Create awareness this World Schizophrenia Day
The condition is marked by psychosis, which is distinguished by a loss of reality caused by a disruption in the way the brain processes information.
WORLD Schizophrenia Day 2022, on May 24, has been set aside for people to have open conversations about the mental health disorder and break down the stigma and prejudice that weigh down individuals with this disorder.
According to Bayan Mental Health, schizophrenia impacts an individual’s ability to think, feel and behave clearly.
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The condition is marked by psychosis, which is distinguished by a loss of reality caused by a disruption in the way the brain processes information.
People with schizophrenia have a different interpretation of reality and display symptoms such as hallucinations, paranoia, confusion, disordered speech, disordered thinking, bizarre behaviour and more.
Here’s how you can get involved this World Schizophrenia Day:
• Educate yourself: Educate yourself with accurate information about schizophrenia and initiate conversations.
• Ask your loved ones how they’re doing: Start with your inner circle by speaking to your family, partner and colleagues, and ask them how they’re doing. Listen to their answers, and offer your support.
• Open up about your experience to others: When a person can relate to others, they feel less alone. If you’ve ever struggled with mental health, sharing your experience with others can help spread awareness and encourage them to speak up about their struggles and get help.
• Encourage kind language: What others say or do may be out of our control, but we can try to ask others to consider the impact of their words. We can also be more mindful of the words we choose to use.
• Volunteer: Spending time at community centers, mental health organisations, or events can not only offer realistic and in-person education about what these disorders ‘look like’, but they also allow you to encourage and be there for others.
• Leverage social media: Follow platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok to gain information and spread schizophrenia awareness.
