
BY: Dr. Prerna Kohli
Depression: It is Real!
We have recently lost two very famous celebrities, Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, to suicide. Similarly, we have lost many famous people who committed suicide including Robbin Williams and Chester Bennington. This shows the severity of the illness, which is ignored by many and shrugged by others. Depression. It is real and takes away everything from us.

Most of the people are aware of what depression is, yet we are ready to ignore what is lost. Sometimes, it comes hidden inside our smiles, and sometimes behind the silence. We become aware and unaware at the same time and close our eyes and wish it will go away. But, it doesn’t. We wish for riches, we wish for fame, for love but even when we receive them we are not able to grab hold of the happiness we wish for.
Depression comes in various forms and it engulfs us.
Few of the common symptoms of depression are:
Lack/Excess of Sleep:
A person who is suffering from depression will start exhibiting insomnia or hypersomnia. That is, the person will not be able to sleep at all or, will be sleeping too much.

Loss of Interest:
The person will lose interest in all the activities he/she loved to do. Hence, the person will not be able to take interest or pleasure in the activities they used to love.
Change in Appetite:
Depression takes away everything, including our desire to eat. Or, in the other extreme, we start eating too much. Thus, gaining or losing a lot of weight.
Irritability:
There is a constant irritability with-in the person. The person is not able to understand what is exactly happening with them. Hence, when someone starts questioning them they start becoming irritable. They are not able to handle all the questions inside them. They will start crying without reason or start getting angry.
Thoughts of Suicide and Death:
The thoughts of the person keep revolving around suicide and death. They become obsessed with those thoughts, and even in some cases they even try and commit suicide. They feel that there is no need for their existence.
The above symptoms should not be overlooked.
The person is maybe trying to say something, we need to be there to listen to the person.

In today’s time, we are indulged in social media and news of someone passing away affect minds and provides the extra push everyone is looking for. It is noted that after the suicide of Robin Williams, the suicide rate increased to 50% more. We need to understand that suicide is not the solution.
Also, suicide is not easy. It takes a lot of courage, it drains out all the energy of the person to just make one decision. But, as mentioned it should never be the answer.
We need to start taking steps, start acknowledging. Depression doesn’t look if you have money or fame or anything. It needs to be de-stigmatized. It is something we need not run away from, but something we need to acknowledge. A simple question, “how are you?” or “are you fine?” may do wonders for many. It doesn’t matter if the person is posting 100 photos on Instagram every day or appearing on TV shows or movies, it can be anyone.
In today’s fast-paced life, we have put on so many masks. Waiting. For someone to take off those masks. Be the person to remove those masks, provide help and if need, ask for help or seek help. Thus, if you or someone you know is suffering from depression, please seek professional help immediately. Remove the stigma. Win the Fight against Depression!

BY: Dr. Prerna Kohli
Tips on Controlling Binge Eating Disorder
Emotional eating or binge eating disorder is one of the most common yet unnoticed illness. It is more prevalent in the urban cities where people are tensed and stressed due to their work. In this, the person eats large amounts of food while not being able to control self which makes the person feels depressed.

It becomes a cycle for the person not being able to control oneself. It starts with feelings of deprivation which engages an overwhelming urge to eat. The person starts eating and then is unable to stop eating, thus binge eating. After which, the person feels depressed and ashamed, where the person decides to maintain a diet. But, soon after the person starts feeling deprived again and the cycle starts again.
Hence, to control binge eating, below are few tips:
Avoid Temptations:
Firstly, it is because of temptations we are inclined towards eating or binge eating. Hence, it is important for a person to avoid temptations from their surroundings. Thus, removing junk food and unhealthy snacks from different places is the first step.

Listen to your Body:
Mostly when we are binge eating we are listening to our emotional needs. Hence, it is important to listen to your body and when you are hungry. There is a clear distinction between when you are actually feeling hungry and when there is an emotional craving. Thus, if you have just eaten and you feel like eating again, it is most probably because it is your emotional craving.
Maintain Schedule:
Most of the times we binge eat when we skip meals or don’t have a fixed schedule. Hence, it is important for the person to maintain a proper schedule where the timings of the breakfast, lunch and dinner are fixed. Also, the person has to maintain the schedule and follow the schedule.

