Schizophrenia and Suicide

You can have schizophrenia and be happy. I’m doing well and managing my voices better. Doing things I like and following my psychiatrist’s advice is really helpful. Talking with a group of people who hear voices is also very liberating.

Serge

What are schizophrenia spectrum disorders?

The schizophrenia spectrum includes a number of disorders with similar causes and symptoms, including schizotypal personality disorder, delusional disorder, brief psychotic disorder, schizophreniform disorder, and schizophrenia.

Symptoms of schizophrenia spectrum disorders

The following symptoms may indicate the presence of a schizophrenia spectrum disorder:

Disinterest in human relationships and intense anxiety about intimacy
Superstitious beliefs
Delusions (ideas that are held despite evidence to the contrary)
Hallucinations
Disorganized speech (speech that doesn’t match the intended meaning)
Symptoms of depression (difficulty sleeping, sleeping longer than usual, loss of interest in usual activities, etc.)
Suicidal thoughts

Schizophrenia spectrum disorders and suicidal thoughts

People with schizophrenia spectrum disorders may have suicidal thoughts. If this is the case for you, consult the following sections:

01 Taking stock of your mental health

The first step toward taking back control is identifying what’s causing your suicidal thoughts.

Understand what I'm going through

02 Taking care of yourself

There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself and regain your balance when you’re having suicidal thoughts.

Find tools to help

03 Talking about it with your loved ones

Asking for help from your family and friends isn’t always easy. There are different ways of going about it.

Find ways to talk about it

04 Finding support services

Every day, all sorts of people contact support services to get the help they need.

Find help

Do you have a schizophrenia spectrum disorder?

Symptoms associated with schizophrenia spectrum disorders can be stabilized. If you have symptoms that correspond with these disorders, first call Info-Social at 811, option 2, to discuss your situation with a psychosocial worker and be referred, if necessary, to resources in your area that can provide support.

For an assessment and follow-up with a healthcare professional, consult a general practitioner (your family doctor, for example), a psychologist or contact your local CLSC.

Other resources can help people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

Find resources