I Experienced a Schizophrenia Visual Hallucination

Hi, everyone! I’m Stephen, and in today’s video, my dad and I talk about my recent visual hallucination and the medical care we sought. I fell ill 12 years ago with treatment-resistant childhood-onset schizophrenia. I have not had any visual hallucinations for about ten years, until last month.
Schizophrenia, a complex and often misunderstood mental disorder, affects about 1% of the global population. One of the most striking and challenging symptoms of schizophrenia is visual hallucinations. These hallucinations can be deeply distressing, profoundly impacting a person's quality of life. This blog post aims to shed light on visual hallucinations in schizophrenia, exploring their nature, causes, and management strategies.
What are Visual Hallucinations?
Visual hallucinations are sensory experiences where an individual sees something that isn't there. These hallucinations can range from simple (seeing flashes of light) to complex (seeing people, objects, or elaborate scenes). Unlike delusions, which are false beliefs, hallucinations are false perceptions. People with schizophrenia may fully believe in the reality of what they're seeing, which can be both confusing and frightening.
Causes and Contributing Factors
The exact cause of visual hallucinations in schizophrenia is not entirely understood, but research suggests a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors. Abnormalities in the brain's processing of information and neurotransmitter imbalances, particularly involving dopamine, are believed to play a crucial role. Stress, lack of sleep, substance abuse, and medication side effects can also trigger or worsen hallucinations.
The Impact on Daily Life
Visual hallucinations can significantly disrupt daily life. They can cause fear, anxiety, and social withdrawal. The content of the hallucinations can be disturbing or distracting, making it difficult to concentrate, maintain employment, or carry out daily tasks. The stigma associated with schizophrenia and hallucinations can exacerbate isolation and discourage individuals from seeking help.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing schizophrenia and its symptoms, including visual hallucinations, typically involves a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. Treatment usually includes antipsychotic medications, which can help reduce hallucinations. Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can also be effective in managing symptoms and improving coping strategies.
Coping Strategies and Support
Coping with visual hallucinations involves both medical and psychosocial strategies. Individuals are encouraged to:
Seek Regular Medical Care: Regular check-ups with a mental health professional are crucial for managing symptoms.
Develop a Support Network: Support from family, friends, and support groups can provide emotional comfort and practical assistance.
Practice Stress-Reduction Techniques: Techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and regular physical activity can help manage stress, which may reduce the frequency or intensity of hallucinations.
Educate Themselves and Others: Understanding schizophrenia and educating those around them can reduce stigma and improve social support.
Conclusion
Visual hallucinations in schizophrenia present significant challenges, but with appropriate treatment and support, individuals can manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives. Ongoing research offers hope for better understanding and more effective treatments in the future. Society must foster an environment of learning and support, breaking down the barriers of stigma and misinformation surrounding schizophrenia.
Remember, schizophrenia is a complex condition, and each person's experience is unique. If you or someone you know is struggling with symptoms of schizophrenia, it's essential to seek professional help. With the proper support and treatment, managing these symptoms is possible.
Stay strong! With friendship, Stephen.
#schizophrenia #anxiety #mentalhealth #depression

[@karenhempfling9180]

Hi Stephen So sorry to hear you have been struggling recently. My son is 36 and he find the visual hallucinations very scary. You have many people praying for you and sending hope your way. Keep the faith.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you for sharing. I greatly appreciate it. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@ellamaria9547]

I was admitted to the psych ward in November. My symptoms were so bad but I’ didn’t realize. My biggest fear is losing myself, I can relate to the anxiety. Visual hallucinations are very scary! Thank you so much for sharing

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you for sharing Ella. I am sorry to hear that. I hope you are feeling better now. Thank you for all the support you have given me over the years. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day.

[@BeckyKay-m7v]

Oh Stephen, my heart goes out to you honey! How terrifying that must have been for you!!! I'm sooo very thankful you have an amazing team of doctors who are close by to help you whenever the time arises! And that you have such a supportive, loving father that is always by your side helping you sort out all of the emotions and stress of this illness! Have you given any more thought to opening a P.O Box so your subscribers can send you notes of well wishes?? I think it would be our small way of giving back to you since you're helping all of us by posting your videos on your channel!!! I'll be praying for you both ❤

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so very much! I will definitely give the PO Box more thought. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@tom-ss2mn]

I can tell that talking about it in this video was very difficult. Sorry your going thru this. Im glad your parents are with you to help you feel better

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much!