Have healthy Fat:
It is a common misconception that eating fat will make you binge more. It is just unhealthy fat which makes you crave more. If you keep your food full of healthy fat, you will feel satisfied and full.
Fight Boredom:
Most of us have a snack when we feel we are bored. Hence, it is important to distract yourself when you are feeling bored. Thus, you might indulge yourself in different activities, or new hobbies to fight boredom. You can start drawing, reading or talking to friends to avoid boredom.

Mindful Eating:
When we are binge eating, we start eating our food mindlessly. Thus, not able to savour the food we are eating. Hence, it is important to have your meals slowly while savouring them. Thus, doing this will help you enjoy the food more and you will automatically eat less.
Binge eating disorder is a very serious mental health condition. If you or someone you know is suffering from this illness, then please visit a mental health professional immediately.

BY: Dr. Prerna Kohli
7-Tips to Deal with Holiday Homework Stress
In most of the cases, Students of any age group, look forward to one thing and that is Holidays. Be it summer vacations or winter vacations. But, to disrupt their happiness comes to the holiday homework. There is an overwhelming gloom around them and they are not able to enjoy the happiness they feel. Hence, they start facing homework stress from the first day of their vacations.

Till the vacations are about to get over, the stress increases a lot and most of the students aren’t able to complete their work. Hence, adding more to the stress.
Thus, below are few tips to deal with homework stress:
1. Create a Schedule:
Most of the websites and books will guide you to create a schedule, but it becomes difficult to actually maintain it. But, as mundane it sounds, keeping a schedule helps you to do your homework as well as play and enjoy your vacations. Hence, create a schedule which includes a homework time as well as sleep and plays time.

2. Start Early:
When the holidays start, we often tend to procrastinate thinking we have a lot of time in our hands. But, soon the time flies away and we end up cramping two months work in one week. Hence, increasing the stress we feel. Thus, the best option is to start early. We think that starting early will interrupt our playtime. But, if we maintain our schedule we will be able to include our homework every day as well as our playtime.
3. Ask Questions:
More often than not, we are not able to understand a question given to us. Hence, it invokes our procrastinating behaviour. We start postponing the question and the work. The best way to get over the question is to ask the question from your parents as well as your teachers. Once the question is explained and understood by you, you will be able to answer the question very easily.

4. Organize a Group:
Studying alone is stressful in itself. It is easily distracting for us as we are constantly checking our mobile phones or watching on our laptops and TVs. Hence, the best option is to organize a homework group. In this, you can call your school friends and start doing the homework together. This way, you will be able to deal with the distractions and will be able to do your homework while enjoying.
5. Eat Healthily:
When the holidays start, every student tends to eat a lot of junk food. But, it is very important to eat healthily. Eating junk food once in a while is ok, but on a regular basis leads to a lot of problems. Having healthy eating habits directly affects the mind. What we eat affects our moods, memory and emotions. Hence, eating healthy is very important to deal with the stress and be able to achieve the work you are trying to achieve.

6. Relax:
Holidays are for relaxing; hence it is important to take time to relax. Also, if you especially take time out to relax you will see that the procrastinating behaviour has reduced a lot. Relaxing gives your mind a space to think as well as refresh yourself. Hence, it is important to set aside a time to relax.
7. Get a Good Night Sleep:
As the time to relax is important, it is also important to get proper sleep. Set a schedule for sleeping, because we often tend to oversleep or under-sleep during our holidays. A good night’s rest helps your mind to refresh, recharge and reboot. Thus, helping you to start the next day enthusiastically and productively.
All the above tips will help you to deal with homework stress. Thus, making your holidays enjoyable as well as productive. But, if you still face a lot of stress due to homework or for any other reason you can always reach out to a counsellor.

