'Only You Hear Me'

Schizophrenia is a mental condition. A schizophrenic hears imaginary voices, believe that almost everyone can read her thoughts and that people are plotting against her.

These experiences make her withdrawn and make it difficult to have normal relationships.

Schizophrenia affects both men and women. The symptoms set in during late adolescence or sometimes even during early adulthood.

Some of the most common symptoms you can look out for are;

• Delusions - This is when a person believes an untruth inspite of knowing the truth.
• Hallucinations - This is when a person imagines sights and sounds that are not present.
• Disconnected Conversations - This is when a person makes no sense when she talks. Her sentences are not connected or there is no point to what she is saying.

Most schizophrenics cope with these symptoms for as long as they live. People with this condition are not violent and prefer to be left alone.

Between 4.3 to 8.7 million people in India have schizophrenia. (http://www.schizophrenia.com/szfacts.htm)

If your friend is hallucinating, you could try and her back to reality by talking about your surroundings or her hobbies.