Step Into My World – Schizophrenia/Hearing Voices Simulation
Activities to do when performing simulation
- Walk around in the library; especially take them through the stacks
- Interact with a couple of offices. Ask them to ask some questions at the student answer
center and try not to act as though they are hearing things.
- Have a conversation.
- Go to the MU and order something at Subway or another food place.
- Take a phone call from another person or call someone else while still having the
headphones on at least one ear and carry on a normal conversation.
- Ask for directions from someone.
- Walk on campus and notice to what level the voices distract from them being able to
enjoy the walk.
- Try to carry a conversation in an area that has a lot of background noise (MU cafeteria
at lunch time)
- Try typing out something and see how long it takes.
Questions to ask throughout the simulation
Q: How often does a person with Schizophrenia actually hear voices?
A: While it varies, most people with Schizophrenia hear voices nearly continually. The
biggest variation is in how loud they are at any particular time.
Q: Does medication help manage the symptoms/voices?
A: Yes, but often with serious side effects. Side effects can include: rapid weight gain
(20+ pounds in a month), dry mouth, muscle spasms, delayed processing, etc.
Q: What are some services that student with Schizophrenia uses in the classroom?
A: Often they do not use any services in the classroom, but they may require additional
absences, especially if they are having medication adjustments. They may also need
additional time on tests or quizzes due to the distracting nature of the voices. They
may also need to be able to sit near the rear where they can see everyone and be able
to leave quickly if the voices get too bad to deal with.
Q: Is Schizophrenia curable?
A: No. Schizophrenia is not curable at this time. The best that can be hoped for is
symptom management. Most people who identify as having Schizophrenia indicate
that they understand that they will always deal with the symptoms of their disease and
will most likely be hospitalized at least once every two years.
Questions to ask after the simulation
- What was the most frustrating task?
- How did you feel internally listening to the voices?
- Did you find it easy to ignore the voices while you were focusing on other tasks?
- Were you slightly embarrassed when the voices distracted you while you were
interacting with others?
-
Was it easier to be in open spaces or closed? With a lot of people or just a few?
With a lot of background noise or none at all?
10 Tips for Communicating with people who suffer from Schizophrenia
1. Be patient – allow people plenty of time to think about a question.
2. Be aware of your proximity to a person and how that might be affecting them.
Allow them to negotiate spaces.
3. Be willing to repeat questions, or write things down.
4. Ask if there is anything you can do to make them feel more comfortable.
5. Be flexible in scheduling whenever possible.
6. Make sure that you give written as well as verbal instructions or agreements to
ensure that they understand.
7. Don’t assume that they are always hearing voices; they may not be symptomatic,
or be experiencing high levels of symptoms. Don’t assume that they are not
symptomatic.
8. Be aware of your use of terms like “psycho”, “schizoid”, “nuts”, or “crazy”.
9. Allow the person to define however they like. The presence of a diagnosis does
not necessarily mean that they see themselves as disabled.
10. Don’t be afraid to ask how they are doing and be willing to hear if things are not
well.