[@claudetteharden]

Thank you for breaking down stigmas and being a pioneer in changing how we educate people on living as an individual and in a family unit who supports someone with an SMI diagnoses. You are all very special! I have a 26 year old son who has the same diagnoses since age 14, and is still struggling with psychosis. I can relate to all of your content. and I truly appreciate your transparency.

[@claudetteharden]

I wanted to ask if you could share if you had any adjunct treatment added to your clozaril when you had your awakening…the clozaril is helping my son, Brian, but he is still having both positive and negative symptoms. The hallucinations and delusions are very debilitating…."

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much for your encouragement and support. It really means a lot to me. Thank you also for sharing about your son Brian. The adjunct treatment I had was Abilify at 5mg a day.

[@vickismith3290]

We are still here for you. Keep your stress low and keep up your walks. Thanks for sharing!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much, Vicki! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@loricole1299]

Sounds terrifying, I am glad it was brief and I hope you do not have another one of 10 more years, if ever!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much! That means a lot to me!

[@TraceyFougere]

You are an amazing educator.... I deeply respect the relationship you have with your Dad. ❤❤ I believe you are a valuable asset to medical science and humanity at large, so I support your efforts whole heartedly. KUDOS to you from a Canadian nurse... you ARE my HERO. 🦁

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much. Your comment means so much to me. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@benzapp1]

I'm really thrilled there are 558K subscribers. The Steves are doing a great job bringing more insight to this often misunderstood disorder.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much!

[@reneschroeder167]

We love you Stephen. Thank you for being you!

[@nnicolerae]

Hi Steven. Thank you for sharing this. You are so lucky to have such great support. Thank you for being so brave and articulate. ❤

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much! That means a lot to me. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@gracepattison5559]

Hello Steven and your dad. I hope you know how brave are! Not only the maturity you have in being able to share your experiences with this disease and how you are doing your best to live with it. Thankfully you have a great support system on this journey. I love how your dad loves you. I wish the best for you and your family.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much!

[@gaylagabriel3485]

Dear Stephen, You and your Dad produced a strong and informative video. I feel how this experience was unnerving and scary for and your parents! It’s a true gift to share this with your community. You continue to help others as you demonstrate your strong, honest and caring spirit! As someone who experienced many incidents with you over the years …. I feel so proud of the way you navigated through this scary and difficult one! Sending lots of support and love❣️🙌🏻🫶🏻🙏🏻

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much Gayla! That means a lot to me!

[@dragonfly1810]

You are very brave Stephen and so committed to your community. Your honesty and videos are so helpful to others. Thank you.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you! I really appreciate that!

[@LeslieJeanneJohnson]

Hi Stephen. I'm so glad you're willing to share with your audience your challenges as well as your successes as they happen. This gives a truer reflection of what it's like to live with schizophrenia from day to day, week to week, month to month, and year to year. I'm sure you're helping people who live with your condition to feel less alone when they see you, and sometimes your father, speak. You are giving us such a gift by sharing such intimate experiences. I hope you feel proud of yourself for having the strength to do this. I have a mental health condition and I'm not where you're at with sharing my experiences with others. I hope to make progress some day. I will look to you for strength. Keep on, keep on!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much for your kind comment and for your support! Also I appreciate you sharing about your struggles. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@Sound-Eater]

Aww, sad to hear that. My boyfriend has adhd and I have avpd. We often go through anxiety. Recently we started reading a book about dissociative disorders after trauma and there was one nice tip for calming down, which works for me in stressful situations, when, for example, there are too many people and I feel overwhelmed. It's about feeling in the present. First, you find 3 things around you that you can describe in three adjectives. Then three sounds you describe and three things you touch and describe their structure. This allows me to feel more at ease and feel that my surrounding is safe. The title of this book is Treating Trauma-Related Dissociation: A Practical, Integrative. I don't know if it can help in such situations, when a person sees or hears different things, but I once watched another video of an adult man with schizophrenia who was helped by holding stuffed animals, something you can touch and is pleasant. It's some kind of grounding and a sense of being in the present. I give you a big hug, Stephen. You are doing great despite all the difficulties. Don't give up 😊

