National Schizophrenia Awareness Day – 25 July 2023

25 Jul 23

National Schizophrenia Awareness Day is a chance to share information and help tackle the stigma and discrimination around the condition. One in every hundred people are diagnosed with schizophrenia at some point in their lives, making it one of the most common mental health conditions in the UK.

What is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a very complex condition that can affect how a person thinks, feels, and experiences the world around them.

People with a diagnosis of schizophrenia can often experience very different symptoms, including audio hallucinations (hearing voices), delusions, disorganised thinking and changes in body language or emotions. It can cause a person to find it hard to distinguish their thoughts and ideas from reality.

Schizophrenia is often misunderstood and, contrary to popular belief, it does not mean split personality and violent behaviours do not usually occur in people diagnosed with the condition.

Living with Schizophrenia

Most people with schizophrenia make a recovery, regaining a good quality of life. For others, schizophrenia will be a life-long condition that will need day-to-day management, with many experiencing the occasional return of symptoms (relapses).

With tailored combinations of treatment and support – such as talking therapy and medication, our teams enable individuals with schizophrenia to manage the condition and reduce the impact it has on their daily lives. When schizophrenia is well managed, it is possible to reduce the chance of severe relapses or further episodes. Recognising the signs of an acute episode, keeping physically well, taking medicine as prescribed and talking to others about the condition are all important factors in staying well.

Where to get support

If you're experiencing symptoms of schizophrenia for the first time, see a GP as soon as possible. The earlier schizophrenia is diagnosed and treated, the better.

If you need help in a mental health crisis visit: Get help (hpft.nhs.uk)

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National Schizophrenia Awareness Day – 25 July 2023