BY: Dr. Prerna Kohli
Kleptomania – The Unstoppable Desire to Steal!
Sometimes we have witnessed people, either in television or real life, where people are stealing things. The things the person steals are not of value or sometimes even of use, but yet they steal those things. This particular condition is known as kleptomania.

Definition
Kleptomaniacs derive thrill and pleasure out of stealing these things. The objects they steal are of little or no value at all. Also, after they have stolen the objects they either discard it, hoard it or even give it away. Kleptomania involves a lot of tension before stealing and a certain pleasure and gratification after they have stolen the object.
Also, kleptomaniacs do not steal the objects after a well-planned heist. It is in the moment they feel they want to steal and hence, they answer to their impulses. A person who is suffering from this condition doesn’t steal because of hallucination or personality disorder or conduct behaviour. They steal because they work according to their impulse. But, after they have stolen the object, they feel an insufferable amount of guilt and even depression.

Symptoms:
As mentioned earlier, people who are suffering from kleptomania are working according to their impulse. The objects they steal are not planned or even of monitory value. Kleptomania is different from shoplifting, as shoplifting involves a planned procedure. Shoplifters pick up objects because of their financial situation. But, Kleptomaniacs work according to their impulse. Thus, below are the symptoms of kleptomania:
Impulses:
They are unable to control their impulses constantly. Thus, making them steal every time their impulse tells them.
Tension:
Before they are about to steal anything, their tension level increases. Hence, acting according to their impulse to control their tension.

Feelings During:
At the time of the theft, they start feeling a certain kind of gratification and relief. Thus, helping them to control their tension.
No relation to Psychosis:
Kleptomaniacs do not have symptoms of psychosis. That is hallucinations or expressions of revenge or anger or even antisocial personality. As mentioned, it is an impulse.
Kleptomania is not a very common mental health issue, but it is still prevalent. It can occur at any age, to children, adolescents or even late adulthood. Also, the reasons for kleptomania can be many, and most of the time it occurs with other mental health issues like depression, bipolar or OCD.
But, it is curable with psychotherapy and medication. Hence, if you or someone you know is suffering from this disorder, then please visit a mental health professional immediately.

BY: Dr. Prerna Kohli
Ways to Help Someone Overcome Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol addiction affects both personal and professional lives of people. It hinders with the person’s family as well as friends. But, it comes down to the person only when he/she wants to actually stop alcohol addiction. But, the loved ones can still take certain measures to at least highlight the problems. Thus, helping them in their fight with addiction.

Hence, below are few ways to help someone overcome Alcohol Addiction:
Communicate:
It’s very important for you to communicate with your loved one who is the addict. If you are concerned about the person the only way to let them know is to have a conversation with them. It may be difficult for both of you, but it is necessary. Hence, with proper and concrete examples you can let the person realise the damage it is doing. If the person understands your concerns then it will be the first step.
The Underline Cause:
Most of the time, people drink because there are some other reasons behind. These reasons can be depression, anxiety, fear etc. Hence, it is important for you to make them comfortable to talk about these reasons. But, you shouldn’t accuse them of their problem or not judge them. You should listen and acknowledge the issue gently and understand it with empathy.

No Ultimatums:
Often when we try to confront someone with addiction we have a tendency to provide them with ultimatums. But, a person who is an addict will always choose alcohol over the ultimatums. This happens because the ultimatums will increase their stress, hence they will start drinking more. Instead of ultimatums, you can provide them with solutions or programs that you think will help them recover.
Present with Resources:
One of the most difficult steps is the first step in stopping any kind of addiction. The person doesn’t know where to start with. Hence, it is important for you to help them take the first step. You can either enrol them in different programs or group therapy sessions. Also, you can make them meet people you know who have successfully quit any kind of addiction. Thus, by using your own resources you can present them with different resources for the first step.

Don’t Drink Around them:
It is important for you to not drink around them, especially when you have voiced your concerns. It will give them mixed signals along with wanting them to drink more. Also, they might think that your concerns were not meaningful. Thus, they will resume their habit.
Tough Love:
It is difficult for anyone to show tough love. But, it is necessary. Instead of defending them in situations and bailing them out you need to show a boundary. Hence, making them understand what they are doing is harming themselves and others around them. Also, if you constantly keep helping them with their daily chores which they can do themselves, they will always stay dependent on alcohol. This behaviour is also known as enabling them. Hence, instead of enabling them one needs to show some tough love.

