What is schizophrenia? - Anees Bahji

Discover what we know— and don’t know— about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of schizophrenia.

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Schizophrenia was first identified more than a century ago, but we still don’t know its exact causes. It remains one of the most misunderstood and stigmatized illnesses today. So what do we actually know about its symptoms, causes, and treatments? Anees Bahji investigates.

Lesson by Anees Bahji, directed by Artrake Studio.

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[eddieandrews]

It saddens me knowing there are people in this world that a fighting for their life to stay sane.

[tanya]

This is why people get irritated at bad depictions of mental illnesses in media.

Very informative!

[tallblonde]

They should say this is one of the scariest illnesses you can ever face. The strange symptoms - voices, hallucinations--make you fearful to tell others. So not only are you facing these strange symptoms but you face them alone because you're scared to share With others.

[logika]

Lost my mother to suicide induced by schizophrenia. I was 7 and she was 36. She set herself on fire which I witnessed. Absolutely tragic, for no fault of hers.
EDIT: To people commenting that they are so appalled that I shared my story so publicly, that it's probably a lie or a joke, and that I just want attention, you are wrong. I am 32 now and I don't go around talking about this with everyone I know in real life. I only felt comfortable sharing this here because I get to maintain my anonymity, I see so many people sharing their experiences as well and I am also not ashamed of it. I am not very active on YouTube and I don't really have anything to gain by making up sad stories over random videos for attention.

[emmalola]

My mom has schizophrenia and I lived alone with her. It is really difficult for kids to watch their parents suffer like this and to feel helpless towards this situation.

[ameen-]

Hats off to everyone who simply clicked to learn something new so that you could be a well informed productive citizen!

[scarper]

Met a girl on school i really like that has schizophrenia, I’m trying to learn as much as possible before i ask her out. This was super helpful

[breannaeads]

My boyfriend has well managed bipolar disorder and schizophrenia but I’m still trying to educate myself just in case he ever has an episode later on down the road. I want to be there for him and help any way I can. Thank you for posting this ❤️

[TwineCheeks]

I’m schizophrenic, it makes me sad because i can’t think straight sometimes I get lost in my mind and thinking. 😞

[MsCookieClaire]

My aunt has schizophrenia, and I want to understand her better. Thank you for this, ted ed.

[bobdobsmogmog]

My mom had paranoid schizophrenia, I had an interesting childhood to say the least... When I grew to adulthood I took legal guardianship of her and got her on antipsychotics (risperidone), it was amazing, like meeting her for the first time. I got a good decade of time with her in this better state of mind and it was great, I was so happy to see her live so well and so stable under my guardianship... She passed away due to complications with strokes a few years ago. I love my Mom, even though she made a lot of crazy decisions for us throughout my childhood, she still showed me unconditional love and taught me how to be a good man.

[martiananomaly]

Yikes. This is too scary. The fact that it can be diagnosed when you're into your 20s or 30s is really scary as well. Respect to all people living with Schizophrenia. You're all really strong and respect you for that.

[atxjazz]

My brother has the condition. He's a good person, but his illness causes him to have extreme behavior. I want to understand more about this illness so I can help him in anyway I can.

[SamVikings]

My brother is schizophrenic and it breaks my heart to see him and my parents suffer because of this disease. He was a very talented and joyful child, but this disease has transformed him into a completely different human being. He often gets violent and starts beating me and my parents. He is 22 and my parents are old. He then cries and gets sad about his condition. We've been giving him treatment since past 6-7 years but his condition doesn't improve. I wish there was some proper treatment to this disease, or things could get better in any way 😞😞😞

[Kenan_]

imagine having this in 1750. we’re lucky to be living in this era of technology and psychological advances

[openmindead]

My schizophrenia isn’t active at the moment so I am capable of living a normal life thanks to medication. Schizophrenia doesn’t have to be a constant struggle (contrary to belief).

The only downside right now for me is loneliness.

[zedy]

I've been searching about Schizophrenia and I feel like internet is listening to me or watching me, how is this on timing?

[deskslam]

Schizophrenia is certainly a very distressing illness. I’m glad I have been able to manage mine well enough, but sadly my mother is permanently in a mental health facility. I believe in us schizophrenics, we’re capable of so much more than most think!
Edit: For anyone who randomly checks back and sees this, thanks for all of your support and even taking the time to read this, you go babes!

[farhankamil]

The animation is creeping me out.

I love it

[Beef_Cooker]

I was diagnosed with schizophrenia last week. I’m just glad there are people out there that understand. I came here to find out more about it because I’m so curious.