[@witnessofchrist2524]

I'm glad you're better, Steven. Thank God you have loving and concerned caretakers. 👍🏾✌🏾

[@saba9363]

It has been a year and 9 months since my daughter diagnosed with schizophrenia, she’s seeing and hearing a very graphic things, as a parent it’s very hard to see your child suffer, but seeing your video gave me hope that one day my beautiful 20 years old daughter will be okay, I’m patiently waiting for Lord’ time

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you for sharing. I wish you and your daughter the very best,

[@toniaw2847]

Sending hugs, I can totally relate with it being had as a parent. My son is turning 20 and has auditory and visual hallucinations. It is so hard to watch him suffer. I'm very hopeful the clozapine he has started and dosing up is going to help.

[@fluctuatnecmergitor]

Thank you, Stephen. You continue to inspire by your open discussion of hard truths and difficult topics. The temptation to internalize this event must have been difficult to ignore, but your bravery and determination to do the best thing for your family and yourself shine through as a blessing, not only to you and yours but also to the medical community that learns, others who benefit from your experiences, and the world at large who strive to better understand and appreciate such eloquence and courage.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much!

[@jibberoverjava]

You two are so beautiful. Steven is so sweet and Dad is so loving. Such a good team. So nice of you both to so candidly help others to understand this better. Thank you both very much.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much! I really appreciate it! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@jibberoverjava]

@@SurvivingSchizophrenia 😊👍

[@jusapoet72]

Both of you are so loving and aware. With persistence, patience, courage, and compassion I've been able to let go of most delusions and almost all hallucinations have disappeared. Thank God for that. Stress triggers stuff for sure. I have to take great care with my brain and body now. But from 2019-2022 I was absolutely submerged in constant hallucinations and delusions. Things that I now know were never truly there. But when it's happening, there seemed no way to escape everything I was visualizing and thinking. And then the unintentional self-harm that resulted. I ate nothing but vitamins & sealed food for 2 yrs. Living with severe cortisol daily. No one thought I'd come back. But I'm awake now and so grateful. Sleep is essential. Self-kindness, patience, and a lot of Grace and prayer. Learning to play more too. And YES, talking about it makes it worse! I couldn't even speak to others for 2+yrs. I look back now on all my delusions & its so hard to even believe, what I believed and what I perceived. I have a Strong support system now. A lot of harm could've been prevented if I'd been around people who knew how to help. Stress, lack of sleep, self-neglect, are risky for sure. So grateful you have created this safe space where a new community can gather and share what works.

[@jibberoverjava]

@@jusapoet72 I'm so sorry to hear what you went through. My heart goes out to those who have schizophrenia. Two of my family members have it. When I was 10 and 11 I experienced really bad paranoia that made me hold still for 4 hours at a time while pouring sweat from fear that someone was trying to get inside the house to abduct me, I tried not to even let my chest move while trying to breath undetectabley, other times believing someone was inside the house hiding to jump out and harm me, at night it was dreams that wolves were hunting me. There was no day of rest from the severe paranoia. Finally, I had a nervous breakdown and my mom put me in therapy but while the breakdown eased it a good deal, I wasn't over the secrecy or shame. It gradually subsided and I could plainly see that it all wasn't real and I had put my family through a great deal of stress. It felt like a heavy load to carry for a young kid. Since then I'm always on the edge of suspension but have not had any crisis like that again, except seeing insects for a second that are not really there. Whenever I hear people tell their experiences with schizophrenia it sends me immediately back to those experiences I had for those 2 years. No one was able to convince me that what I thought was happening wasn't real at that time. It felt like real life and I thought no one understood or believed me which made it worse and more painful. I hope it never revisits me. What you went through brings tears to my eyes because it's so sad. I so very much hope that you're able to stay well. I just wanted to reach out to you to let you know that even when people don't know you when they hear what you went through it touches their heart because they really do care. Whenever I hear people's stories whether it's people who've been abducted, attacked by animals, suffer illnesses or other sad things, I keep them in my prayers for my whole life. I always think about them and I never forget them. Just know, I'll always remember you too, especially in prayer. Definitely keep praying. He will comfort us in all our trials.

