Schizophrenia

The symptoms of some mental disorders can mimic the effects of illicit drugs. For example, some of the most common symptoms of schizophrenia include "Hearing internal voices, thinking that other people are reading one's mind, controlling one's thoughts, or plotting harm... Their disorganized behavior can be perceived as incomprehensible or frightening" (Psychology Today). Because someone suffering from schizophrenia may hear voices in their head or experience delusions and hallucinations, they can easily be misconstrued as someone on drugs. Observing bystanders may see these symptoms and prematurely assert that the homeless person they are looking at is an irresponsible drug addict, rather than viewing them as someone suffering from a horrible disorder who needs medical attention. In addition, some people can be found making fun of homeless people for experiencing these assumed illicit drug side effects. Unfortunately, the effects may be the involuntary symptoms of that homeless person’s mental disorder, and they are actually in need of help.  Beyond just getting a job, many of these homeless people’s disorders cause them to struggle on a daily basis, making it difficult for them to just get by.