About schizophrenia
A representation in conversations
The goal of my work is to contribute against stigmatization and for more understanding for people affected by schizophrenia. I will write factually without pejorative undertones and do not want to reduce people affected by schizophrenia to their diagnosis. Therefore, I avoid words like “disease,” “sufferer,” or “disorder,” preferring “affected,” “condition,” and “different.” In this way, I too can play a part in inclusion.
I have always believed that healing is possible. That was even before I became psychotic and generally that is my attitude towards illness.
Amina
For me, psychosis is a waking dream. In psychosis, the boundary between the conscious and unconscious becomes blurred. In psychosis, I see what resources I have inside me.
Christiane, 49 years, Schizophrenic/Paranoid-Hallucinatory Psychosis
Definition of terms
Psychosis
The term “psychosis” is used in two different meanings. On the one hand, it forms an umbrella term and includes mental ailments, some of which are of organic origin such as brain tumor, poisoning or high fever. This group is contrasted with that of neuroses. The second use of the term refers to the phase in which the characteristic symptoms appear. Psychotic symptoms are seen in schizophrenia, but psychosis can also occur in depression, for example.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia” is conceptually subordinate to “psychosis”. It was not considered and designated as a unified disease until 1911 by Eugen Bleuler. The term consists of the Greek words “schiz(o)”, which means splitting, and “phren”, which is translated as mind. By this, contrary to the prevailing erroneous opinion, we do not mean the split into two personalities, but into two realities. Those affected temporarily experience or perceive a different reality in addition to the reality of the population average. Schizophrenia is said to occur when changes in thinking, acting, feeling, willing, and ego experience occur over at least six months.
The affected persons are in an inner conflict between preserving their own personality and adapting to the demands of the environment. This is referred to as “ego weakness.”
renie is a company that
The sensation that is in the vivid.
, (unspecified) schizophrenia
Schizoph
Edge de
mental
Bernhard, 51 years, years
Data and facts
About 1% of all people develop schizophrenia in their lifetime. About 3% of the population hears voices temporarily or for a long time without being ill. The age of first-time sufferers ranges from 17 to 35 years. Men usually fall ill earlier, women rather later. One-third of those with the disease recover completely after one or more relapses. The famous physicist Isaac Newton, for example, experienced a unique psychosis at the age of 51. Another third experience a significant improvement in health after one or more episodes, do not regain the same condition as before the disease, but can largely lead an independent life. One third of those affected suffer from schizophrenic symptoms throughout their lives, although these are usually milder in old age. The recurrent relapses and/or minus symptoms lead to a restricted life, occupational disability or need for long-term care. People who have experienced psychosis are, on average, less likely to violate laws than others. Certain risks are temporarily increased, but even in acute phases, sufferers are less dangerous than people under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Aggression is most likely to occur because of subjectively experienced boundary violations.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Every person has a different way of coping with problems. My strategy is very rare, it has only 1% of the population, that’s why it is considered sick. I can’t relate to that at all.
Christiane
Disease
Course
The disease schizophrenia occurs in episodes. First, the positive, active, productive or plus phase occurs. The name comes from the fact that other perceptions are added to the average experience. This is usually followed by a negative or minus phase in which there is a deficiency compared to the average experience. The different phases come and go, sometimes for no apparent reason, but also depend on medication exposure.
Symptoms
All symptoms may also occur in other circumstances, such as in association with intoxicants, in brain tumors, organic brain damage, or fatigue. However, it is only when several occur over a longer period of time that one speaks of psychotic symptoms. In the active phase, affected persons think more and in faster trains of thought, perceive more impressions, are usually restless, can also appear aggressive and sleep less or not at all. They function differently, so to speak, being completely fixated on their own perception and experience and turning away from other people. Delusions are beliefs that others do not share and from which those affected cannot be dissuaded despite vehement objections from fellow human beings. The complete, so-called a priori, certainty of a subjective opinion objectively contradicts reality. The thought patterns are irrational, contrived, and are intended in part to be explanations of relationships. Hallucinations are sensory illusions in hearing, seeing, but also smelling and tasting. The most common occurrence is voice hearing in dialogic, commentary, or imperative (commanding) form. A milder form is the thought sounding. Formal thinking disorders include erratic thinking, thought termination, illogical linking, and disjointed thinking. In the so-called ego disorder, the totality of sensation, thought and action is perceived as no longer under control or is delimitable. Notions of thought inspiration, transference, withdrawal, or external control (depersonalization, ego-loss) arise. Even the environment or one’s own body can be perceived as alien.
