Let’s Talk About It: Schizophrenia Awareness Week

Let’s Talk About It: Schizophrenia Awareness Week

March 8 – 14, 2010
Exposing the myths of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia Awareness Week kicks off on March 8, with a whole lot of workshops, resources and information to encourage people to talk about schizophrenia.

“Schizophrenia is one of the most misunderstood diagnoses, and one of the most stigmatized,” says Judi Clements, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation, which is partnering with Supporting Families in Mental Illness (SFMI) Auckland to promote the week. “The focus of the national campaign is on reducing stigma and increasing the awareness of the role family/whānau play in recovery.”

Susie Crooks was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 1994, when she was 33-years-old and agrees there is still a lot of misunderstanding around it. “Hollywood has painted a rather frightening picture of my condition,” she says. “I have never been a danger to myself or others. At those times I get disconnected with reality, all I need is time out.

Susie says her family’s support has been a huge help. “My family has always believed in me and supported me; they have held on to hope for me,” she says. “I am a richer person today and see myself as a fully participating member of society. I would say to anybody who has just been diagnosed [with schizophrenia] to talk to someone with lived experience of recovery. Life is great; you may have a special gift that’s worth tapping into.”

Lisa Ducat, coordinator of Schizophrenia Awareness Week for SFMI Auckland, says they will be encouraging people to talk about schizophrenia in three ways. “We will be providing opportunities for groups and individuals to talk about the experience of schizophrenia and the role of family/ whānau; promoting awareness of where family/ whānau can seek further information and support, and providing information and education on schizophrenia,” she says.

SFMI Auckland invites individuals to take part in the week by running their own event or by contacting them to find out about workshops available. Further information about schizophrenia and the nationwide events during the awareness week can be found at www.sfauckland.org.nz and www.mentalhealth.org.nz

Three myths about schizophrenia

Not True: Schizophrenia means the person has a split personality
There is more media misinformation about schizophrenia than any other diagnosis. It’s not true that schizophrenia means ‘split personality’ or that someone with this diagnosis will swing wildly from being calm to being out of control.

Not True: People with schizophrenia are aggressive, violent people.
The number of homicides committed by people with any mental illness diagnosis is very low. Most people diagnosed with schizophrenia don’t commit violent crimes. People with drug or alcohol problems are twice as likely to commit a violent crime as someone diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Not True: People with schizophrenia cannot recover and lead full lives.
About one in every 100 people is diagnosed with schizophrenia. With early and good treatment, recovery from schizophrenia is the rule, not the exception. In fact, a third of people diagnosed only ever have one experience of it.

ENDS