Celebrate National Schizophrenia Awareness Day today!

Today (Friday 25 July) is National Schizophrenia Awareness Day (NSAD), which is a chance for all of us to learn the truth about a condition affecting so many people in the UK.

It is a chance for us to see the person, not just the diagnosis.

1 in 100 people in the UK live with schizophrenia: that is over 600,000 individuals

These individuals are friends, colleagues, loved ones, parents, siblings, and everything in between.

Individuals who have to deal with life stresses alongside their condition.

Schizophrenia is a part of life for the people living with it, but it is not what defines them. Reducing someone to just their mental illness fuels stigma, misunderstanding and can create social isolation.

This NSAD it is time to see the whole person, not just our perceptions of schizophrenia.

The truth about schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a mental illness affecting the way you think, feel and behave. It is a severe condition, but one that can be managed.

If you were to believe portrayals in film and media however, you would understandably think schizophrenia is something stopping people from living a fulfilled life.

It is important we learn the truth about schizophrenia:

• schizophrenia does not mean 'split personality' - everyone's experience of schizophrenia is different, some people might develop hallucinations, and others might experience delusions, but it is crucial we stop spreading myths and understand the actual symptoms;
• a fulfilled life with schizophrenia is possible - any severe illness can affect daily life, but with the right care and support, schizophrenia does not have to stop you playing an active role in society;
• there are treatments for schizophrenia - accessing the right treatment and support is important, and medical professionals will work with people to find that, whether it is early intervention, talking therapies and medication;
• people living with schizophrenia are more likely to be harmed by other people than harm others - people who live with schizophrenia are not usually dangerous, and for those who do commit violent crimes, in many cases, those people were neglected by the mental health system and the crimes might have been prevented with the right care and support.

Get involved

There are many ways to get involved on NSAD:

• educate yourself and others - learn about schizophrenia, share accurate information, and promote early intervention;
• support mental health initiatives - donate to mental health organisations, participate in fundraising events, and volunteer your time;
• show compassion and support - be a good listener, encourage treatment and recovery, and advocate for change.