Continue to Be Supportive:
It is always a tough battle against an addiction. Sometimes it takes years to fully recover from it. But, if you show that you have stopped caring about them they will understand it and stop the process. Hence, it is important to be supportive of the person throughout. If the person receives proper care and support throughout the period, then the person will be able to recover faster.
Alcohol addiction is a long battle within oneself and the people around them. If you or someone you know is an addict then along with the above steps please take them to a mental health professional immediately.

BY: Dr. Prerna Kohli
7 Ways to Cope After a Break-up
Falling in love or entering into a relationship is a beautiful experience in itself. But, it hurts a lot when the other breaks-up. A recent study has shown that break-ups in teenagers and young adults are one of the biggest reasons for depression in them. Sometimes, it even leads to suicide as the emotional bond breaks.

Going through a break-up puts a lot of physical and mental stress to the person. Breaking up means destroying an emotional bond, and an attachment which the person has actually made and worked for. A certain intimacy is generated between the couple which is destroyed in an instant. But, that intimacy is not easily removed from the mind. It leaves behind an emotional trace, which needs to be healed.
Hence, below are 7 ways to cope up post break-up:
1. Write it:
One of the best ways is to write it down. Suppression of one’s emotions is the most normal response one takes. But, it is not a normal response to fall back to. One needs to feel the emotions, and there are a lot of emotions one feels during a break-up. Expressing one’s anger, sadness, loneliness, feelings of rejection and writing them down, helps with coping. Hence, writing your feelings without any judgement helps a lot.

2. Eat Right:
After a break-up, we start to change our eating patterns. A revenge mode comes up, or we start to eat a lot. Thus, eating our feelings or punishing ourselves. Hence, it is important to eat a proper well-maintained diet, without changing our dietary schedules. Eating a protein-rich and high fibre diet helps in elevation of mood. Indulging in junk food or skipping meals will harm your body a lot.
3. Exercise:
After a break-up, there is a tendency to sit at home and cry a lot or wallow in sadness. Or, another reaction which happens is to over-exercise. But, both of these coping mechanisms damage your own health. Post break up, it is important to do good cardio exercises. This way, your body is in motion and the mind is getting refreshed. Also, exercising releases certain chemicals which lowers body stress levels.

4. Focus on the Positives:
When someone goes through a loss, there are a lot of emotions which one goes through. But, most of these emotions are negative. Thus, making it difficult to focus on the positive emotions, hence restricting your view and perspective to only the negatives. The best way to focus on the positives is to keep a “positive journal”. In the journal, you can write things which actually happened positive for you that day. At the start, you might have to think very hard, but slowly the negatives will lift off, and it will become easier for you to focus on the positives.
5. Do thinks YOU love to do:
It is hard to resume things you loved to do post-breakup. But, it is important to resume them. Indulging in things you liked to do, will start making you feel happy. It can be going out with your friends for a cup of coffee, or even binge-watching a comedy TV show with your friends. Laughing and self-care will help you cope up with your emotions better. Thus, doing things you love to do will help you love yourself.

6. Use a “Timer” to Rant:
It is natural after a break-up that you start thinking about your ex or constantly talk about them to your friends for months or weeks. Thus, finding the obsession with their thoughts uncontrollable. But, it can be stopped. To stop it, you can set aside a particular “timer” for yourself. This time can be 5 minutes a day or 10 minutes a day. In this time, you can talk or rant or write all you want to talk about your ex, but when the timer goes out, you need to say yourself stop. After this, you will tell yourself that now you will talk about the person tomorrow. Then, slowly over time reducing the timer. Hence, helping yourself getting over obsessive thoughts about them.
7. Give to Others:
Helping others and giving back to others makes us feel better about ourselves. Thus, helping us find our own self-worth and smile. Thus, one of the best ways to cope up after a break-up is to give others and present others with your love.
Sometimes, these things are not enough and the world feels a very sad place. After going through a break-up, symptoms of depression might come up. Hence, if you or your friend seems to be going through a break-up and you want someone to talk to, you can always choose counselling and therapy as an option.

