World Schizophrenia Day

This year more than any other, raising awareness of mental health is paramount. It is believed the pandemic has negatively impacted the mental health of many individuals across all age groups and so it’s time to reach out to each other and check in on those who have been affected.

May 24 is World Schizophrenia Day and is designed to raise awareness of the condition. The term schizophrenia literally means “a splitting of the minds” but it is a common misconception that people living with schizophrenia have split or multiple personalities ¹ .

There isn’t one singular factor that causes Schizophrenia, rather it is thought that an interaction between genes and environmental factors is the main cause, however psychosocial factors may also be a contributing aspect. 

Schizophrenia affects 20 million people worldwide, but is one of the less common mental health conditions. It is associated with a higher rate of disability and earlier death compared to the general population.

There are a range of symptoms that a person living with schizophrenia may experience, but common symptoms include:²

• Hallucinations and delusions
• Disorganised behaviour such as aimlessly walking, a lack of self care, jumbled speech or talking or laughing to oneself
• Marked disturbances of emotion

Treatment for schizophrenia can be effective, however it is estimated that 69% of people with the condition globally don’t receive appropriate care due to the lack of services related to their location. 

The Altura Learning libraries offer a range of course on mental health including the Home Care Library course Mental Health: Living with a Condition. 

This course offers a first hand account of people who live with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder is explains the impact these conditions have on everyday living. 

You will hear from our experts who will discuss the signs and symptoms of the conditions as well  different support strategies that will enable you to improve the lives of those you care for.

Use #schizophrenia or #WorldSchizophreniaDay to follow on social media. ³ 

¹ https://nationaldaycalendar.com/world-schizophrenia-day-may-24/#:~:text=May%2024%20is%20World%20Schizophrenia,around%20mental%20illnesses%20in%20general.

² https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/schizophrenia

³ https://nationaldaycalendar.com/world-schizophrenia-day-may-24/#:~:text=May%2024%20is%20World%20Schizophrenia,around%20mental%20illnesses%20in%20general.