The Listening Corner

Moving From Fear To Fellowship With Schizophrenia

In our community, we often speak about supporting those with visible illnesses. Yet some of the most profound struggles occur in the quiet corners of the mind. Schizophrenia remains one of the most misunderstood and stigmatized conditions in mental health, and yet it is a reality for many of our neighbors.

If we hope to truly support a friend, a congregant, or a neighbor, we must first peel back the layers of myth and look at the person beneath the diagnosis.

 

Understanding the Internal Landscape

Schizophrenia is not a choice, and it is not a “split personality.” It is a complex neurological condition in which the brain’s signaling system—particularly involving the neurotransmitter dopamine—functions differently.

Imagine the brain as a radio. Most of us can tune into one station clearly. For someone with schizophrenia, the dial may drift unpredictably, or multiple signals may overlap at once. This disruption results in two primary categories of symptoms:

Positive Symptoms (Additions):

These are not “good” symptoms—they are added experiences, such as hearing voices (hallucinations) or holding fixed beliefs that are not grounded in reality (delusions).

Negative Symptoms (Subtractions):

These involve a loss of typical functioning, such as flattened emotional expression, social withdrawal, reduced motivation, or difficulty finding words.

Understanding this distinction is essential. What may appear as “odd” or “cold” behavior is often the visible result of a brain-based medical condition.

 

The Crucial Role of Treatment and Community

The most important message we can share is this: schizophrenia is treatable.

Modern psychiatric medication, combined with cognitive behavioral therapy and strong social support, allows many individuals to manage symptoms and live meaningful, productive lives.

Yet one of the greatest barriers to treatment is not the illness itself—it is stigma. When a person feels judged, whispered about, or feared, they are far less likely to seek the very help that could stabilize their life.

 

Why Early Intervention Matters

The earlier treatment begins, the better long-term outcomes tend to be. Early intervention helps preserve brain function and reduces the severity of future episodes.

If a friend begins withdrawing significantly, speaking in ways that are disorganized, or expressing unusual beliefs, gently encouraging professional evaluation is not intrusive—it is compassionate. Sometimes, that nudge toward help can quite literally save a life.

Breaking the Stigma: How We Can Help

An empathetic community is one that becomes a safe harbor for those whose reality feels unstable. Here are practical ways to support someone struggling with schizophrenia:

1. Educate Yourself

Knowledge reduces fear. When we understand that unusual behavior may be symptomatic of a medical condition, we respond with patience instead of avoidance.

2. Validate the Feeling, Not the Delusion

If someone says they feel watched or threatened, you do not need to affirm the belief. Instead, respond to the emotion:

“I can see that you’re feeling really frightened right now. That sounds exhausting. How can I help you feel safe?”

3. Stay Connected

Isolation worsens symptoms. A simple “hello,” a shared Shabbos meal, or an invitation to a community event reinforces belonging. Small gestures matter deeply.

The Power of Inclusion: Why Friendship Is a Form of Treatment

We often think of treatment as something that happens exclusively in a psychiatrist’s office. But for someone navigating schizophrenia, community inclusion is a critical component of stability.

When a neighbor struggles with fragmented thoughts or distressing hallucinations, their world can shrink dramatically. By reaching out in friendship, we provide what clinicians sometimes call a “reality anchor”—a steady, consistent connection to the social world.

A non-judgmental relationship can reduce chronic stress, which in turn lowers relapse risk. When we choose to see the person—the artist, the Mets fan, the thoughtful learner—rather than the diagnosis, we help restore identity.

Belonging is not merely a kindness. It is therapeutic.

When we replace silence with understanding and fear with fellowship, we transform stigma into support. Our neighbors are not their diagnoses. They are members of our community, deserving of dignity, compassion, and inclusion.

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David Kahan is a licensed Clinical Social Worker and psychotherapist who graduated from Fordham University’s Graduate School of Social Service and has over a decade of experience. He has worked in various mental health clinics and is now seeing clients in private practice. He accepts most insurance plans and can be found on Headway. He is currently accepting clients dealing with new or established mild to moderate mental health diagnoses and can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 718-350-5408.