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'It's time to do better': urging action on schizophrenia stigma
This Schizophrenia Awareness Week (SAW), selectability is urging regional Queenslanders to confront the stigma surrounding schizophrenia.
Running from Sunday 19 May to Saturday 25 May with the theme ‘It’s time to do better,’ the week aims to raise awareness and challenge harmful stereotypes that prevent people living with the condition from seeking support and feeling valued.
Sally Schaefer, selectability General Manager and daughter of a mother living with schizophrenia, emphasises the significant barriers posed by stigma and discrimination.
“Stigma and discrimination are significant barriers for people with schizophrenia,” said Sally.
“Many people experience challenges accessing healthcare, finding employment, and participating in their communities due to misconceptions and prejudice associated with the condition.”
“This presents huge obstacles in a person’s recovery.”
Drawing from her personal experience, Sally stresses that with proper treatment and support, individuals with schizophrenia can lead fulfilling, meaningful lives.
She advocates for education, awareness, and compassion to combat misinformation and fear, which often drive stigma.
“Schizophrenia should not determine a person's identity.
“Harmful stereotypes and misconceptions can make it easy to forget that behind each diagnosis is an individual with their own dreams, ambitions, and the capacity to live a satisfying life.
“People living with schizophrenia, their families, and carers, deserve to feel valued and empowered to seek support without fear of shame or judgement.”
Globally, schizophrenia affects 20 million people, with an incidence rate of 2.4 per 1000 people in Australia, with the condition slightly more common in men compared to women. The reality is that one in 100 people will be diagnosed with schizophrenia in their lifetime, and many more will experience the impact of supporting a loved one with the condition.
People living with schizophrenia are among the most highly stigmatised and socially marginalised people in communities. About half of all people living with schizophrenia (56 per cent) do not reach out for support. We know that with the right treatments and supports, people can and do recover.
It’s time to do better for those living with schizophrenia and their support networks.
Find out more about Schizophrenia Awareness Week at Schizophrenia Awareness Week - Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia Inc (mifa.org.au).
You can participate in events that are happening during the week to show your support. Find out more at Schizophrenia Awareness Week Events 2024 - Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia Inc (mifa.org.au).
And if you need to, reach out for support:
- Talk to your family or friends
- To find support in your local community, visit findingnorth.org.au
- Visit https://findingnorthnetwork.com.au/ to join a network of people with lived and living experience.
- Check out our online forum at saneforums.org to chat online 24/7, 365 days a year to other people who live with their own mental health challenges.
- See your GP, a counsellor or a psychologist.
References:
USEFUL LINKS
selectability acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we provide services and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge those with lived experience and those who support and partner with us to improve mental wellbeing and prevent suicide across regional Queensland.
