Shalini, New Delhi: Prakash became a schizophrenic at the age of 21. And like most cases, did not get diagnosed until late.

"It was the first time when I was at Vishawas that people treated me like a normal human. I behaved like a normal human," says Prakash, who has been suffering from schizophrenia for 30 years now.

"First they said it was neurotic depression. Then they said it was personality disorder," says Prakash

It was after 23 years of suffering that he finally reached Vishwas where he and many others like him, got a new lease of life. "It’s not a hospital. We try to rehabilitate people," says President Richmond Fellowship Society, Dr Krishan Khurana.

Many hospitals across the country provide counselling and day care centers to help people suffering from schizophrenia.

At institutes like Vishwas, the members are given a structured routine. Customised to individual needs.

A set of psychologists, psychiatrists and counselors carefully monitor, counsel and use psychotherapy. Add to that, regular music classes, yoga, painting and other group activities.

"We try and understand what they need and not criticise them," says Counsellor, Vishwas, Shaista Khan.

"According to our figures, 60 per cent are able to go back to lead a normal life," says Dr Khurana.

Not everyone is as successful as Prakash. But with time maybe they all will be. And in the end, we leave it to Prakash a man struggling with imaginary worlds to give us the true picture.

"I always hoped I’d recover. Even in the most difficult time, I am still hoping," says Prakash.