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[Skip to main content](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/mental-health-conditions/schizophrenia/#main-content) [Youngminds - fighting for young people's mental health](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/) - Mental health support [I am a young person](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/) - [My feelings](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/my-feelings/) - [Coping with life](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/coping-with-life/) - [Mental health conditions](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/mental-health-conditions/) - [Identity and mental health](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/identity-and-mental-health/) - [Medications](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/medications/) - [Supporting a friend](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/supporting-a-friend-with-their-mental-health/) - [Real stories](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/blog/) - [Your guide to support](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/your-guide-to-support/) [I need urgent help](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/find-help/i-need-urgent-help/) [I am a parent](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/) - [A-Z mental health guide](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/parents-a-z-mental-health-guide/) - [Getting support from mental health services](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/getting-support-from-mental-health-services/) - [How to talk to your child about mental health](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/how-to-talk-to-your-child-about-mental-health/) - [Looking after yourself](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/parents-guide-to-looking-after-yourself/) - [Real stories from parents and carers](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/blog/) - [My child needs urgent help](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/my-child-needs-urgent-help/) [Parents Helpline](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/parents-helpline/) - Support us [Support us](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/support-us/) - [Browse our shop](https://shop.youngminds.org.uk/shop/) - [Donate](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/support-us/donate/) - [Join the movement](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/support-us/join-the-movement/) - [Volunteering at YoungMinds](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/support-us/volunteer/) - [Fundraising](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/support-us/fundraising/) - [Events](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/support-us/events/) [Make a donation](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/support-us/donate/) - For professionals [I work with young people](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/professional/) - [Resources and advice](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/professional/resources/) - [Schools and teachers](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/professional/schools/) - [Community support](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/professional/community-support/) - [Spotlight stories](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/professional/spotlight-stories/) - About us [About YoungMinds](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/about-us/) - [Our strategy](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/about-us/our-strategy/) - [Our reports and impact](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/about-us/reports-and-impact/) - [Our team and Ambassadors](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/about-us/meet-the-team/) - [Our partnerships and funders](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/about-us/partnerships-and-funders/) - [Media centre](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/about-us/media-centre/) - [Contact us](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/) - [Careers](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/about-us/careers/) - [Real stories](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/blog/) - [Donate](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/support-us/donate/) Search Open main navigation  # Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is a lifelong mental health condition. You can experience delusions, hallucinations and muddled thoughts, speech and behaviour. Find out more about the signs and symptoms of schizophrenia and where to get support.  - [Home](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/) - [I am a young person](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/) - [Mental health conditions](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/mental-health-conditions/) - [Schizophrenia](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/mental-health-conditions/schizophrenia/) [Open guide menu Skip to guide menu](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/mental-health-conditions/schizophrenia/#contentguide) View shareable links ## Guide Menu for Schizophrenia Hide Show menu ### Guide contents (jump to section) **On this page** 1. [What is schizophrenia?](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/mental-health-conditions/schizophrenia/#Whatisschizophrenia) 2. [Schizophrenia symptoms](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/mental-health-conditions/schizophrenia/#Schizophreniasymptoms) 3. [Getting help for schizophrenia](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/mental-health-conditions/schizophrenia/#Gettinghelpforschizophrenia) 4. [Treatment for schizophrenia](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/mental-health-conditions/schizophrenia/#Treatmentforschizophrenia) 5. [Looking after yourself](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/mental-health-conditions/schizophrenia/#Lookingafteryourself) 6. [How to support someone with schizophrenia](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/mental-health-conditions/schizophrenia/#Howtosupportsomeonewithschizophrenia) 7. [Get help now](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/mental-health-conditions/schizophrenia/#Gethelpnow) ### Real stories related to schizophrenia - [Living with schizophrenia](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/blog/living-with-schizophrenia/) - [What I wish people knew about schizophrenia](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/blog/what-i-wish-people-knew-about-schizophrenia/) ## What is schizophrenia? Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that affects how you think, act and experience the world. During an episode, your reality can be totally different from someone else’s – this is what we call [psychosis](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/mental-health-conditions/psychosis/ "Psychosis"). You might see, hear or believe things that nobody else does, but it feels real to you. You can also feel mixed up, down or just want to be on your own. Schizophrenia is a serious illness. Even though you might not have schizophrenia symptoms all the time, the condition itself doesn’t just disappear. But there’s lots of help and treatment options out there – and we’re here to help you find them. With the right support, people with schizophrenia can manage their symptoms and enjoy happy lives, whatever that looks like for them. What is schizoaffective disorder? Schizoaffective disorder isn’t the same as schizophrenia, but its symptoms are similar to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The word schizoaffective has two parts: - ‘Schizo’ means psychosis - seeing or believing things nobody else does. - ‘Affective’ means mood symptoms - mania (highs) or depression (lows). Unlike schizophrenia, some people only experience schizoaffective disorder once. For others, it can come and go, and it’s often triggered by things like stress.  > I started experiencing the world very differently from my peers, hearing voices where everyone else heard nothing and having thoughts and feelings that I could not begin to explain. [Hear Lyd's full story](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/celebrating-queer-disabled-stories/#Lydsstory) > Being diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder was scary because I had never heard of it before and didn't know anybody else with it. But after researching it, everything made sense, and I wasn't as scared anymore. If you have a mental health diagnosis, it's important to remember that your diagnosis doesn't define you. Emma, 24 ## What causes schizophrenia? Schizophrenia is complex and we’re all different, so there’s no one-size-fits-all explanation. Instead of just one thing causing it, there can be a few things happening together, like: - ### Genetics Schizophrenia can run in families, but just because your family has it doesn’t mean you automatically will too. - ### Life experiences Trauma, stress and abuse can trigger schizophrenia symptoms if you’re already at risk. - ### Brain structure Some people with schizophrenia might have differences in brain structure, but not everyone. Some of these differences can start before you’re born. - ### Drugs and alcohol Heavy drinking and using drugs that aren’t for medication can increase the risk of developing schizophrenia. ### Myths and misconceptions about schizophrenia There’s loads of false information out there about schizophrenia as it’s a misunderstood condition. We’ve chosen some common myths to help you understand it better: Myth: Schizophrenia means ‘split personality’ **Truth:** People with schizophrenia don’t have a split personality or multiple personalities. It’s more about a ‘split’ in how they experience reality, not their personality. Myth: Schizophrenia is very rare **Truth:** It’s not super common, but psychosis is more common than you’d think. About one in 100 people get diagnosed with schizophrenia, so there’s probably around 500,000 people with schizophrenia in the UK. Myth: People with schizophrenia are dangerous **Truth:** People with schizophrenia are not usually dangerous. They’re more likely to be victims or to hurt themselves than to hurt others. Myth: You can’t recover from schizophrenia **Truth:** While there’s no cure, there’s treatment and support out there. You can still live a regular life, whatever that means for you. Sometimes you might just need that extra help – and who doesn’t from time to time?  > Many people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia can still have a normal life, we just might need a bit of extra help. We can be successful, start a family and thrive in the community. Jess, 23 [What I wish people knew about schizophrenia](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/blog/what-i-wish-people-knew-about-schizophrenia/) ## Schizophrenia symptoms For symptoms of schizophrenia, there are two main groups: positive and negative. But it’s not about ‘good’ or ‘bad’. Positive symptoms ‘add’ to your experience by changing your thoughts and behaviour. Negative symptoms ‘take away’, like making you feel disconnected from the world around you. 'Positive' symptoms of schizophrenia - seeing, feeling, smelling or hearing voices or sounds that others don’t (hallucinations) - having beliefs that sound unreal to others (delusions), like thinking there’s a conspiracy against you - muddled thinking - a feeling that someone or something else is controlling you 'Negative' symptoms of schizophrenia - not feeling up to your usual stuff, like washing, dressing or seeing friends - feeling flat and emotionless - struggling to focus - losing interest in life Different types of hallucinations **Auditory** – hearing voices or sounds that nobody else can. **Visual** – seeing things that other people don’t, like objects, shapes, people or lights. **Somatic/tactile** – feeling touches or movements on or inside your body, such as feeling insects on your skin. **Olfactory** – smelling things that aren’t around you. **Gustatory** – tasting strange things, like metal, rust or salt. [Find out more in our guide to psychosis](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/mental-health-conditions/psychosis/) - > Life with schizophrenia can be quite difficult. I have phases when I don't want to have a bath because I feel as though people can see me. However, I am learning to manage and my life is almost on track now. Shruti, 23 - > Psychosis