WORLD SCHIZOPHRENIA DAY

World Schizophrenia Awareness Day is observed every year on May 24 to raise awareness around the condition and reduce the stigma associated with this illness and educate people about its symptoms and treatment.

Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness affecting more than 21 million people worldwide according to the World Health Organization. The purpose of this day is to spread awareness about this illness and eradicate the myths and superstitions around mental illnesses in general. It is very important that we give people the correct information about Schizophrenia so that they can approach the right kind of mental health care professionals for timely treatment as well as rehabilitation.

Schizophrenia is a serious mental health disorder that impacts an individual’s ability to think, feel, and behave clearly. People with Schizophrenia interpret reality differently, leading to symptoms like hallucinations, paranoia, confusion, disorder thinking, bizarre behaviour and more.

While attitudes towards mental health/illness have changed in recent years, and more and more people are opening up about their struggles with disorders like depression or anxiety, there is still a lot of confusion concerning Schizophrenia. They are often believed to be ‘crazy’ or ‘psychotic’, where they are simply struggling to manage symptoms of a condition that distorts their sense of reality.

It is important to start conversations about this mental illness, how to recognize it, and the available treatment options.