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Schizophrenia Awareness Fights Fear and Stigma - Video

May 31, 2011 Natasha Tracy

This week saw the passing of Schizophrenia Awareness Day and I think it's time to take a moment to learn some facts about this much stigmatized mental illness.

Schizophrenia and Bipolar are Related

Some researchers now believe that schizophrenia and bipolar disorder exist along a continuum. This makes sense when you consider people with schizophrenia can suffer from psychosis similar to psychosis seen in some with bipolar disorder. Antipsychotic medication is also used to treat both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

schizophrenia_artLearn About Schizophrenia

Here are a few facts about schizophrenia:

  • Average onset is between age 16-25
  • 1 out of 12 hospital beds in Canada are used for schizophrenia treatment.
  • Schizophrenia is not a split personality.
  • Schizophrenia is a brain illness that distorts the senses, impairs cognition and makes it difficult to know what is real and what isn't.
  • 50% of teens with schizophrenia attempt suicide.
  • People with schizophrenia are no likely than the general population to commit violence. They are more likely to be victims of violence.
  • Schizophrenia is a treatable mental illness.

On Schizophrenia Awareness Day I shared some of these facts with random folks I bumped into, like the grocery cashier and a dental hygenist. It's not about sanctimony but it is about knowledge of real facts and not just media portrayals and irrational fear. People are scared of what they don't understand - don't be one of those people.

I'll leave the last word to Dr. Phillip Long, psychiatrist:

“The worst thing about having schizophrenia is the isolation and the loneliness...”

It doesn't have to be this way. We know better.

You can find Natasha Tracy on Facebook or @Natasha_Tracy on Twitter.

Image created and provided by filmmaker John Cadigan.

APA Reference
Tracy, N. (2011, May 31). Schizophrenia Awareness Fights Fear and Stigma - Video, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2024, March 29 from https://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/breakingbipolar/2011/06/schizophrenia-awareness-fights-fear-and-stigma-video



Author: Natasha Tracy

Natasha Tracy is a renowned speaker, award-winning advocate, and author of Lost Marbles: Insights into My Life with Depression & Bipolar. She's also the host of the podcast Snap Out of It! The Mental Illness in the Workplace Podcast.

Find Natasha Tracy on her blog, Bipolar BurbleTwitter, InstagramFacebook, and YouTube.

jake
June, 14 2011 at 9:08 am

I missed this one. Kudos. My dearest friend has schizophrenia. There are so many myths about this devastating illness that need to be busted. Thank you for your contribution.
Jake

Natasha Tracy
June, 5 2011 at 9:08 am

Hi Randye,
Well thank-you, that is very kind. I certainly appreciate it.
- Natasha

Randye Kaye
June, 2 2011 at 4:10 am

Hi Natasha - as a new blogger on Healthy Place, ("Mental Illness in the Family"), I just want to say how much I admire your blog. Every post I"ve read has been helpful, honest and beautifully written. Thank you!
Randye

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