is scary and can take so much from your life, but it is important to know that you are not alone and that there are always people who want to support you. Jess, 22 ## Getting help for schizophrenia You can still live a happy and healthy life with a schizophrenia diagnosis, even if you continue to have symptoms. But getting the right help is key. If you think you have schizophrenia, talk to someone you trust straight away – whether it’s a teacher, family, faith leader, counsellor or friend. If talking’s tough, try writing things down for them instead. Also see your GP as soon as possible. They can refer you to [Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/your-guide-to-support/guide-to-camhs/ "Guide to CAMHS") or to a mental health specialist, like a psychiatrist, who can help you. [Get more advice on speaking to your GP](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/your-guide-to-support/how-to-speak-to-your-gp/) ## Treatment for schizophrenia Schizophrenia is usually treated with a mix of medication and therapy. Since everyone’s experience of schizophrenia is different, your treatment will be too. Your doctors will help find what works best for you. Medication The most common medications for schizophrenia are antipsychotic drugs, also known as neuroleptic drugs or major tranquilisers. Medication can be a game-changer for some but not for others. You may find that antipsychotic drugs reduce your symptoms of psychosis a lot. But don’t stress if they don’t make you feel better. Lots of people try different medications before finding what suits them. Your doctor will help you figure this out. It’s crucial to have all the facts when making decisions about medication. To find out more, look at our guide. [Guide to medication](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/medications/) Talking therapy Talking therapy for schizophrenia is there to help you handle your symptoms, not to dismiss what you’re experiencing. The most common type of talking therapy offered for treating schizophrenia is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). This type of therapy is about how your thoughts, feelings and behaviours are impacting your life, and changing them for the better. This could mean helping you to: - cope with symptoms of psychosis - cut down on stress - deal with any medication side effects Other options like arts and creative therapies or family intervention might be available too. For more on different therapy types, read our guide. [Guide to counselling and therapy](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/your-guide-to-support/counselling-and-therapy/) Hospitalisation If you’re having a severe schizophrenia episode, your doctors and care team might suggest hospital care. They’ll try to talk it through with you first and then encourage you to admit yourself to hospital. This might seem scary, but it’s to help you get better and stay safe. If you’re not up for going to hospital, your care team might have to decide for you. This is called ‘sectioning’ or ‘compulsorily admission’. It’s quite rare and only happens if your schizophrenia episode puts you or others at risk. You’ll stay in hospital until you’re better and your care team feel you are no longer at risk. But they might suggest you stay longer. For more info on hospitalisation, read our guide to inpatient care. [Guide to inpatient care](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/your-guide-to-support/inpatient-care/)  > Finding the right antipsychotic medication for me has been a long and difficult journey. Aripiprazole was the first medicine, chosen for its low side effect profile. But weight gain and exhaustion followed with little improvement in symptoms. Four other antipsychotic medicines later, I tried clozapine which saved my life. Jess, 22 [School, stress and schizophrenia: my education journey](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/blog/school-stress-and-schizophrenia-my-education-journey/) ## Looking after yourself It’s vital to get help for schizophrenia, but you can also do things to manage it yourself. It’s not about dealing with things alone – staying connected with people matters. And self-care can give you a boost in dealing with schizophrenia. Here are some tips to try: Get to know the warning signs Knowing the signs when you’re becoming unwell helps you manage your condition better. Think back to how you felt and behaved before your last episode and get your friends and family to help you make a list. Share it with the people in your life so they can help you spot any signs in the future. The signs are different for everyone, but may include: - not sleeping well - feeling anxious - feeling paranoid or fearful - finding it hard to concentrate - hearing quiet voices There might be triggers that set these off, like certain activities or situations. Note these down in a diary to keep track of your mood. If you notice any signs, tell someone like your friends, family, GP, or care team. They’re there to support you. Make a crisis plan During a crisis, it’s tough to know and explain what you need. A crisis plan helps you prepare and decide on the right support. Get someone you trust, your care team or GP to help you put it together. You’ll have this information ready for when you might need it. Here are some questions to think about when planning yours : - Who can help you in a crisis? - What signs tell you a crisis might happen? - What things helps you in a crisis? - What treatment do you prefer? - What tasks worry you during a crisis that someone can help with, like chores, pets, bills, cooking, taking medication or school? - Who are your useful contacts, like friends, family, medical professionals, or helplines? For more advice, take a look at Mind’s guide on [planning for a crisis](https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/planning-for-a-crisis/). Take care of your physical health Stick to a routine that’s kind on you and your body, and helps you manage schizophrenia symptoms, like: - getting enough sleep - avoiding drugs and alcohol - eating well - staying active - paying attention to your stress levels - resting when you need it There are lots of grounding techniques to try as well, like the ones our blogger Kerry does when things get