Relationship ideas mean that everything is perceived in relation to oneself. For example, they believe that words in the newspaper are addressed only to them, or that signs and traffic lights indicate something to them. The disturbance of feelings concerns the basic mood, emotional reactions to events as well as affective resonance of the feelings of others. The basic mood is usually sad, anxious, depressed, apathetic, exhilarated or manic. Emotional reactions to events are small on the outside, but probably larger on the inside. Affective resonance of the feelings of third parties is usually very low. Feeling and mood are often at odds with experiencing, saying, and doing, and are usually the hardest for loved ones to bear. Stupor describes a withdrawal, neglect of social contacts and isolation. Sometimes affected persons remain motionless in one position for hours or suddenly grimace, there are stereotyped movements, and no reaction follows when approached. In the negative phase the opposite takes place: A decrease in experiencing, thinking and acting, decrease in interests and abilities, avoidance of contact, withdrawal, less lively and lower urge for activity. After a while, those affected are often already overwhelmed by normal everyday life and neglect cleanliness, hygiene or shopping. There is a lack of drive, hardly any emotional involvement, impoverishment of speech and concentration problems. It is often difficult to distinguish between minus symptoms and overmedication, or even a combination of the two. It happens that isolated minus symptoms occur in the active phase or psychotic symptoms in the minus phase.
Everything you
experienced or what
of input comes,
is quasi
equivalent:
Boris*
Whether it’s a
Trip to
South America is
or if a fly flies by.
One has
Persecution thoughts
and also feels much more powerful, and believes that you can partially influence things. But one is also afraid. This is already paranoid and paradoxical as well.
Adrian*, 38 years, paranoid schizophrenia
Hergang
The persons concerned get into a conflict, mostly of an emotional nature, try to resolve it by reflecting
and thus trigger an outbreak of thinking that at some point can no longer be controlled. An episode can develop within a few hours to days, sometimes over a longer period of time.
Causes
The causes of schizophrenia have not yet been conclusively determined. A heredity could not be proven so far, furthermore
metabolic disorders, environmental damage or traumatic experiences are considered.
To me, the “diathesis-stress model” seems most plausible. Accordingly, individual predispositions are
to which stress factors are added, so that the disease breaks out. The predisposition is an atypical accumulation of certain character traits that are different from the average person and contrary to each other, so that the affected person already in childhood in disharmony and contradiction with the environment. The environment often reacts uncomprehendingly or rejectingly, the affected persons at the same time lack objects of identification for the formation of an acceptable ego. An adaptation takes place, whereby the affected persons move away from their original personality, helplessness, feelings of guilt and even depression are consequences of this. If a difficult event comes along, the laborious balance breaks down, thinking gets into disorder and the mind races through all possibilities.
In 75% of people suffering from schizophrenia, changes such as crises, neurotic conflict reactions, higher sensitivity, concentration disorders, lack of drive, anxiety, distrust or social withdrawal occur before the first onset.
One normally has a filter in the head so that all impressions coming through the sensory cells are filtered out. This cuts away anything seemingly unimportant, and the brain doesn’t have to process as much.
In psychosis this filter doesn’t work anymore, everything comes into my head and because of that I am extremely awake and sensitive. The brain can no longer process all the impressions and so
misinterpretations occur, these appear to be
but as reality.
Boris*
For me, it’s simply the total dissolution of boundaries. It is as if there is no longer a boundary between oneself and the world. One is completely mentally disengaged and no longer has control over one’s own thoughts and emotions. You are simply at the mercy of any feelings. You’re somehow totally close to yourself, but at the same time totally far away from yourself, because you can’t reflect what’s coming. I would describe it as the worst loss of control I have ever experienced in my life.
Amina, 28 years, schizoaffective psychosis
Treatment
Hergang
The persons concerned get into a conflict, mostly of an emotional nature, try to resolve it by reflecting
and thus trigger an outbreak of thinking that at some point can no longer be controlled. An episode can develop within a few hours to days, sometimes over a longer period of time.
Causes
The causes of schizophrenia have not yet been conclusively determined. A heredity could not be proven so far, furthermore
metabolic disorders, environmental damage or traumatic experiences are considered.