[@FailBetter1]

congratulations on your massive subscriber growth.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you!

[@noreenquinn3844]

Good job, Stephen. The way you dealt with this. Things happen, and they need investigation to identify triggers, and for you to better understand yourself. I wouldn't worry. Tiredness, excitement and the speeded up thoughts that go with this, dehydration, diet ( too much sugar, caffeine processed food), trauma etc. can all be triggers that cause break through events. Minor adjustments to lifestyle, practices etc. are sometimes needed as you grow and move through different phases of your life. You live and learn and adjust. It happens to us all but in different ways. You seemed to recognise it was a hallucination and to remain in charge, so all good. Keep calm and carry on as they say.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much, Noreen! I really appreciate your continued support! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@Seaturtle45778]

I am happy you are feeling better.

[@kitandsons173]

My entire life I have experienced intense face pareidolia. Looking at the leaves of trees, wallpaper patterns, looking at a page of words in a book, a pile of laundry, patterns on curtains, light reflections, a painting on the wall. It was very upsetting when I was a child and even now, if I see something in my room that I know I will become preoccupied with, like a coat on a chair, I will need to move it. I know it is just my brain scanning for faces and making sense of too much visual stimulation. It is harmless but annoying.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you for sharing! I heard about face pareidolia a long time ago, though I had forgotten the name. I think I have some of that as well. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@babupalakurthi766]

😊

[@katherinehsu6537]

I have these when i got stressed. The double check is really important when those brief hallucination happens. If we check on them, the shock will pass, the truth will be revealed. I sometimes see rain ourside but there wasn't, then I try to change their appearance in my mind (like snow). If I change them successfully, I will see snow instead of rain, meaning that wasn't raining in reality. A little bit like the Matrix film. You're brave and adaptable, Stephen. All of us in this illness, our pain will never be in vain. 😊

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much for your support and for sharing!

[@crumbtember]

If you think its hard to imagine a terrifying hallucination, you probably havent thought about it much. Or else are doubting that someone else is indeed experiencing the visual experience which is so terrifying you dont want to think about it. I mean, it shouldnt be hard to imagine seeing images of disturbing faces which arent there. All that said, steven, i am glad you are okay, and that you have a good support network! I love your videos and you seem like a really cool and great person! Hope things are chill for you for a while!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you!

[@yoga_iaini]

Thanks for sharing this Stephen. It was really brave from you to share it with your parents, it says a lot about the trust relationship you have built together 🤍

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@chickenmonger123]

Well. I’m glad you felt ready to share. I’m glad you fell back on your support structure. That stuff like family and friends is… Important. It’s part of your world. I’m glad to see you are able to address it. For your health. But also so we can have a real dialogue on this kind of thing, which is not discussed. I hope you are well. Thank you.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@lindawilson795]

Glad that you are doing well now.💜

[@loserswillalwaysbelosers2308]

You guys are awesome ❤these videos are greatly helping me understand my brothers illness. Thank you

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much and thank you also for sharing! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@kates8841]

I know how scary they can be. U are not alone. Stay strong!!❤

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much! I appreciate that. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@nicolebonnie3980]

Hi Stephen, Thank you very much for your videos. You are very Brave to share your experiences. I am rooting for you.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

I appreciate that!

[@ijustagirl74]

I had this for 7 years,mine was the phyc meds they gave me,started right after they changed meds from depression to anti physotic meds.Took a long time to come off,i had 5 years of these visions .Thank god no more..

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you for sharing.

[@amyjones8613]

It's very brave of you to share your experiences. ❤

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much!

[@Patrick-xp3ep]

hello Stephen thank you are so brave thank you you are helping me with my paranoid schizophrenia it has been very difficult this year I am battling thoughts a about suicide more hope it gets better you have very promising future I am proud of you Stephen you have come so far I am so tired peace and tranquility.

[@davecros4887]

Hopefully that is behind you and you can move forward. Physical distractions such as sports and other physical activities may help pull you out of that.

[@judyp3582]

Praying you never get that happen to you again. Oppressive symptoms.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much!

[@DzhokharDudaev-ji9vp]

hello Stephen i have schizophrenia i am starting to laugh again that is part of my schizophrenia it is embarrassing people look at me they laugh at me because there is no one there people have asked me to leave i laugh really loud it only happens when i stop taking my meds i hope you are doing good Stephen thank you .