overwhelming. [The grounding technique that helps me when I'm anxious](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/blog/the-grounding-technique-that-helps-me-when-i-m-anxious/) Keep doing what you love Pursue your passions and do what makes you happy. This could be art, gaming, music or spending time with friends. Take the time to try a few ideas and find what really works for you. For more ideas, take a look at our guide on self-care. [Guide to self-care](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/coping-with-life/self-care/) Look for peer support Having schizophrenia can feel lonely and not everyone gets it, but there are loads of people who do. Connecting with other people who have schizophrenia can really help, reminding you that you are not alone in this. Check out the [Hearing Voices Network (HVN)](https://www.hearing-voices.org/hearing-voices-groups/) to find a support group where people lift each other up. There are over 180 groups in the UK with ones for young people, women, and Black and minoritised people. If group support isn’t your thing, there are helplines that you can contact. They are trained to listen, support you and help you figure things out. Two great examples are [Samaritans](https://www.samaritans.org/) and [SANEline](https://www.sane.org.uk/how-we-help/emotional-support/saneline-services), and you can find more at the end of this guide. ## How to support someone with schizophrenia If someone you’re close to has schizophrenia, supporting them plays a huge role in helping them deal with it. Just being there and showing you love them goes a long way. But don’t stress about fixing everything – that’s not on you. ## - Learn about schizophrenia They might find it hard to explain or open up about what’s happening. But taking the time to learn about schizophrenia can make you a better ally. It also lets them know you care and want to help. - Ask what they need When in doubt, asking is the best place to start. It might be day-to-day things like shopping, GP appointments or helping with homework. Even a check-in text or spending time together can make all the difference. - Listen without judgement Even if you don’t understand it, respect that their reality is real to them. Give them space to talk about what’s happening and reassure them that you’ve got their back. - Help lift their spirits If they're feeling low or not their best, remind them of their strengths and encourage them to get back into doing what they love. But patience is key – they need to move at their own pace. - Find ways of communicating If talking is tough, find creative ways to chat. You could try using traffic light cards for them to show you how they’re feeling: green for good, yellow for so-so, and red for a tough time. It’s a quick way for them to share without going into detail. - Plan for the rough patches When they feel good, talk about what helps them when times get tough. They can write down any symptoms to look out for, triggers, and if there’s anything you can do to help. ## Real stories about schizophrenia -  ### [Living with schizophrenia](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/blog/living-with-schizophrenia/) -  ### [School, stress and schizophrenia: my education journey](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/blog/school-stress-and-schizophrenia-my-education-journey/) -  ### [Taking aripiprazole for schizoaffective disorder](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/blog/taking-aripiprazole-for-schizoaffective-disorder/) ## Get help now If you're struggling right now, you don't have to go through this alone. Here are some places where you can get help and support. - ## Samaritans Whatever you're going through, you can contact the Samaritans for support. N.B. This is a listening service and does not offer advice or intervention. Opening times: 24/7 [116123](tel:116123) [Samaritans](https://www.samaritans.org/) - ## Childline If you’re under 19 you can confidentially call, chat online or email about any problem big or small. [Sign up](https://www.childline.org.uk/registration/) for a free Childline locker (real name or email address not needed) to use their [free 1-2-1 counsellor chat](https://www.childline.org.uk/get-support/1-2-1-counsellor-chat/) and email support service. [Can provide a BSL interpreter](https://www.childline.org.uk/get-support/contacting-childline/#BSL-counselling) if you are deaf or hearing-impaired. Hosts [online message boards](https://www.childline.org.uk/get-support/message-boards/) where you can share your experiences, have fun and get support from other young people in similar situations. Opening times: 24/7 [0800 11 11](<tel:0800 11 11>) [Childline](https://www.childline.org.uk/) - ## Youth Access Provides information about local counselling and advice services for young people aged 11-25. Put in your location and what you need help with into their '[Find help](https://www.youthaccess.org.uk/our-network/find-help)' search, and see what services are available in your area. [Youth Access](https://www.youthaccess.org.uk/) ## More information and advice -  [Psychosis](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/mental-health-conditions/psychosis/) -  [Drugs and alcohol](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/coping-with-life/drugs-and-alcohol/) -  [Self-harm](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/my-feelings/self-harm/) -  [Suicidal feelings](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/my-feelings/suicidal-feelings/)  **This page was reviewed in March 2024.** **It was co-created by young people with lived experience of schizophrenia.** **We will next review the page in 2027.** **YoungMinds is a proud member of PIF TICK – the UK's quality mark for trusted health information.** Help us improve our content Whether you love the page or think something is missing, we appreciate your feedback. It all helps us to support more young people with their mental health. Please be aware that this form isn’t a mental health support service. If you are in crisis right now and want to talk to someone urgently, find out who to contact on our [urgent help page](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/find-help/i-need-urgent-help/ "I need urgent help"). 