world!” - This could be an expression of overactivity and a belief in having to save the world, reflecting a state of mania or extreme excitement.

Other visual hallucinations might include:

“For sliding the fiery plate down the window grass…” - This is an example of word salad, showing the confusion and disjointed nature of speech during a visual hallucination.

4. Paranoia and Self-Care Challenges

Paranoia can significantly impact an individual’s sense of safety and daily functioning. Statements reflecting these issues might include:

“I feel like if I don’t finish this drawing, something really bad is going to happen to my family.” - This demonstrates a fear of harm to loved ones, which is a common symptom of paranoia.

Some people with schizophrenia may also face challenges managing their daily care, which can lead to bizarre or unusual behaviors:

“Nothing at all. Schizophrenia can involve catatonic states where the person seems zombie-like and sometimes won’t speak at all.” - These statements reflect the severity of some extreme cases of catatonia, a state where the person's movements and speech are severely restricted.

Understanding and Coping

It’s important to remember that the experiences of individuals with schizophrenia can be highly varied and complex. Not everyone with schizophrenia expresses themselves in the same way, and many can lead normal lives with the right support and treatment. It’s crucial to approach such statements with empathy and understanding, especially when they are coming from people who may be struggling significantly.

When interacting with individuals who have schizophrenia, it’s helpful to:

Acknowledge their experience without judgment. Encourage professional help and support. Seek to understand their perspectives and reassure them that help is available.

By fostering a supportive and understanding environment, we can help individuals with schizophrenia navigate their challenges more effectively and live fulfilling lives.