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The Schizophrenia Simulator

Seeing the world through the eyes of someone with schizophrenia.

David Farrier

David Farrier

— 19 min read
A swirling vortex of lines drawn in biro, with eyes emerging and staring
Illustration by Christopher Grant
PSA: Today's Webworm discusses mental health, as I talk to a man with schizophrenia. He's made it his mission to show us the world through his eyes: including the visions and voices. In his words, he creates videos that are "schizophrenia simulators". Some bits are a little heavy, so read with care - but overall I think this is a really positive piece. I'd also add this story deals with one specific case, and that all cases are different and unique.

Hi,

There’s a guy I walk past most days to get my coffee who mumbles to himself under his breath. Without thinking, I tend to walk around him a little. I veer off course, putting extra distance between us. There’s something inside me that says he’s dangerous. He’s unhinged and unsafe. I don't understand him.

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I assume this has something to do with the social code that says we’re not really meant to mutter to ourselves in public. At home, as I pace the house trying to work out an idea, I often talk to myself – but that stops the second I walk out the front door.

It also seems that maybe this guy isn’t just talking to himself. He’s often looking to one side, talking to someone who isn’t there. And that’s always felt dangerous to me, too.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the way I react to this guy ever since I discovered Canadian artist Christopher Grant. 

Chris has schizophrenia, and his videos are his attempt to let us see the world through the eyes of someone who sees and hears people – and entities – that aren't there.

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