Knowing schizophrenia

ONE IN a hundred people will develop schizophrenia at some time in their lives.

Despite its prevalence, research by the national mental health charity, SANE Australia, has found that schizophrenia is the most stigmatised mental illness in the community.
SANE research has also found that almost half of all Australians still have a very limited understanding of schizophrenia and the everyday reality of living with the illness.
While these findings are disappointing they are not surprising, given the persistent myths about the illness.
The most common myth confuses schizophrenia with 'split personality', which is not the case. People with schizophrenia have one personality.
Schizophrenia is an illness - a treatable illness – that influences how someone interprets information and makes sense of the world.
Symptoms can include confused thinking, delusions, hallucinations, difficulty expressing emotions and withdrawal from others.
With effective treatment, which includes community-based accommodation, recovery and family education and support programs, the majority of people affected lead full lives and participate in the community.
During Schizophrenia Awareness Week (May 16-22) local communities across Australia will be raising awareness about the illness through a variety of public events.
This is an opportunity to learn more about this misunderstood illness to ensure that much-needed treatment and support is available to all who need it.
BARBARA HOCKING
Executive director
SANE Australia