National Schizophrenia Awareness Day, on July 25th aims to reduce stigma and raise awareness about schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a complex mental health condition characterised by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganised thinking. Held annually in the UK, the day highlights experiences of those living with schizophrenia by improving understanding and advocating for better mental health services.

The day is led by the mental health charity, Rethink Mental Illness. Their aim is to challenge the misconceptions about schizophrenia and provide accurate information to the public about what the condition entails.

Causes and misconceptions

Schizophrenia can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics which is the most common reason for developing schizophrenia; brain chemistry differences, possibly due to disrupted brain development during early childhood or pregnancy; traumatic life events, such as the loss of a job or loved one; and frequent drug use, which has been linked to signs of schizophrenia.

There is a common misconception that schizophrenia makes people violent or dangerous, however the truth is that individuals are more likely to be victims of crime or harm themselves. Another common misconception is that people with schizophrenia have a split personality, however symptoms of schizophrenia are related to experiences rather than someone’s personality. Rethink Mental Illness is hoping to break these misconceptions and the stigma surrounding schizophrenia to bring help to those who need it.

Living with schizophrenia

Every person living with schizophrenia has a unique experience of the world, but there are common themes. Symptoms that a person might experience include illogical thoughts, hallucinations, and delusions.

Positive symptoms mean any changes in behaviours or thoughts which can include hallucinations or delusions. Negative symptoms are where people appear to withdraw from the world around them. Negative symptoms could look like taking little to no interest in everyday social interactions or appearing emotionless and flat.

This year

National Schizophrenia Awareness Day takes place every year on the 25th of July. This date was chosen to honour the birthday of Dr. Emil Kraepelin, who was one of the first psychiatrists to classify schizophrenia as a distinct mental illness.

Rethink Mental Illness is encouraging everyone to engage with the day and help make a difference, for example by joining online campaigns, supporting mental health charities, or just wearing the colour purple – the signature colour for schizophrenia awareness.

Further reading:
Schizophrenia: A Personal View
By Dr Stephanie-Jayne Jones

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