To me, the “diathesis-stress model” seems most plausible. Accordingly, individual predispositions are
to which stress factors are added, so that the disease breaks out. The predisposition is an atypical accumulation of certain character traits that are different from the average person and contrary to each other, so that the affected person already in childhood in disharmony and contradiction with the environment. The environment often reacts uncomprehendingly or rejectingly, the affected persons at the same time lack objects of identification for the formation of an acceptable ego. An adaptation takes place, whereby the affected persons move away from their original personality, helplessness, feelings of guilt and even depression are consequences of this. If a difficult event comes along, the laborious balance breaks down, thinking gets into disorder and the mind races through all possibilities.
In 75% of people suffering from schizophrenia, changes such as crises, neurotic conflict reactions, higher sensitivity, concentration disorders, lack of drive, anxiety, distrust or social withdrawal occur before the first onset.
For me the drugs are
not a permanent solution. I am
sure that I will not let them be my
I will take for the rest of my life.
I’m just coming to terms with it at the moment, but in principle you have a choice between 
and 
Boris*
The administration of medication also promotes psychosis. If a healthy person takes neuroleptics for a while and then stops them, they will get psychotic symptoms. Psychotropic drugs sensitize and increase receptors in the brain. This is responsible, among other things, for the development of psychosis. These are things that a physician needs to know and consider. But that’s what I think is missing.
Christiane
.etnnakrena niemeglla eniek dnu tsi enegie eid se liew ,tsi nerolrev nam red ni ,nlegeR enho eisatnaF trA renie ni tknisrev dnu nemuärT ni hcua eiw lanoitarri treiga nam ,tsi 
rediel red ,muarT nie eiw tsi esohcysP eniE.
Georg*, 26 years, paranoid schizophrenia
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapeutic treatment is usually
only possible after an acute episode has subsided.
This includes psychological therapy sessions,
Relapse prevention and psychoeducation. Today
it is no longer considered useful to use depth psychology.
to work, but rather sets out, within the framework of the
Behavioral therapy focus on practical
things, purposeful self-assessment, exercise
in problem solving, confidence in oneself and
others, but also recognition of precursors and
Prevention of incipient psychosis. Partial
it makes sense to involve relatives.
Sociotherapy
Sociotherapy is primarily concerned with reintegration
into normal life. This includes
Training of interaction, career counseling,
Job search, help with visits to authorities, supervision
in a residential group, discussions with the family,
Self-help groups and help with crises. A nationwide
represented self-help group is the Psychosis Seminar,
in which a trialogue between affected persons,
relatives and professionals takes place.
Alternative approaches
The “positive disease model” of Knuf and
Gartelmann wants to reflect the reality of the people affected
influence positively so that their self-esteem
and personal commitment ultimately affect the course of the disease.
act. Affected persons should
not to be passively at the mercy of the
Possibilities of influence without pressure of expectation
have been shown. This is to encourage them and
Promote the ability to help oneself. Affected persons should
Become co-creators and influence their condition
get Here we are talking about a treatment partnership.
The Soteria, from the Greek term “rescue”.
derived, is an alternative inpatient facility.
It has the goal of helping people in psychotic
Crises less by coercive measures as well as
without drugs or drugs in low doses to
treat. In the so-called “soft rooms
for the acutely suffering affected person is always
at least one accompanying person for 48 hours
present, who is in contact with this, on
wishes and gives support. In a manageable
Living community are everyday activities
such as shopping, cooking, household
and creative doing. The length of stay is
several weeks to several months.
The schizoaffective
Psychosis is a
Mixture between
Schizophrenia and
manic depression.
Schizophrenia is a
Disturbance in perception
and thinking, a second
Perceptual world does
refers to, one refers
things on itself, and it
spinning things around
the reality around.
It is an interplay,
but the transition is
lengthy.
Claudia, 49 years, schizoaffective psychosis
Depression is a
Disturbance in mood and
Energy. This is the
Downside of the disease,
that nothing works anymore.
You do not think about it
after whether to kill yourself
wants, but how.
View
I think it would be easier for people who are struggling with these circumstances to deal with them if they weren’t constantly being told that they are wrong or not normal or don’t belong.
