Understanding Schizophrenia: Breaking Stigma and Promoting Awareness

On May 24th each year we observe World Schizophrenia Day and pledge to raise awareness about schizophrenia, a complex mental disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. This day serves as a reminder to challenge misconceptions, break the stigma surrounding schizophrenia, and promote a better understanding of this condition.

Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It is characterized by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and impaired social functioning. In India, the prevalence of schizophrenia is about 3/1000 individuals (Gururaj, Girish, & Isaac, 2005) commonly diagnoses in men, and younger by an average of about five years than women. Contrary to widespread belief, schizophrenia is not a split personality or a result of personal weakness. It is a complex neurobiological condition that requires proper diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing support.

Schizophrenia and Superstitions: Challenging Misconceptions

Being a complex mental disorder Schizophrenia is often shrouded in misconceptions and superstitions in Indian society. These deeply ingrained beliefs can have detrimental effects on individuals with schizophrenia and their families, leading to stigmatization, social exclusion, and barriers to seeking appropriate treatment and support.

1. Misattributing Symptoms to Superstitions: In many cases, the symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions, are misinterpreted as supernatural phenomena or possessed by evil spirits in Indian society. This attribution to superstition not only delays proper diagnosis and treatment but also adds to the stigmatization of individuals with schizophrenia.
2. Stigmatization and Social Exclusion: Superstitious beliefs surrounding schizophrenia often result in stigmatization and social exclusion. Individuals with schizophrenia and their families may face discrimination, isolation, and even violence due to these misconceptions. The fear and ignorance associated with superstitions hinder the acceptance and integration of individuals with schizophrenia into their communities.
3. Impact on Help-Seeking Behavior: Superstitious beliefs can discourage individuals and their families from seeking professional help for schizophrenia. Instead, they may turn to religious healers, faith-based remedies, or rituals, believing that supernatural interventions can cure the condition. This delay in seeking evidence-based treatments can worsen symptoms and impede the individual’s chances of recovery.
4. The burden of Guilt and Shame: Superstitions surrounding schizophrenia can place an enormous burden of guilt and shame on individuals and their families. They may be blamed for bringing curses or bad karma upon themselves, exacerbating their psychological distress and impeding their willingness to seek support or disclose their condition to others.

Media Representation of Schizophrenia

The media plays a powerful role in shaping public perceptions and attitudes towards various issues, including mental health. Unfortunately, when it comes to schizophrenia, media representation in Indian society often perpetuates harmful stereotypes, misinformation, and stigmatization. Media representations of schizophrenia in Indian society often rely on sensationalism and exaggeration, reinforcing stereotypes of individuals with the condition as dangerous, violent, or unpredictable (Remember our movies and serials often showed the character as violent, tied up with chains in a chair and electrocuted by doctors, wearing dirty cloths). Such portrayals contribute to fear, stigma, and discrimination, making it challenging for individuals with schizophrenia to seek help, find employment, or fully participate in society. Media sometimes perpetuate misinformation and myths about schizophrenia, further fuelling misunderstandings. These inaccuracies can lead to widespread beliefs that the condition is untreatable or that people with schizophrenia are intellectually impaired. Such narratives hinder efforts to raise awareness, promote early intervention, and encourage dialogue surrounding mental health. Fear of judgment or societal backlash can prevent timely diagnosis and access to appropriate treatment.  Negative portrayals perpetuate the idea that people with schizophrenia are dangerous or incapable of leading fulfilling lives. As a result, individuals with schizophrenia face challenges in finding employment, maintaining relationships, and participating fully in community life. Media representations heavily influence public opinion and can impact policy decisions and resource allocation for mental health services. Negative portrayals of schizophrenia may reinforce societal biases and result in limited funding, inadequate mental health infrastructure, and a lack of support systems for those in need. This perpetuates a cycle of neglect and further marginalizes individuals with schizophrenia in Indian society.

Understanding schizophrenia and developing an effective approach to dealing with it involves several key aspects. Here are some important points to consider:

1. Educate Yourself: Start by gaining knowledge about schizophrenia. Understand the causes, symptoms, and treatment options available. Familiarize yourself with the challenges individuals with schizophrenia face and the impact it can have on their lives and their families.
2. Seek Professional Help: If you suspect that you or someone you know may have schizophrenia, it is crucial to seek professional help from a mental health specialist, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. A qualified healthcare professional can establish a proper evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment plan.
3. Medication and Treatment: Medication plays a significant role in managing schizophrenia symptoms. Antipsychotic medications are commonly prescribed to alleviate hallucinations, delusions, and other associated symptoms. It is essential to follow the prescribed medication regimen and regularly communicate with the healthcare professional to monitor progress and address any side effects.
4. Therapy and Support: In addition to medication, therapy and support are crucial components of managing schizophrenia. Psychoeducation on individual and family levels, Social Skills Training, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other therapeutic approaches can help individuals learn coping strategies, manage stress, improve communication skills, and enhance overall functioning. Family therapy and support groups can also be beneficial for both individuals with schizophrenia and their families.
5. Create a Supportive Environment: Individuals with schizophrenia often require a supportive and understanding environment. Educate family members, friends, and co-workers about the disorder to foster empathy and reduce stigma. Encourage open communication, active listening, and non-judgmental attitudes within the support network.
6. Encourage a Healthy Lifestyle: Promote overall well-being by encouraging a healthy lifestyle. This includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and avoidance of substance abuse. Engaging in meaningful activities and hobbies can also contribute to a sense of purpose and fulfilment.
7. Monitor Symptoms and Adjust Treatment: Regular monitoring of symptoms and treatment progress is essential. Maintain open communication with the healthcare professional to address any changes in symptoms, side effects, or concerns. Adjustments to medication or therapy may be necessary to ensure optimal management of schizophrenia.
8. Encourage Self-Advocacy: Empower individuals with schizophrenia to become self-advocates in their care. Help them develop self-management skills, set goals, and participate in treatment decisions. Encourage them to access resources, support groups, and educational materials that can provide further guidance and empowerment.
9. Focus on Recovery: Recognize that recovery from schizophrenia is possible. Recovery is a personal and ongoing journey that may involve managing symptoms, improving functioning, and pursuing personal goals. Foster hope, resilience, and a positive outlook for the future.

Each individual’s experience with schizophrenia is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. It is crucial to tailor the approach to the individual’s specific needs and work closely with mental health professionals to provide comprehensive and personalized care.

Contributed by: Monalisha Boruah