[@cynthiahurlburt2819]

Hello Steven ❤ I am so thankful your parents are very supported and in your life. Thank you for sharing this personal event and how anxiety is like a precursor. Your videos are great teaching tools, and your father's input is enriching to aid other parents, like myself, to how to support our loved ones with schizophrenia .it is scary for all. I wish you the best as you recover.❤

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much for your kind words! Thank you also for sharing. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@maggiekelley259]

Remember lots of things can affect medication absorption! Upset stomach like gastritis, and stress are the usual suspects. I had an auditory hallucination once. I very quickly recognized it and reality checked with my partner. It was a symptom of serotonin syndrome for me. You both did a good job describing it all. I've had a similar experience recently with the medical trauma. I had a scare for a physical issue and all of a sudden I had several doctors descending upon me and I'm just getting over the depressive episode. I didn't know you had childhood schizophrenia. I'm sorry, but I'm also glad for the support you have 💗

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so very much for sharing and for your kind words and support! I greatly appreciate it! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@maggiekelley259]

@@SurvivingSchizophrenia You're welcome. Same to you 💗 It's nice to see your views steadily creeping up, and more awareness to childhood schizophrenia. I gained an interest in it because my roommate's boyfriend did his thesis on schizophrenia. He's a psych nurse practitioner now :) I know it's hard to feel like the doctors are help when it's so scary but I know you'll get through this 💪 UCLA is an objectively great hospital and I personally would love to have them take a look at my noggin.

[@maggiekelley259]

​@@SurvivingSchizophreniaOMG! You passed 500,000 subscribers. Congratulations 🎉

[@maggiekelley259]

@@SurvivingSchizophreniaThank you, you too! I hope you have a good day today ☺️

[@julierussell4316]

Thank you for sharing this experience with us. I believe in you and look forward to a full and complete healing. I hope your Mom does a little remodel of the shoe area... Change up the bins or something? A fun and positive creative project.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much for your great suggestion! I very much appreciate it! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@NavigatingthePeriphery]

Stephen I am so glad you came forward with this. I have experienced this before as well, but usually it's more auditory for me. Your honesty is so vital, and your story for me is so relatable even though I have schizoaffective and you have schizophrenia. Great episode thank you for sharing the experience.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much!

[@Irishrose777]

I’m interested in hearing more details about the tests they run for this.

[@pepperpot48]

You have a wonderful support group with family and drs.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you!

[@JIMKATSANIDIS]

The most common hallucinations in schizophrenia are auditory when hearing voices, followed by visual. Hallucinations might feel comforting, confusing, or frightening, depending on what they involve. But a trained mental health professional can help you identify possible causes, address any other symptoms you experience, and recommend helpful treatments to reduce hallucinations. Thank you for the very helpful video Stephen and Steve and keep up the good work!🙌❤

[@natas12rm]

What about smell, taste, and tactile, are those rare?

[@JIMKATSANIDIS]

Robert, Tactile, refer to things you feel, Olfactory, refer to things you smell and Gustatory, refer to things you taste, happens less frequently, but some studies found that if you experience one type, you may be more likely to experience the others. You might also experience them as some of the earlier symptoms of schizophrenia.👋

[@natas12rm]

@@JIMKATSANIDIS have you had those kind of hallucinations?

[@JIMKATSANIDIS]

@@natas12rm No Robert. I've never had mental health issues. I'm a Mental Health Practitioner and Drug Counselor-Youth Worker here in Australia where I live.👋❤

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much, Jim! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@JungleJargon]

I haven’t had a hallucination or delusion since about 1985. I got rid of them by NOT believing in them so that they lost their power over me.

[@timothywilliams2887]

I have rare symptoms and talk about them with people who care. I can tell it was serious by how Steven is breathing when describing the event. ❤ Hopefully things stay good for you. And me too.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much! I'm hopeful for both of us as well! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@nevecampbell-ue6on]

Really good, amazing video. Thank 🌷 you Steven and your Dad, you are helping people that are going through this and doesn't understand and family members. Congratulations 👏🏻 👏🏻

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much!

[@pedikulioze]

Thank you very much for the video. Best wishes to you and your wonderful father.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much!

