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Raising awareness of schizophrenia
22 May 2008
Schizophrenia Awareness Week ~ 18th - 24th May
Hunter New England Health is helping raise awareness of schizophrenia, a serious mental illness that is estimated to affect one in every 100 Australians.
Peel Mental Health Team Manager Trish Blackman said schizophrenia is an illness that affects a person’s thoughts and perceptions of the world.
“People affected by schizophrenia have one ‘personality’ just like everyone else and it is a myth that people affected have what people call a ‘split personality’,” Ms Blackman said.
“Rather, symptoms may include hallucinations, which is where the person hears, sees, feels, tastes or smells things that to them are very real but they are actually not there. Hearing voices is a common hallucination.”
Delusions are another common symptom of schizophrenia. Delusions are beliefs about certain things that in reality are not true.
“For example, a person may have false beliefs of persecution, such as thinking that others are plotting against them,” Ms Blackman said.
“A person’s thoughts and speech may also be jumbled and disjointed. Often people also experience a loss of energy and motivation and may withdraw from the company of others.
“Of course, the behaviour associated with these symptoms may be confusing or threatening to others. It is important to remember, however, that the person experiencing these symptoms is often feeling quite frightened or confused themselves,” she said.
For some, schizophrenia is a prolonged illness that can re-occur at different times in their life. Myths, misunderstanding and negative stereotypes and attitudes surrounding the issue of mental illness – including schizophrenia – can result in stigma, isolation and even discrimination for those experiencing the illness and their families.
“Stigma can be a huge barrier to a person’s recovery and Schizophrenia Awareness Week is an ideal time to learn the facts about this illness and demystify it for the community so people can understand,” Ms Blackman said.
Members of the community wanting more information should contact the mental health services at their local Community Health Centre (listed under Hunter New England Health in the white pages) or the Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW by telephoning (02)9879 2600 or visiting www.sfnsw.org.au
Contact: Emma Gibbs
Phone: (02)6767 7137 or 0428 114 767
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