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Challenging the Myths About Schizophrenia
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For National Schizophrenia Day (25 July), we wanted to share some information about the condition which is often misunderstood and subject to a lot of misconceptions. We’ve asked Kat, our Clinical Lead and Safeguarding Manager, to share some facts about Schizophrenia as well as where to get support for it.
Kat writes:
What is Schizophrenia?
Imagine if you felt you could trust no-one in the world, let alone yourself.
This is a real feeling for many people when in the throes of an episode of Schizophrenia. This belief is so audible, it is unshakable. No matter how reassuring a person who normally would trust tries to reassure you, this belief is hard to shift.
Schizophrenia is a long-term mental health condition. Doctors often describe schizophrenia as a type of psychosis. This means the person may not always be able to distinguish their own thoughts and ideas from reality.
Each person’s experience is unique. Some of the following symptoms of schizophrenia may include:
- a lack of interest in things
- feeling disconnected from your emotions
- difficulty concentrating
- wanting to avoid people
- hallucinations, such as hearing voices or seeing things others don’t
- delusions (strong beliefs that others don’t share), including paranoid delusions
- disorganised thinking and speech
- not wanting to look after yourself.
Misconceptions
People really misunderstand how schizophrenia can affect someone’s life and what they can still achieve with their lives despite the diagnosis. This is not a life sentence – a diagnosis of schizophrenia does not define you!
For example, we often hear the following misconceptions:
- That it is not possible for someone to work. NOT TRUE – It is completely possible for someone to have an enjoyable and fulfilling role in the workplace.
- The person may not be able to have healthy relationships with friends or family. NOT TRUE – It is important that people have a supportive network around them who understand how their condition affects them.
Getting the right support
When a person is diagnosed with schizophrenia, it is important that they have the correct support around them as it makes all the difference. This support can be provided by Clinical Psychologists, Psychiatrists and mental health charities.
It is important to remember that there is not one-size-fits-all solution and each person may need differing support at different times through their life.
As long as someone has access to the right support, medication and therapy such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and talking therapy, a person will be able to have a meaningful life experience. It is important to visit you Doctor if you are concerned, as they will be your first place to receive support.
Self-care is also very important, such as getting enough rest and sleep, having a healthy balance of nutrition and water. Any imbalances in the body will often be felt in someone’s mental health. It is also important to have regular exercise as well. This can help with the balancing of hormones, such as cortisol and raising dopamine, which can be very effective in the self-management of this condition.
On top of support from your GP, the following charities can help:
Living with Schizophrenia UK: https://livingwithschizophreniauk.org/
SANE: https://www.sane.org.uk/understanding-mental-illness/mental-health-conditions
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