Claire is fifteen years old and was recently diagnosed with schizophrenia. She told us what it was like not knowing what was wrong at first and how she's now coping with the disorder. Here's her story...
Claire's Story
According to my Mama, I have always been different. As a child I was difficult to control and understand, but not in the "cute", normal childlike way you'd probably imagine. I would start randomly crying and shouting and no one ever knew why.
When I grew older and into my teenage years, I got a lot worse and started experiencing what on the surface looked like mood swings, but underneath was something much more.
What was happening to me?
I began to feel depressed and lonely all the time; something that wasn't helped by the fact that I was bullied at school for being "strange." I found it impossible to concentrate and I would even slip into different voices and act like different people; I didn't know what was happening to me.
“I heard voices that were as familiar to me as any real ones”
I started hearing people call my name when no-one was. I would sort of "leave the world" and go into a kind of trance where I wasn't myself, but a totally different person, around totally different people. I heard voices that were as familiar to me as any real ones. Some were very friendly and like mates to me, but others called me names and criticised me. It was hard to cope with and people really noticed me acting odd.
Things didn't get better
Of course, this behaviour only made the bullying worse and I was now offically "that freak girl." People called me weird and no-one understood me at all. Even the teachers thought I was just lazy and childish.
I was tired all the time. I never spoke to anyone, and pretty much just sat in my room all day. I couldn't sleep or eat and things got so bad, I even began to smell or see things that weren't there.
Mama got really worried and kept taking me to the doctors: we both just wanted to know what was wrong. Eventually they got to the bottom of it. It turned out, I had schizophrenia.
*Some names may have been changed.
Page 2 of 2
Mixed Feelings
When I was diagnosed with schizophrenia, everything just made sense to me. I didn't know how to react to the news: it was a relief to know what was wrong, but I was also very worried, since schizophrenics are always mocked: on TV, in films, on the street and at school.
Moving Forward
I needn't have worried, though. If anything, it's made people sympathise with me because they know what I'm going through. Things are already starting to look up.
The biggest shock of all was yet to come: it turns out that my dad is also a schizophrenic! I look at the way he has led a pretty much normal life and this gives me so much hope. I'm filled with admiration for him and feel stronger and more positive about life.
“Things are already starting to look up”
Helping Myself
To help with my disorder I go to therapy. Whilst this has helped me no end, what I've really learned through all of this is that the best help you can truly get is from yourself. I know I'm not the only one suffering from this - about one in every 100 people suffer from schizophrenia at some point in life and many of these people live normal, stable lives. As school continues to get better and I learn to cope with and control my disorder, I know I'll be one of those people.
Slink says: You can find out loads more about schizophrenia, along with advice and links to other useful websites on the Radio One Surgery advice pages.
Remember, 1 in every 4 people suffer a mental health problem and if you're one of them, you're not alone. Check out Mind for help and support groups in your area, and make sure you talk about how you're feeling with friends, family and charities like Childline.
Pictures posed by models.
Your comments
lilliie, 16
i think your really brave and things will look up and i just wish u dah best of luck..x
Liam, 16
ive been through exactly what you have, so i can only say things will look up :) things will get easier for you. but keep strong x
megan, 11
hi i wanned to say that i'm glad that your happy it soundded like you were really miserable before and im glad that school has started to get better luv meg x
Kate, 15
I'm glad to hear that you're able to cope with your disorder, it's not very often that you hear some good news from a mental disorder - my dad was diagnosed with Paranoid Schizophrenia when he was around his late teens I think and I know it has affected him his entire life so I wish you all the best.
chanelle, 16
i had mental health probs too and still have and ye its tough but everyones uneique and uv just gota learn to work with what youve got xx
Tayhla, 14
i'm glad u finally found out what was happening to you and i am sorry that people were horrible to you, its great that u know u can live a normal life even with a mental illness. Ur an inspiration!
Tina, 14, 14
wow you're so brave i admire people like you. . . i was curently diagnosed with dispraxia and now suddenly people are ignoring me ...i keep telling them it's a hand problem you can't catch it but they all act like ive got leprosy but recently i met great freinds who have helped me through it all xxx your story is one to be admired
Sian, 17
Wow, Reading That Story Is Just Inspirational To Me, Im Currently Doing A Course At Centre I Go To As I Want To Work With People Who Suffer From Schizophrenia. And I Think You Are A Very Strong Girl To Have Gone Through This So Young, And To Continue Living A Normal Life As Some People Back Out And Hide Away, You Are A Very Strong Girl And I Wish You All The Best. x
Jordann , 14
i admire your story and feel sorry for you i hope your life gets better you are reeli strong person well done! xx
Sammie, 13
Aww, glad things are finally looking up for you! My aunt has schizophrenia and it is really hard to see her acting differently, luckily if you get it sorted at a young age things you will have an exellent future ahead of you!! Hope things go well for you! x
Rachael, 14
Wow good for you getting on with your life- u r so brave. Now u + ur Dad can support each other. Good luck xx
Lizzie, 15
Wow, well done, I know I can't say I know what your goin thru, but we've all felt secluded at some point in our lives and its just good 2 no sum1s there 2 help :)