Amina
Unfortunately, because schizophrenia is still relatively unexplored and therefore difficult to understand compared to other mental illnesses, it is often viewed more negatively than, for example, depression. viewed more negatively than, for example, depressio– nes. Since psychoses and the diagnosis of schizophrenia are still a taboo subject in our society, they are perceived by those affected as oppressive, frightening or even shameful.
People in third world countries are just as likely to have psychosis as those in western countries, but have more than twice the chance of recovery, as these countries are less influenced by western medicine and outlook.
It’s a pr bl m that you have to be ng afraid of d to st hen. He te it is easy r gay l or lesb sch to be than sch zophr n. I really wish that I still learn that we will also be seen as n rmal.
Sandra
Boris*, 40 years, paranoid schizophrenia
When I first came to the psychiatric ward.
all the social foreknowledge and prejudices
and then experienced there: These are quite
normal people who are more thin-skinned than other people,
and are weaker, but not generally dangerous and
not crazy and each in itself lovable.
Sandra
I would like to see more acceptance that what society perceives as normal is not a norm.
I don’t want to work a 50-hour week and only define myself by my job, and in the end I won’t be able to go beyond my own limits.
I don’t like the fact that there is no place for faith in our society, or only in niches, because it gives me a lot of support. Our society is very logic-oriented and copious. I also think it’s important to feel connected to the world and to be part of a BIG whole, and that’s not something you find in a department store. Nature is also something that is no longer so self-evident and I think that’s why
uǝɥǝɹp
also 
people just through. It’s really hard to find your own way. Also, the whole fast-paced thing of always being available, going out with everyone, being somewhere else all the time, that’s just not good for me. One has 1000000000000000000000000 options and decides for , because, it should not be the wrong one. This has simply made routing much more difficult. It took me a really long time to admit to myself that my day is simply more leisurely and slower than that of other people. I was in the wheel for a long time, “hop hop”, doing everything I could to function, to keep up with it
can.
Amina
I see it all the time that people who don’t know me at all, when the diag- nose comes up, say, “I wouldn’t have thought of that.”
Sandra
Contact points
Information, Advice and Complaints Office (IBB)
The information, counseling and complaints office is a contact point for people with mental illness and their relatives. It provides information and advice on help and support services and mediates complaints in the mental health care environment. IBB is represented in every county or independent city.
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in psychiatry and psychotherapy. It deals with the development, course and treatment of mental illness from a medical perspective. Therapy primarily includes the administration of medication and also discussions.
Psychiatric hospital
A psychiatric hospital, or “psychiatry” for short, is an inpatient facility that specializes in the treatment of psychiatric illnesses. lized. The facility includes mostly outpatient Consultation hours, sheltered (closed) and open wards, as well as partial inpatient services (see Day Hospital).
Psychotherapist
A psychotherapist diagnoses mental illnesses and treats them according to
the models of therapy directions such as behavioral such as behavioral therapy, psychoanalysis, depth psycho grounded psychotherapy or systemic thera- pie. Psychotherapists must have a consultation hour offer A psychotherapist with free places can be found via the patient hotline of the health insurance medical associations.
Self-help groups
In addition to self-help groups for affected persons and for relatives, there are trialogical self-help groups (psychosis seminar), in which affected persons, relatives and employees of psychiatric institutions come together for open dialogue on an equal footing.
Social Psychiatric Service (SpDi)
The social psychiatric service offers counseling for mentally affected people and their relatives with the aim of crisis intervention, aftercare, help for self-help, social participation and a self-determined life. It is usually affiliated with public health departments.
Day clinic
A day hospital is usually affiliated with a psychiatric hospital. It offers semi-inpatient services where those affected stay overnight in their home environment. Admission is by doctor’s prescription. In addition to drug and psychotherapeutic therapy, a daily structure is offered.
Day Care
The spectrum of day care centers range from an open offer to social therapeutic programs. The aim is to enable a largely normal participation in everyday life, such as daily structure and leisure activities, and to promote social and vocational rehabilitation.
Many thanks to
Adrian*
Amina
Boris*
Benne
Christiane
Claudia
Dorothee
Georg*
Sandra
for her time and openness
Ingrid Kopfmann Eva Legnar
Vera Schindelbeck Laura Tuttas
for proofreading of content and language
Prof. Veruschka Götz
Prof. Frank Göldner
for the bachelor supervision and honest opinion
Heidi Flassak
for the mediation of the persons concerned