BY: Dr. Prerna Kohli
Tips on What to Say to a Sexual Abuse Victim
Opening up about going through sexual abuse as a child or as an adult is very difficult. But, if someone is opening up about it to you, then you need to understand that the person is putting an immense amount of trust in you. Hence, it is important that you listen to them.

But, then the question arises, “What should I say to them?”
Hence, below are few tips on what to say to a sexual abuse victim:
Believe them:
It is already very difficult for the person to share this experience. But, when they do, most people don’t believe them. Hence, it is very important to believe what they are saying and sharing with you. You can simply say, “I believe you” if you are not able to find any words.

Acknowledge Them:
It is a very traumatic event for the victims. Thus, it takes double the amount of courage to fight their feelings of guilt and shame and talk about you. You should always acknowledge their courage and appreciate them for opening up. Hence, you could say to them, “I understand, it took a lot of courage from you to tell me about it”.
Remind them It’s Not their Fault:
The victims of sexual abuse have a tendency to blame themselves. They will constantly run the scenario in their head and think if they had not done the thing they have done. Hence, it is up to you to constantly remind them and tell them that it’s not their fault. It is never their fault, instead, it is the fault of the perpetrator and no one else’s. You can reassure them by saying, “It’s not your fault”, or “You didn’t do anything wrong“.
Appreciate their decision:
As mentioned earlier, it takes a lot of courage for them to trust someone. Hence, you should appreciate their decision that it is you they have decided to share with. Hence, you should be able to empathise with them and understand the horrific experience they have gone through. You can say, “I am here for you and I care about you, and ready to help in any way I can”.

Communicate Empathy:
People who are opening up to you are not seeking sympathy or your opinion. Hence, it is very important to empathise with them. They should know that you are able to understand them, rather than judging them. You can say, “This must be really tough for you” or “I understand what you are going through and thank you for sharing it with me and trusting me”.
While talking to someone who is sharing anything, it is very important that you provide an empathetic ear rather than judging them. Also, if you really care for them, then it is important that you support them in their decisions. But, if you feel they need professional help, you should encourage them to seek professional help.
Hence, if you or someone you know is facing mental health illnesses because of sexual abuse, please consult a mental health professional immediately.

BY: Dr. Prerna Kohli
About: Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless Leg Syndrome or RLS is a very common neurological disorder of the leg. A lot of people happen to suffer from this without even knowing or understanding what is happening. In RLS the person starts facing an uncontrollable urge to move their legs, which is due to an uncomfortable sensation.

Restless Leg typically happens during evening or night time, when the person is trying to rest by sitting or lying down. Hence, moving the leg helps in temporary relief. It can happen to anyone of any age, regardless of gender. Also, it can worsen as the person starts ageing. In extreme cases, it can also cause insomnia.
Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome:
Along with the general urge to move the leg and uncomfortable feeling, below are few other symptoms of restless leg syndrome:
Sensations of Leg:
The sensations in the leg usually happen after a period of rest. That is when someone is sitting for a long time or lying down.
Movement Gives Relief:
A person who is suffering from RLS experiences relief from the sensations when the person starts moving their leg. Hence, walking, jiggling your legs, pacing or pacing reduces the irritation.

Worsens in the Evening:
The symptoms usually start getting worse during the evening and night time.
Leg Twitching in Night:
This symptom is often overlapped with another condition known as periodic limb movement of sleep, which makes your leg to twitch or kick throughout the night.
People experiencing this syndrome often are unable to describe the feeling they face. It is not muscle cramps or numbness in the leg but an uncomfortable sensation. However, the sensations occur in the arms very less.
People who face this often describe these feelings as:
- Creeping
- Crawling
- Throbbing
- Pulling
- Itching
- Electric
- Aching
People often complain of a desire to move their legs. Also, it is very common that these symptoms disappear for a period of time and then come back again.

