Schizophrenia symptoms often appear suddenly in young adults, disrupting education, relationships, and daily functioning. For Henry Cockburn, the onset of schizophrenia initially felt like pure common sense.
In February 2002, the 20-year-old art student left the University of Brighton in search of a magical life outside the city. His goal was to take a barefoot 70-mile (113 kilometers) walk back to his childhood home in Canterbury.
But just 15 miles into his journey, he heard planes overhead and became convinced that “an evil force knew I had left.” Believing he was being followed, he jumped into the freezing waters of the Newhaven Estuary to escape. Fishermen rescued him moments before he lost consciousness from hypothermia.
After hospitalization, doctors diagnosed him with schizophrenia. That marked the beginning of nearly eight years in and out of psychiatric institutions.
What is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is one of the most recognized yet misunderstood mental health disorders. Affecting about 24 million people worldwide (0.32% of the global population), it is a chronic brain disorder characterized by:
- Psychosis (loss of contact with reality)
- Delusions (false beliefs)
- Hallucinations (perceiving things that are not real)
- Disorganized thinking and speech
- Lack of motivation and social withdrawal
The schizophrenia symptoms usually emerge in early adulthood, often disrupting education, relationships, and career paths.
Henry Cockburn recalls, “I saw it as more of a spiritual awakening and not paranoid schizophrenia. I was cross and angry, like, ‘Why can’t people understand me?’”
Why Schizophrenia is Misunderstood
The name itself contributes to confusion. Coined in 1908 by Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler, “schizophrenia” comes from the Greek words schizo (“split”) and phrene (“mind”). This has wrongly led many to believe it means “split personality,” confusing it with dissociative identity disorder (DID).
Stigma further complicates understanding. Society often views people with schizophrenia as dangerous, homeless, or violent. In reality, most individuals are more likely to harm themselves than others. Misuse of the term “schizo” in everyday language also reinforces stereotypes.
Experts emphasize that recognizing schizophrenia symptoms early and providing treatment can help patients recover and live fulfilling lives.
Causes and Risk Factors
Schizophrenia arises from a mix of genetic, biological, and environmental factors:
- Brain development issues during adolescence or early adulthood
- Genetics and family history
- Pregnancy complications (e.g., preeclampsia, prolonged labor, low birth weight)
- Trauma and stress
- Substance use, especially cannabis during teenage years, when the brain is still developing
While cannabis is strongly associated with increased schizophrenia symptoms, experts debate whether it directly causes the disorder or simply triggers symptoms in vulnerable individuals.
Schizophrenia Symptoms
The symptoms of schizophrenia can be grouped into three categories:
Positive Symptoms (added experiences)
- Delusions
- Hallucinations (hearing voices, seeing things)
- Paranoia
Negative Symptoms (loss of normal functions)
- Lack of motivation
- Social withdrawal
- Emotional flatness
Cognitive Symptoms
- Poor concentration
- Disorganized speech
- Difficulty planning or making decisions
Henry often felt that birds and trees spoke to him, and sometimes saw snipers outside his hospital room. Such schizophrenia symptoms, while terrifying, are common among patients.
Treatment and Recovery
Although schizophrenia cannot be cured, it can be managed effectively with:
- Antipsychotic medications (reduce hallucinations and delusions)
- Psychological therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis (CBTp)
- Social skills training
- Support networks involving family, friends, and community resources
Treatment success depends on managing schizophrenia symptoms consistently. One major barrier is medication adherence, as some patients stop treatment due to side effects or lack of insight into their illness (anosognosia).
Henry Cockburn has managed to regain stability through a mix of CBT, medication, and counseling. He now lives with friends, continues to paint, and co-authored a memoir with his father, Henry’s Demons: A Father and Son’s Journey Out of Madness.
Henry’s Advice
“It sounds cheesy, but don’t give up,” Henry says. “Even in your darkest moments, there’s always someone looking out for you. You’re not alone.” Recognizing schizophrenia symptoms early can make recovery more manageable.
FAQs About Schizophrenia
Q1: Is schizophrenia the same as split personality disorder?
No. Schizophrenia involves psychosis, delusions, and disorganized thinking, while Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) involves two or more distinct identities caused by trauma.
Q2: What age does schizophrenia usually start?
Most cases begin between ages 15 and 25, though late-onset cases can occur, especially in women around menopause. Early detection of schizophrenia symptoms is key to treatment.
Q3: Can drug use cause schizophrenia?
Cannabis and other psychoactive substances may trigger schizophrenia symptoms in vulnerable individuals but are not the sole cause. Genetics and brain development play a larger role.
Q4: Can people with schizophrenia live normal lives?
Yes. With proper treatment and support, many individuals manage their schizophrenia symptoms, work, build relationships, and pursue careers.
Q5: Is schizophrenia dangerous?
People with schizophrenia are more likely to harm themselves than others. Recognizing schizophrenia symptoms and offering support reduces risks.