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Guide Menu for Schizophrenia What is schizophrenia? Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that affects how you think, act and experience the world. During an episode, your reality can be totally different from someone else’s – this is what we call [psychosis](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/mental-health-conditions/psychosis/ "Psychosis"). You might see, hear or believe things that nobody else does, but it feels real to you. You can also feel mixed up, down or just want to be on your own. Schizophrenia is a serious illness. Even though you might not have schizophrenia symptoms all the time, the condition itself doesn’t just disappear. But there’s lots of help and treatment options out there – and we’re here to help you find them. With the right support, people with schizophrenia can manage their symptoms and enjoy happy lives, whatever that looks like for them. > Being diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder was scary because I had never heard of it before and didn't know anybody else with it. But after researching it, everything made sense, and I wasn't as scared anymore. If you have a mental health diagnosis, it's important to remember that your diagnosis doesn't define you. What causes schizophrenia? Schizophrenia is complex and we’re all different, so there’s no one-size-fits-all explanation. Instead of just one thing causing it, there can be a few things happening together, like: - ### Genetics Schizophrenia can run in families, but just because your family has it doesn’t mean you automatically will too. - ### Life experiences Trauma, stress and abuse can trigger schizophrenia symptoms if you’re already at risk. - ### Brain structure Some people with schizophrenia might have differences in brain structure, but not everyone. Some of these differences can start before you’re born. - ### Drugs and alcohol Heavy drinking and using drugs that aren’t for medication can increase the risk of developing schizophrenia. ### Myths and misconceptions about schizophrenia There’s loads of false information out there about schizophrenia as it’s a misunderstood condition. We’ve chosen some common myths to help you understand it better: > Many people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia can still have a normal life, we just might need a bit of extra help. We can be successful, start a family and thrive in the community. For symptoms of schizophrenia, there are two main groups: positive and negative. But it’s not about ‘good’ or ‘bad’. Positive symptoms ‘add’ to your experience by changing your thoughts and behaviour. Negative symptoms ‘take away’, like making you feel disconnected from the world around you. You can still live a happy and healthy life with a schizophrenia diagnosis, even if you continue to have symptoms. But getting the right help is key. If you think you have schizophrenia, talk to someone you trust straight away – whether it’s a teacher, family, faith leader, counsellor or friend. If talking’s tough, try writing things down for them instead. Also see your GP as soon as possible. They can refer you to [Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/your-guide-to-support/guide-to-camhs/ "Guide to CAMHS") or to a mental health specialist, like a psychiatrist, who can help you. [Get more advice on speaking to your GP](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/your-guide-to-support/how-to-speak-to-your-gp/) Schizophrenia is usually treated with a mix of medication and therapy. Since everyone’s experience of schizophrenia is different, your treatment will be too. Your doctors will help find what works best for you. > Finding the right antipsychotic medication for me has been a long and difficult journey. Aripiprazole was the first medicine, chosen for its low side effect profile. But weight gain and exhaustion followed with little improvement in symptoms. Four other antipsychotic medicines later, I tried clozapine which saved my life. It’s vital to get help for schizophrenia, but you can also do things to manage it yourself. It’s not about dealing with things alone – staying connected with people matters. And self-care can give you a boost in dealing with schizophrenia. Here are some tips to try: If someone you’re close to has schizophrenia, supporting them plays a huge role in helping them deal with it. Just being there and showing you love them goes a long way. But don’t stress about fixing everything – that’s not on you. - Learn about schizophrenia They might find it hard to explain or open up about what’s happening. But taking the time to learn about schizophrenia can make you a better ally. It also lets them know you care and want to help. - Ask what they need When in doubt, asking is the best place to start. It might be day-to-day things like shopping, GP appointments or helping with homework. Even a check-in text or spending time together can make all the difference. - Listen without judgement Even if you don’t understand it, respect that their reality is real to them. Give them space to talk about what’s happening and reassure them that you’ve got their back. - Help lift their spirits If they're feeling low or not their best, remind them of their strengths and encourage them to get back into doing what they love. But patience is key – they need to move at their own pace. - Find ways of communicating If talking is tough, find creative ways to chat. You could try using traffic light cards for them to show you how they’re feeling: green for good, yellow for so-so, and red for a tough time. It’s a quick way for them to share without going into detail. - Plan for the rough patches When they feel good, talk about what helps them when times get tough. They can write down any symptoms to look out for, triggers, and if there’s anything you can do to help. Real stories about schizophrenia If you're struggling right now, you don't have to go through this alone. Here are some places where you can get help and support. More information and advice  **This page was reviewed in March 2024.** **It was co-created by young people with lived experience of schizophrenia.** **We will next review the page in 2027.** **YoungMinds is a proud member of PIF TICK – the UK's quality mark for trusted health information.**