The causes for this syndrome are yet many, hence it can happen due to many reasons. It can range from the weakening of nerves, hereditary, pregnancy, excess smoking or even some serious diseases such as Parkinson’s disease. Also, in extreme cases, it can cause insomnia because of the uncontrollable sensations.
Most of the times people don’t visit doctors to get it checked because they think they will be ridiculed for it. But, it can be an indication of something serious. Hence, if you or someone you know is suffering from RLS, then please visit a professional immediately.

BY: Dr. Prerna Kohli
7 Tips if You are Suffering from Schizophrenia Illness
Fighting schizophrenia illness is difficult in itself. It is a very serious illness, and it requires immediate treatment. But, along with treatment, it is necessary to self-care. Treatment can only help a person to a limit. But, self-care and support help the person to recover faster and stay in better shape.

Hence, below are 7 self-help tips if you are suffering from Schizophrenia Illness:
1. Social-Support:
Keeping yourself socially engaged is one of the most important things. Social support doesn’t only limit to family and friends. But, it also means to engage yourself with activities and other people. Engaging and having social support will help in reduction of stress. If you are not able to join your work, then engage yourself in different modes and mediums which help you keep engaged with others. Also, having a social support will make you feel good about yourself.

2. Control Your Stress:
Increased stress levels release chemicals into your body which triggers schizophrenic episodes. Hence, it is important to manage your stress levels. Apart from engaging yourself socially, you can manage stress by doing relaxation techniques or engaging yourself with yoga, meditation or deep breathing.
3. Regular Exercise:
It is a well-known fact that exercise has many physical and mental benefits. Hence, it is important to keep yourself indulged in exercise daily. It is shown that regular exercise helps in controlling the symptoms. Hence, it is important to exercise daily for at least 30 minutes. You can engage yourself with three 10 minutes sessions. Also, focus on exercises which engage both your arms and legs, like, walking, jogging, running, dancing, swimming etc.

4. Plenty of Sleep:
It is important to get more sleep than the required 8 hours, especially when you are on medication. Many people who are suffering from schizophrenia have too much difficulty in sleeping. But, if the person is engaging in regular exercise, and avoid caffeine, then it is possible to get the desired amount of sleep.
5. Avoid Alcohol, Drugs and Nicotine:
Substances might seem like a relief object, but in reality, it interferes with the chemicals which are being secreted. Also, there is always a risk of addiction to the substances, which can complicate the situation more. Moreover, if you are on medication, then substances, including nicotine, can worsen the symptoms of schizophrenia.

6. Eat Regular and Healthy Meals:
Proper and timely meals can elevate your moods and keep a check on the symptoms. Hence, it is important to have proper meals. Also, remember to include Omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. It helps to improve focus, remove fatigue as well as helps in stabilizing the mood.
7. Write:
Writing helps in keeping the mind in control as well as handling all the thoughts which are going inside your head. Also, it helps in stress management. Hence, writing out your thoughts and emotions in a diary will help you understand yourself better as well as help you in your cognitive activities.
As mentioned earlier, schizophrenia is a very serious mental illness. The above tips can only help if you are already in treatment and trying to get better. Hence, if you or someone you know is suffering from schizophrenia then visit a mental health professional immediately.

BY: Dr. Prerna Kohli
About Schizophrenia
We have all heard the term, “Schizophrenia”, but few of us really know about this illness. Schizophrenia is a very challenging disorder, where it becomes difficult for people to distinguish between reality and what is unreal. A person who is suffering from this illness, goes through a heap of emotions, without even being able to understand those emotions. Also, it becomes more of a difficult task for the caretaker of that person, to really understand what is happening.