[@louisatanner7746]

Hi Stephen and Steve. Just want to say how much of a great job you’re doing with this channel. I only subscribed less than a week ago but I have binge-watched ALL of your videos in that time 😅 you’ve helped me feel less alone as someone who is autistic and has schizoaffective disorder. Lots of love to you and the rest of the family 💜

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much for watching and for sharing! It means the world to me and makes me feel good. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@tiredschizo]

I have childhood onset schizophrenia too but sadly i see and hear stuff all the time, even with medication:(

[@kates8841]

Love you two. You have a good daddy. Hold your head up Stephen.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you! I will!

[@angelagonimavalero7700]

Thank you, Stephen, for sharing such personal experience.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thanks for listening! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@andrewhall7176]

Hey Stephen, I hope you are doing much better now. Keep strong! I also sometimes have hallucinations, but I don't have schizophrenia, I have temporal lobe epilepsy. I sometimes see shadows or movements out of the corners of my eyes, which are sometimes very scary. Fortunately this happens a lot less. I hope you have a great day!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you for sharing and for your support!

[@andrewhall7176]

@@SurvivingSchizophrenia It's a pleasure! Thank you for your channel! You are doing a good thing!

[@jackiecooley5937]

Bravo to you and your father for sharing the experience.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you!

[@kates8841]

I used to see people in my hallucinations and now I sometimes see flashes of light that are blue or like sparks

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you for sharing.

[@natas12rm]

Shadow people? Cartoon looking people? Entities that look like they are sketched with colored pencils?

[@ginnysack]

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. Are you able/willing to let us know which medications, if any, you take for schizophrenia. I also wonder if you were prescribed additional medication after your recent hallucination. Thank you again.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

My psychiatrist increased one of my medications. I will check and will provide more information if I can. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@julieremington7103]

Thank you. You guys are very likable and I wish you the best!😸

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much!

[@PaulineRaabe_]

I have a question, I always wondered about even though you guys live in California and the weather's nice have you ever noticed an onset during season changes, the weather changes in the atmosphere? I had to ask sometimes it affects me, just sometimes. The bright Sunshine can affects me. Just wondering.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Great question, Pauline! The weather changes definitely affect me. Thank you very much! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@christopherleubner6633]

You actually perceived a couple of hidden dimensions of time. However, your brain attempted to make sense of it, creating this effect of what us known as paradolia. Anyway I hope you feel better. ❤

[@heatherwilson9714]

I don't know if this is something the two of you or your doctors have considered, but some schizophrenic medications can cause hallucinations. These include Haldol, Seriquel and Olanzapine. Just thought I'd mention it, as it's worth looking into if you are taking one that has hallucinations as a side effect.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much for sharing! That is very good to know. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@heidikeeney5218]

The important thing is you are aware, at this point, that it was a hallucination, & not real. Even though it caused you some PTSD, you can now deal with this better than at age 12-14, as one with Schizo-effective disorder. Time will be on your side as you age because your metabolism slows down too.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much for your kind words and encouragement ! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@_Balanced_]

I see disembodies faces 24/7 while I'm awake. Ive been living with it since I was 15. It doesnt go away. They look like The Guy which is the main character of the band Disturbed that they use on all of the artwork for their albums.

[@kms3063]

God bless you both

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@ovhome6841]

Sorry you went through this. I read that side effects of benztropine can be hallucinations, not sure if your taking this. Also maybe a high intake of carbs and of course as mentioned by you all a lack of sleep, and other things like street or psychedelic drug use which I know Steven does not do.

[@roadlesstraveledm9248]

Hi Stephen, have you tried a change of diet? The GAPS nutritional protocol helps heal hallucinations.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much for the suggestion! I’ll look into it.

[@Youtube_deleted_my_favourites]

My family member suffered paranoid auditory hallucinations and flashing lights, and electric shocks at the back of the neck. Horrible time for decades. Medication helps them lead a normal life. Please don't think you are alone in this.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate you sharing and for your support.

[@susanzucker7674]

Great insight very helpful to people

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you!

