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Spread Awareness that Schizophrenia is not a 24 x 7 Mental condition
Most people have no idea what schizophrenia really is. They think that Schizophrenia is a 24 x 7 mental condition and people diagnosed with it are under delusion, hallucination or hearing voices all the time.
Typically, as per my experience... when the key symptoms show up it is known as 'Episode'. Episode can be controlled within a period of 1 day or 1 week depending on how long it takes for the affected person to have the medication working effectively.
I would say, most people with this mental condition spend 5% in Episodes and 95% dealing with the effects of medicines, memories and trauma resulting from the Episode.
If this clarity is brought forward on media it can change the way how people see the affected.
Mostly, people affected with schizophrenia are dealing or trying to cope up with daily life 95% of their lifetime.
The acute challenge is Episode .... but the challenge posed by the reality of social awareness imposes the impression that the Episode or Key symptoms of Schizophrenia is a lifelong experience.
Hence, the affected people are treated with stigma in the society.
There could be a change in the approach of people affected with Schizophrenia, Caregivers, Medical Professionals and society in general if this distinction is expressed clearly when talking about Schizophrenia.
Would spreading a simple message that Schizophrenia is not a 24 x 7 mental condition bring about a change in thinking??
Kate Blake 50+
My main experience of schizophrenia came from a teenage friend who was usually medicated - we are both now in our 50's and came from a rural area. Seems the only local psychiatrist was sexually exploiting his clients as many S. sufferers seem to be attractive young females. My friend didn't suffer this atrocity and was very well medicated 90% of the time. She held a good government position for many years, met a man got pregnant and then it went downhill.
She was quite well during the pregnancy and could in fact go off her meds but after the birth of her baby she wanted to breast feed and refused to take meds again. That episode involved 9 months of hospitalisation. And that was the turning point for her. The father had to bring their son up and he is doing well. But now when you introduce her to anyone she says "hi, I'm ..... and I'm S." A very sad way to see yourself as a label.
So this story might be a bit long but I think others should be warned to take meds and get therapy if it's available. Have since worked with numerous adults who developed many different personalities in order to cope with very shocking childhood abuse. So if someone you know has a label treat them with kindness as you have no idea how they got there.
Gail . 50+
The social stigma would probably go away if those with schizophrenia were not so likely to go off their meds.
Xyle Soulful
It is one thing to have a relapse and go through the key symptoms for a day or for a week while the drugs are taking their effect on us. But it is quite another to live with these key symptoms everyday as if it was meant to be.
I have had my share of relapses and dosage of ineffective drugs.
This discussion is taking a nice turn. Thank you so much :)
carolyn mcauley 10+
Xyle Soulful
Paul Kirhagis
Xyle Soulful
For example, by discovering this line of distinction in my life, I am able to manage my mental condition, the trauma and memories of Episodes, redefining my reality, working towards my goals in life.... without mixing it all up with one thought that I am a Schizophrenic.
Once I started to see it as 5% ... it immediately moved my attention towards 95% and recreate my life. It is an empowering perspective. By making difference in my own life, the people around me are starting to see it as just another form of illness or extraordinary mental condition.
The core intent is to shift the attention from 5% to 95%.
Paul Kirhagis