Schizophrenia Hotline

Approximately 18.5% of the U.S. population lives with a mental health illness, and 1.1% suffer from schizophrenia.¹ Schizophrenia is defined as a chronic, disabling mental disorder with symptoms that may include delusions and both auditory and visual hallucinations. If left untreated, it can result in a number of negative effects such as an inability to form or maintain social relationships, keep a job, and perform day-to-day functions.²

If you or someone you know is battling schizophrenia, you can call a hotline for 24-hour private and confidential information and support.

What Questions Should I Ask?

If you are considering calling a schizophrenia helpline for support or answers, you can begin by asking the following questions:

• How do I know if what I’m experiencing is schizophrenia?
• Are my symptoms normal?
• Do I need to see a doctor?
• Does my insurance cover treatment for mental illness?
• What types of treatment do doctors use to treat schizophrenia?

The person who answers your call is trained to listen carefully, provide you with resources, and help you figure out what your next step might be.

If you are a loved one calling a schizophrenia crisis hotline for help, your questions may be a bit different and could include:

• How do I know if my loved one is schizophrenic?
• How do I talk to my loved one about schizophrenia?
• How do I validate their fears or concerns?
• How do I compassionately speak to them about what they are going through?

Should I Call a Schizophrenia Hotline?

You might be motivated to call a schizophrenia hotline for a number of reasons, including:

• If you are worried that your mental health is putting you in danger.
• You want more information about your mental, physical, or emotional health.
• You want to talk to someone about what you are going through.
• You need help finding treatment for your schizophrenia.
• You are not sure what the next step is in getting help and would like to ask someone for resources.
• You feel suicidal.

If you ever find yourself in a dangerous situation or you need immediate assistance, call 911 for emergency services.

If you are concerned about a loved one who you know has schizophrenia or you think might have schizophrenia, reaching out to a helpline can be extremely helpful for:

• Resources for you as a loved one.
• Learning how to talk to your loved one about seeking treatment.
• Learning how to set healthy boundaries.
• Understanding what medication or treatment approaches are used to treat schizophrenia.

Mental Health Information

Given the significant dangers some schizophrenia symptoms pose and their impact on many areas of your life, getting help as soon as possible is crucial. Schizophrenia is an extensively researched condition, and there are many resources available to help you learn more about how this mental illness affects people and what communities exist to support those who are living with it. Although there is no cure for schizophrenia, there are ways to learn how to treat it and manage the symptoms.

For educational and informational resources on mental health, these helplines are a great place to start:

• National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH): This is an excellent and reliable resource to learn more about schizophrenia. You can read about the associated signs and symptoms, as well as what medications and other therapies are commonly used in treatment.

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): 1-800-950-NAMI (6264). You can call this number any time for more information on mental health. The helpful staff can answer questions about local support groups, legal issues, programs to find jobs, symptoms of schizophrenia, and treatment options.

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): 1-800-662-HELP (4357). This national resource will route your call to the most appropriate local support services after you describe your issue.

• Mental Health America: You can visit this program’s website for more information about living with a mental illness.

Schizophrenia Hotlines

There are a number of schizophrenia hotlines designed specifically for people in a crisis situation. Calling may help you find a sense of relief and have your fears, feelings, or concerns heard and validated. Every person who struggles with schizophrenia has a different experience—when you call a helpline, you will get support from someone who understand what schizophrenia is, what you’re going through, and who can provide you with options on what you can do.

If you are having suicidal thoughts or think that you might harm yourself for others, call 911 immediately.  

If you would like to speak to someone about your experience with schizophrenia, these helplines can help you get started:

• Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America: 1-800-493-2094. This is a resource for people who are affected by schizophrenia.

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255). If you are having suicidal thoughts, call this number for immediate support.

• Crisis Text Line: Text CONNECT to 741741. You can connect with crisis counselors via text 24 hours a day.

Sources

1. National Alliance on Mental Illness. (n.d.). Mental Health By The Numbers.
2. National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Schizophrenia.

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