[@MyCurly31]

God bless you Stephen. Do you think it was because you had Covid before Christmas? I to have schizophrenia and hallucinations are scary. Take it easy you’re doing great.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much! Also thank you for sharing. It may have been related to that. I just don’t know. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@MyCurly31]

Keep going Stephen you’re doing great 😊😊😊😊

[@cre8ivelife554]

I'm just curious, did you see the shoes and they took the shape of the face or was it not in the same area as the shoes?

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

The face was in the same area as the shoes, but I didn’t see the shoes there

[@Harshitkumarimprovement]

Hey at what dosage you are using for clozapine? And did you lose your cognition when schrizprenia hit you when you were around and after medication did you got your original cognition back , well you can't get your original cognition back because of lethargy and brain fog because of clozapine after schrizprenia hit did you experience a sharp decline in your cognition when you were not on any antipsychotic?

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

I am on 200mg of Clozapine and did experience a sharp decline in cognition when my schizophrenia started.

[@Harshitkumarimprovement]

@SurvivingSchizophrenia hey did you felt or still feels like a tension or stretch around you forehead and feel like head is little heavy and feels like something is holding your cognition?

[@Harshitkumarimprovement]

@@SurvivingSchizophrenia also did you felt like you have less hold over your consciousness and reality when you developed schrizprenia?

[@jamespassas9441]

Wow, it must be pretty scary to suddenly see a face on a box looking at you!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Yes it was. Thank you!

[@jamespassas9441]

@@SurvivingSchizophrenia I had an hallucination once! I was suffering from stomach pains at one time, I think due to food poisoning, and I had a high temperature. I woke up in the night & there seemed to be boxes piled high everywhere in the room! I asked my mum what all these boxes were which suddenly appeared, and she didn't have a clue what I was talking about. The boxes then just faded away pretty quickly, leaving me bemused as to what I had just seen...

[@jn2400]

It's almost like the part of the brain where you have dreams can cross over into daily life perhaps.

[@natas12rm]

Something like that. Have you ever been so tired you just start rambling nonsense?

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much! It is similar to that. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Yes I have!

[@MoonSunshine55]

Hi Stephen, do your parents know of a support group that parents of adult children w schizophrenia (besides NAMI). Mine is living at hm with us after 1 yr since being diag, 22yrs old. They were in college and living on their own so now living at hm and having no friends where we live and not able to get a job (only applying to min wage service type jobs) and not being hired. They really dislike living at home. Even though we give them freedom and are very loving and respectful of their privacy. But they feel like they are as they put it in prison, which obv is an over exageration. They also went down in their rec dose and are struggling daily w paranoia & delusions. But refuse to go back up to orig dose. They dont want us even to try and be a reality check for them. It’s been hard on them and i wish they realized that if they went back up on dose they would not freeze up in public and thus be more likely to get a job and make friends easier. But they just dont see it that way :(

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much for sharing. We don’t know of any support groups other than NAMI. Thank you again.

[@shamanmermaidblackdragon]

❤😊Thank you and great video Stephen ❤ And I’m just gonna say it and I’m sure I’m not the only one thinking this..but I feel intuitively you may have seen your first paranormal face and not a hallucination..just my two cents..bcs it’s possible..I’ve had many paranormal experiences..just something to think about and consider..just another option..maybe overlooked..much love namaste’❤❤

[@thuhatran1013]

Does your Dr ever mention that other patients whom are on Clozaril like you have visual hallucinations also? Your visual hallucination went away by its own? Or you need medication for?

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

The visual hallucination went away on their own, but my doctor increased my dose.

[@grahamhardie6853]

Take care Stephen look after yourself 😀

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@jeancardoza4442]

Very helpful video.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much Jean! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@michaellyons7944]

I just wanted to share with you what has really helped me with schizophrenia. I recommend oregano oil capsules with a minimum 125mg of carvacrol (I have 2-3 times a day, do not take more than 600mg). Also I eat olives in brine (6 each time twice a day). Also I take one fish oil capsule (twice a day at 1000mg) or cod liver oil capsule, in case your wondering both are omega 3 fish oil but cod liver oil has vitamin A. All these things are anti inflammatory which should help a lot with schizophrenia and are healthy. I occasionally take a natural (Naturelo) multivitamin and mineral capsule. I'm not sure if 20mg olanzapine is the best anti psychotic medication but it's what I take. I might try quetiapine and if it does not work out default back to olanzapine. I feel like I am in remission.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Great suggestions! Thank you very much for sharing! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@judshva]

I understand why this was frightening for you, but it vanished the minute you double checked, so perhaps it was a normal trick on the eyes after all.