Thus, to fully understand what the illness about is, below are few warning signs for the illness:
- Social Withdrawal and Depression
- Suspicion and Hostility with extreme reactions towards criticism
- Un-healthy living and personal hygiene being deteriorated.
- Mostly and expressionless and flat gaze
- Inability to express any kind of emotion or sudden expressions of laughter or crying
- Insomnia or Hypersomnia with forgetfulness and not being able to concentrate
- Speaking very odd or irrational statements. Thus, using strange words or statements.
These signs can occur from numerous mental health issues, but it is important to heed onto these warning signs. Hence, if any of the above signs are shown, please visit a mental health professional immediately.

Once we are aware of the warning signs of schizophrenia, it is also important to know and understand the symptoms.
Thus, below are the symptoms of Schizophrenia:
Broadly speaking, there are five types of symptoms which are included in schizophrenia. Delusion, Hallucination, Disorganized Behaviour, Disorganized Speech and the “Negative” Symptoms. All these symptoms vary from person to person. Thus, it is not important the person will show all the symptoms. Also, these symptoms can evolve or change over time.
1. Delusion:
It is a firm “idea” inside a person’s head despite clear evidence that it is not true. Over 90% of people who are suffering from Schizophrenia reflect this symptom. Below are types of delusions a person can have:
- Persecution: In this, the person believes that someone is out to harm them. The person will have bizarre thoughts and ideas about what is going to happen.
- Reference: In this, the person believes that people are always trying to refer to them. Even when the person sees a billboard or a TV advertisement, the person will believe it is about them only.
- Grandeur: In this, the person has a strong belief that they are a very strong, powerful and famous person. The person can believe that they are Krishna or any other godly figure. Also, sometimes the person can believe that they have superhuman abilities.
- Control: In this, the person believes that their thoughts are being controlled by someone else. The most common beliefs in control are, thought broadcasting, thought insertion or thought withdrawal.

2. Hallucination:
When a person is hallucinating, they are able to feel, hear, smell or even see sensations which are not real. Thus, it is only in their mind. Mostly, what people hallucinate are about person’s who they know. Also, these voices or sensations will be critical, vulgar or abusive. Hallucinations can occur from any of the five senses, i.e., auditory, visual, touch, olfactory, or taste. These Hallucinations can tend to be worse when the person is left alone.
3. Disorganized Speech:
People suffering from Schizophrenia have difficulty in concentrating and maintain a single chain of thought. Thus, making them jump from one sentence to the other very quickly, or not making sense when they are speaking. Thus, below are few common signs of disorganized speech:
- Loose Association: The person will constantly shift from one topic to another, without any connection with the previous topic.
- Neologism: They will make up words or sentences which will have only meaning for them.
- Perseveration: They will keep repeating sentences or statements again and again. Hence, they will say the same thing over and over again.
- Clang: They will start using meaningless rhymes. For example, You are met with get to shed Ned with the head.

4. Disorganized Behaviour:
People who are suffering from Schizophrenia are unable to take care of themselves. Thus, they do not have any goal-directed behaviour and are unable to work with anyone else. Disorganized behaviour can appear as:
- Unable to do daily work
- Inappropriate emotional response or unpredictable emotional response
- Will show behaviour which is bizarre. Thus, a behaviour without any purpose.
- Unable to control their inhibitions and impulses.
5. “Negative” Symptoms:
Negative symptoms are those behaviours which a normal person exhibits but, a person suffering from schizophrenia is unable to show. These behaviours can include:
- Lack of Expressions of Emotions: They will not show any emotions on their face. Moreover, they will have a very flat voice and lack eye contact. Thus, having a blank face.
- Lack of Interest: The person will start losing interests in activities they used to like. Also, they will be unable to self-care and will not be able to motivate themselves. Along with, people being unable to motivate them.
- Losing interest in their surroundings: They will start losing as well as caring about their environment. Thus, leading to a complete social withdrawal.
- Difficulty in Speech and Other Abnormalities: They will have one monotone when speaking to someone. Also, they will not be able to answer or connect to the replies they are giving.

It is still unknown why Schizophrenia happens, it includes environmental as well as genetic causes. But, it is very important to receive proper treatment as soon as possible. It is a common myth that schizophrenia cannot be treated. But, it can be cured. Hence, if you or someone you know is suffering from Schizophrenia, then please consult a professional immediately.