Normally observed on May 24th every year, World Schizophrenia Day aims to raise public awareness about schizophrenia and also help to reduce the stigma associated with it. In addition, the day offers a chance to encourage early detection and intervention, which studies have shown to be associated with improved long-term outcomes and to offer support to individuals who are coping with the illness.
On National Schizophrenia Awareness Day, we all have the opportunity to disseminate knowledge and address the stigma and discrimination associated with the illness.
What is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a serious and long-lasting mental illness that alters a person’s thoughts, feelings, perceptions, and actions. Positive symptoms include delusions (perceiving things that are not there) and hallucinations (perceiving things that are not there), along with disordered speech and thought patterns. There are also negative symptoms, such as decreased emotional expression, social disengagement, and motivation deficits.
Dr. Ghosh states that schizophrenia is characterized by disruptions in thought processes and perception, with psychosis being a prominent element, in contrast to bipolar disorder, which is mostly about mood fluctuations.
How to Celebrate World Schizophrenia Day
On this World Schizophrenia Day, it’s important to dispel myths about mental illnesses. Bipolar illness and schizophrenia are two disorders that are frequently misdiagnosed. Even though they both produce distress, it is important to understand the differences in their signs and traits. Schizophrenia and bipolar disease can both interfere with day-to-day functioning, yet they differ in certain ways.
The most important difference is in the primary symptoms. Schizophrenia is characterized by hallucinations and delusions, which are distorted perceptions of reality; bipolar illness is more focused on mood swings.
There are various ways to mark World Schizophrenia Awareness Day and show support for persons affected and their families. One way to show support for individuals with schizophrenia and their families is to wear a silver ribbon.
FAQs
Why is World Schizophrenia Day celebrated?
World Schizophrenia Day is May 24. The World Health Organization estimates that about 21 million individuals worldwide suffer from schizophrenia, a severe mental condition. This day aims to dispel the misconceptions and superstitions surrounding mental diseases in general as well as raise awareness of this illness.
What is the theme of World Schizophrenia Day?
Celebrating the power of kindness in the community. On May 24, 2023, the Department of Psychiatry and the Department of Clinical Psychology at AIMS, B.G. Nagara, collaborated to observe “World Schizophrenia Day.”
Can schizophrenia go away with age?
As people age, schizophrenia usually does not get better. Schizophrenia symptoms might worsen with time or stay the same in certain individuals. Treatment is the key to effectively controlling and living with this illness. A happy and fulfilled life is achievable with appropriate and continuous therapy. With treatment, the majority of patients become better.