[@NF-im1wq]

When I get a lot of stress and anxiety I will see flashing lights for 30 to 45 minutes but they go away if they don't go away then I have a big problem

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much for sharing.

[@jessicarettally6534]

We love you Stephen ❤

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thanks very much! That means a lot to me!

[@shahnilakanwal1457]

Hearing voices are getting on my nerves I don’t know if it’s really I don’t know who to tell who to trust Lord help me

[@glorycalabrese9705]

Stephen thank you for sharing….Is it true that blind ppl don’t get schizophrenia

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

I have heard that, but I don’t know.

[@sunnyn2417]

このお話を聞いて、自分の体験が似ているものだと思う人はいると思います。誰にも話せず、分かってもらえなかったりして、悩んでいる人がいると思います。他人の顔の表情は人類（哺乳類）にとって生きていくのに大切なものであるから、生まれたばかりの子供も周りの人の表情に大きく反応することが分かっています。（ダーウィンの研究、body keeps the scoreより Bessel van der Kolk) だから幻視で顔を見るのかもしれません。周りの人は経験できないので、これからも教えてください。ありがとうございます。

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you for your great comment! I really appreciate it. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@socorroaviz8807]

Olá Stephen sou brasileira e vou orar por você para que Cristo possa lhe curar,Deus lhe abençoe 🛐🇧🇷🙌🙏

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so very much!

[@picolopicolo7661]

I just jumped from my bed around 9pm screeming because before sleeping I closed the door and then I saw someone coming closer to me now While I am writing this i am afraid to sleep

[@Bella_forever_]

Iam comfised, does this mean every person ive meet that has seen a angel, a ghost or a alien basically has this? What is the difference between seeing these and what he saw ?

[@kathyg1754]

There is power in the name of Jesus. Say his name whenever you are afraid. Have you talked with anyone who know about the demonic. I’ve mentioned to you before about the danger of Pokémon and some occult video games. I pray you will be healed and get the help you need. God bless you and your father.

[@crumbtember]

This might help some people, but for some it can create a barrier to more practical advice. Mental health treatment exists outside of theism. Some people have delusions that God wants them to take certain actions, sometimes benign, sometimes not. So I caution you to think a little more critically about suggesting theism to people, regardless of their mental health condition.

[@gregdescant4121]

Have a good day!!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much Greg! Hope you have a happy and healthy rest of your day! Also thank you for all the support you have given me!

[@ronalddonner3396]

Not a Dr so this is possibly (probably)a stupid comment.But after 10 years,should a brief object sighted be interpreted so catastrophically? I mean these glimpses can and does happen to everyone.Perhaps at least it would have to happen a second time before panicking?The reaction seems more destabilising than anything in this instance.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

I was worried that I was falling back into psychosis.

[@gregdescant4121]

Your so brave.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much Greg! I really appreciate your support. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@HealingZA]

It wasn't a hallucination ... It was clairvoyance.

[@picolopicolo7661]

Now I dont know what is reel or not

[@Jake-gw8nj]

I cant stop delusions

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

I am very sorry to hear that.

[@Riley_sd]

I have auditory hallucinations rarely. I was put on lithium on top of Seroquel, lamictal, and Wellbutrin. I'm having such better quality of life now. I'm glad your on top of your's. Stay well Stephen.💙✌️

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much for sharing and your support! I appreciate it greatly. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@LUKETHELOG]

Red light for sleep before bed, and green light to wake up, it works try.

[@raymondsandy124]

I've seen demons in reflections in windows before they looked back they were gone.

[@antartatina]

Its interesting when they say it doesn't exist or shouldnt exist everything excist everything is energy.

[@jessicarettally6534]

❤❤❤

[@LUKETHELOG]

If you don't believe in spirit world you wont know

[@wilsonpaulodeoliveirajunio7796]

Irmão de simon leitor voraz. Paris e Angola esquece .... USP deixa lá 2 posse a A Deeeeeussssss cágado.... o mínimo não faz por ele o Dr Tarcísio está curinthia 😍😂😂😂😂