May 24 is Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day

May 22, 2024

May 24 is Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day. Three percent of the population will experience psychosis. One in 100 people will be diagnosed with schizophrenia.

But while attitudes toward mental health and mental illness are shifting, the myths, misunderstandings, and misconceptions surrounding psychosis and schizophrenia remain stubbornly high. The most common myth being that schizophrenia is not manageable or treatable.

Like any other illness, it is can be managed and treated with the right support.

Read more to learn what schizophrenia and psychosis are and what support is available.

What is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder that, when active, can include symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, trouble with thinking and lack of motivation. However, with treatment, most symptoms of schizophrenia will greatly improve and the likelihood of a recurrence can be diminished.

Despite the origin of the word, from the Latin meaning “split mind,” schizophrenia does not mean split personality or multiple-personality. Most people with schizophrenia are not any more dangerous or violent than the general population and may, in fact, be more vulnerable to being the victims of crimes.

While there is no cure for schizophrenia, research is leading to innovative and safer treatments. Experts also continue to unravel the causes of the disease by studying genetics, conducting behavioral research, and using advanced imaging to look at the brain’s structure and function.

WATCH: Follow My Brain, which follows a young man, Cam Webster, as he moves through the onset of, and recovery from, schizoaffective disorder.

Who does it affect?

Schizophrenia can affect anyone.

Doctors often diagnose schizophrenia when a person is between the ages of 16 and 30.

Early treatment is important to help you or a loved one have the best chance at success.

One of the first steps you can take is to visit a doctor when you start to develop signs of schizophrenia. A doctor can help connect you with a psychiatrist or other specialist to help you get the correct diagnosis and treatment.

What is Psychosis?

Psychosis is a symptom that’s defined as “losing touch with reality.” Signs can include hallucinations, delusions, and agitation. It may be caused by substance use, sleep deprivation, or conditions like schizophrenia.

Psychosis means a person is feeling a loss of contact with reality. A period of psychosis is called a psychotic episode. Psychosis is not an illness by itself. Instead, it is a possible symptom of a number of different conditions.

Psychosis can happen to anyone. It can be caused by:

• Mental health conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or delusional disorder
• Traumatic brain injury
• Neurological conditions like epilepsy
• Neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease
• Other medical conditions such as HIV, brain tumor, or stroke

A psychotic episode can also occur on its own. It’s possible for someone to experience psychosis temporarily.

For example, sleep deprivation, going through a traumatic event, being under extreme stress, taking certain prescription medications, or using substances (such as hallucinogens like LSD) can lead to psychosis. In these cases, the symptom will go away with time as a person recovers from the event or stress, or when they stop using the medication or substance. Around 25% of people who have an episode of psychosis will never have one again.

Psychosis and schizophrenia are both associated with mental health but they have some important differences. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but psychosis and schizophrenia are not the same.

[Image by Laura Porter / Verywell]

How can I help a loved one?

Supporting a loved one can be hard. It can be difficult to understand what a loved one is experiencing, and their behaviour may be confusing at times. Many people worry about their loved one’s future. The good news is that schizophrenia is treatable and love and support can go a long way. Here are some tips for helping a loved one:

• Learn more about schizophrenia so you have a better idea of what to expect and how you can help.
• Schizophrenia can have a big impact on people’s ability to concentrate and make sense of information. Loved ones may not react to things in ways you expect or may struggle with tasks that seem simple to you. It’s okay to feel frustrated, but it isn’t anyone’s fault.
• If a loved one has trouble following conversations, choose a quiet space and speaking calmly and clearly.
• It’s best to avoid arguing with delusions or hallucinations. A more helpful strategy is to focus on the feelings that delusions or hallucinations bring up.
• Ask your loved one how you can help. This may be a simple as helping with day-to-day tasks.
• Talk about dealing with emergencies when your loved one is feeling well and decide how you can contribute. Write it down in a crisis plan and share it with your care team. This is also a good time to talk about behaviours you are not willing to deal with.
• Learn more about support services for care providers through your loved one’s care team, provincial or territorial health services, or community organizations.
• Depending on the barriers that your loved one experiences, planning for the future with tools like a Registered Disability Savings Plan can bring peace of mind.
• Set your own boundaries, and seek support for yourself when you need it. Think about joining a support group for loved ones and seeking counselling for the entire family.

Resources

• Hope for Mental Health [formerly the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia]
• Schizophrenia Society of Canada
• Hope and Recovery
• Rays of Hope

Sources: CAMH, CMHA National, the Schizophrenia Society of Canada, American Psychiatric Association, Verywell