Schizophrenia is a serious mental health disorder that influences an individual’s capacity to think, feel, and behave clearly. The condition is marked by psychosis, which is characterized by a loss of reality caused by a disruption in the way the brain processes information. People with schizophrenia interpret reality differently, leading to symptoms like hallucinations, paranoia, confusion, disordered speech, disorder thinking, bizarre behaviour, and more. That is why Schizophrenia Awareness Day is practiced on a global scale to break down the stigma and prejudice that weigh down individuals with this disorder.
This day also shines a light on the challenges faced by the one in 100 people with the disorder. It paves the way for all to educate themselves on schizophrenia and to break down the stigma and discrimination surrounding this very misunderstood illness.
How to Spread Schizophrenia Awareness
- Educate yourself: There are plenty of books and online resources available that can help you better understand the condition and help you start conversations with others.
- Ask your loved ones how they’re doing:Helping others starts with your inner circle. Speak 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: Many people feel better and less alone when they can relate to others. For this reason, 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: While you can’t control everything that people say or do, try to kindly ask others to consider the impact of their words. Any language that enforces the stigma of mental illness is harmful and can make someone diagnosed with a disorder like schizophrenia feel bad and discourage them from getting help.
- Volunteer:Volunteering your time at community centers, mental health organizations, or events can not only offer realistic and in-person education about what these disorders “look like,” but it also allows you to encourage and be there for others.
- Leverage on social media to spread the word:Social media applications like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok are great platforms in which you can spread schizophrenia awareness.
World Schizophrenia Day 2022 set on 24th May, is the best time to start conversations about mental illness in your community. And if you’re wondering whether one person can make a difference, the answer is absolutely! All of your efforts in spreading mental health awareness have a ripple effect on others.
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