Talking about it can help bust the myths
11 May 2010
Life can be hard enough for people living with schizophrenia without the stigma and myths that surround this misunderstood condition.
Hunter New England Mental Health, in partnership with Greater Taree City Libraries, is holding a free event this week to help raise awareness and lift the veil on schizophrenia.
• The information session is on Wednesday 12 May from 1.30 to 2.30pm at Taree Library, and is part of the Let’s Talk About It series. Contact Danielle at Taree Library on 6592 5390 to reserve your place.
The session will be run by Clinical Nurse Consultant with Manning Community Mental Health Lesley Fearon and Judy Hodgkinson, a community member who has managed schizophrenia with the help of medication, counselling, poetry and journal writing.
Schizophrenia will affect an estimated one in 100 Australian people at some time in their lives.
“Yet this complex condition is still often shrouded by myth, ignorance and misunderstanding,” Ms Fearon said.
“One of the myths, for example, associates schizophrenia with violence. However, people who have schizophrenia are no more likely to be violent than any other group in the community. In fact, research suggests that they are more likely to be the victims of violence.
“Education, however, can play an important role in dispelling these myths and moving on from the attitudes of the past,” she said.
“Wednesday’s information session will provide an insight into schizophrenia, its causes, symptoms and available treatments.
“It will also provide insights into living with schizophrenia through Judy, who has made a fulfilling and active life for herself.”
The session is part of the Let’s Talk About It initiative, which aims to increase mental health literacy in the community. In the Manning area it has been made possible through the support and commitment of Greater Taree City Libraries, which is hosting a series of talks and personal stories on a range of mental health topics throughout the year.
Schizophrenia Awareness Week is being held next week, from 16 to 22 May, and also provides an opportunity to raise community awareness of schizophrenia and mental illness in general.
• For more information about schizophrenia, contact the Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW on (02) 9879 2600 or visit www.sfnsw.org.au , or visit the Sane Australia website on www.sane.org For help contact Hunter New England Mental Health’s 24-hour Crisis and Information Service on 1300 369 968; Lifeline on 13 11 14; or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 (for children and young people from 5-18 years).
Contact: Frances Holz
Phone: 4939 2216