Understanding Schizophrenia

In recognition of World Schizophrenia Awareness Day – 24th May 

Each year on 24th May, World Schizophrenia Awareness Day provides an opportunity to challenge stigma, raise understanding, and promote compassionate support for individuals living with schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a complex mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It is often misunderstood, yet with the right support and treatment, individuals can manage symptoms and lead meaningful, fulfilling lives. 

This blog offers an overview of schizophrenia, highlights the challenges faced by individuals and families, and explores how Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can play a vital role in managing symptoms and improving quality of life. We also take a closer look at how CBT Professionals supports individuals and families affected by schizophrenia through personalised, evidence-based therapy. 

What is Schizophrenia? 

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health condition that affects roughly 1 in 100 people, typically emerging in late adolescence or early adulthood. It’s characterised by a combination of positive symptoms (such as hallucinations and delusions) and negative symptoms (such as lack of motivation or emotional expression). 

While symptoms vary widely between individuals, common signs may include: 

• Hallucinations – hearing, seeing, or feeling things that are not there (most commonly auditory hallucinations, such as hearing voices). 

• Delusions – fixed, false beliefs that are not based in reality (e.g., feeling watched or believing one has special powers). 

• Disorganised thinking – difficulty concentrating or following a logical train of thought. 

• Reduced emotional expression – appearing emotionally flat or unresponsive. 

• Social withdrawal – distancing oneself from friends, family, or activities once enjoyed. 

It’s important to remember that schizophrenia is not about “split personality” – a common misconception. Rather, it is a condition that affects how someone perceives reality, processes information, and engages with the world around them. 

The Impact on Individuals and Families 

Living with schizophrenia can be deeply challenging. The experience of paranoia, fear, and confusion can significantly impact a person’s ability to work, study, socialise, or care for themselves. Everyday situations can become overwhelming, and misunderstandings with others may further isolate the individual. 

For families and carers, the emotional toll can be equally profound. Witnessing a loved one experience psychosis or long-term disconnection can lead to feelings of helplessness, frustration, and grief. Many families face difficulties navigating the mental health system, accessing appropriate care, and finding resources tailored to schizophrenia. 

The stigma associated with the condition can also be damaging. Misrepresentations in media and lack of understanding in society often leave individuals feeling judged or misunderstood, discouraging them from seeking help. That’s why awareness days like this are so important — they encourage education, empathy, and action. 

How CBT Can Support People with Schizophrenia 

While medication is often the first line of treatment for schizophrenia, psychological therapies — especially Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for psychosis (CBTp) — have become an increasingly important part of comprehensive care. 

CBT for psychosis is an adapted form of traditional CBT that helps individuals explore the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in relation to their symptoms. Rather than challenging the reality of someone’s delusions or hallucinations outright, CBTp works collaboratively and compassionately to reduce distress, promote coping, and increase insight. 

Here’s how CBT can help: 

Managing Paranoia and Delusional Beliefs 

CBT helps individuals examine their beliefs in a safe, non-judgemental space. Through guided questioning and exploration, therapists can help the person develop alternative explanations or reduce the level of threat they feel from certain thoughts. 

Reducing Distress from Hallucinations 

Rather than focusing on whether a voice is “real”, CBT can help people change how they respond to and interpret auditory hallucinations. This can reduce fear, increase a sense of control, and improve daily functioning. 

Enhancing Coping Strategies 

CBT supports the development of healthy coping mechanisms to deal with stress, anxiety, and social withdrawal — all of which can worsen symptoms. Skills like relaxation techniques, reality-testing, and behavioural activation can be game-changers for everyday wellbeing. 

Improving Insight and Engagement with Support 

Therapy can gently improve a person’s insight into their condition and support better engagement with medication, services, and support systems, while respecting autonomy and lived experience. 

Involving Families and Carers 

CBT can also be delivered with families in mind, helping carers understand their loved one’s experience, manage communication more effectively, and build resilience. 

The Role of CBT Professionals in Supporting Recovery 

At CBT Professionals, we understand the unique challenges faced by those living with schizophrenia — and the families walking alongside them. Our team of highly trained therapists offers CBT for psychosis that is tailored to each individual’s needs, goals, and pace. 

We know that recovery is not linear. That’s why our approach is always compassionate, non-stigmatising, and collaborative. Whether someone is newly diagnosed, experiencing ongoing symptoms, or supporting a loved one through their journey, our therapists are here to help. 

Our services aim to: 

• Reduce distress caused by hallucinations or delusional thoughts 

• Strengthen coping and resilience 

• Support social connection and day-to-day functioning 

• Empower families with understanding and tools 

• Create a safe, respectful space to explore thoughts and experiences 

We also work closely with GPs, psychiatrists, and other healthcare providers to ensure integrated, wraparound care for our clients. 

A Final Word on Awareness and Empathy 

On this World Schizophrenia Awareness Day, let’s remember that schizophrenia does not define a person. Every individual deserves dignity, respect, and access to compassionate, effective care. 

By raising awareness, we can help break down harmful myths. By embracing psychological therapies like CBT, we can offer real hope and practical tools. And by supporting both individuals and families, we can build communities where no one faces mental health challenges alone. 

If you or someone you care about is living with schizophrenia, know that support is available — and recovery is possible. 

The Role of CBT Professionals in Supporting Recovery 

At CBT Professionals, we understand the unique challenges faced by those living with schizophrenia — and the families walking alongside them. Our team of highly trained therapists offers CBT that is tailored to everyone’s needs, goals, and pace. 

We know that recovery is not linear. That’s why our approach is always compassionate, non-stigmatising, and collaborative. Whether someone is newly diagnosed, experiencing ongoing symptoms, or supporting a loved one through their journey, our therapists are here to help. 

Our services aim to: 

• Reduce distress caused by hallucinations or delusional thoughts 

• Strengthen coping and resilience 

• Support social connection and day-to-day functioning 

• Empower families with understanding and tools 

• Create a safe, respectful space to explore thoughts and experiences 

We also work closely with GPs, psychiatrists, and other healthcare providers to ensure integrated, wraparound care for our clients. 

Helensvale: (07) 5551 0251
Mount Gravatt: (07) 3102 1366
Nerang: (07) 5668 3490 

Support Resources in Australia: 

• Lifeline – 13 11 14 

• Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 | beyondblue.org.au 

• Headspace – For young people aged 12–25 | headspace.org.au 

• Black Dog Institute – blackdoginstitute.org.au 

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.