MIFNQ-Schizophrenia Awareness Week

Schizophrenia Awareness Week

Sunday May 13th to Saturday May 20th 2012

Throughout the year there are numerous topics which have a day, week, or month set aside for anyone and everyone to have the chance to learn more about the chosen topic.  So, it is with Mental Illnesses for one week in May each year.

Schizophrenia was chosen initially because so little was known about the illness, its effects on the people who have it, and the burden on the families/carers, friends and the community, too.

The various government and community organisations work all year around in educating the public, sharing research information, and doing the myriad of other activities which must be done, it is during the week known as “Schizophrenia Awareness Week” that a concentrated effort is made to highlight the issues for those who have the lived experiences of mental illness.

Schizophrenia, is one of the most recognised illnesses, but, with the least known about it.  There are so many myths about mental illnesses, and about Schizophrenia in particular.  This is why the focus for this week is so necessary.  It is so important that the facts are published, put out there in the public arena for people to learn what mental illnesses are really all about.  This is done through stories on television, in the newspapers, by radio, newsletters, and film too.

In this new century, the web has become a plethora of information. By going to legitimate websites with good, clear accurate information, many people have been able to gain access to the knowledge they seek, and gain the treatment they need for themselves or their loved one.

Schizophrenia Awareness Week is a time for everyone, to step back and take a look at how far the awareness of how the community can help has come from the early days when people with mental illnesses were locked away in asylums.  Even though, there is still a long way to go in having the full community support for people with mental illnesses, there are people in the workforce, having families, leading fulfilling lives participating in the community, taking their places in the wonder of being a contributing citizen.

When one realises that 1 in 5 people have experiences of mental health issues, it is no hardship to understand that 5 in the 5 can make life better for those people.  These are the sorts of campaigns which have been launched in the past during Schizophrenia Awareness week.  People in the community don’t just want to know the problems, or the issues.  They want to know what they can do to help.  Once again, through the publicity and stories people can find out what they can do to contribute to the improvement of another person’s life.

Do check our nomination forms, as you may know someone, who, or, some organisation or program which may deserve to be nominated for a Rotary Sunflower Award.  These awards are to recognise the worth and work of those nominated.  The time taken to nominate is minimal, but, the outcome is genuine applause for everyone in the sector.

The Awards breakfast is a great time to celebrate.  It gives people an opportunity to hear about the Successes of those who are striving for acceptance within our community.

Over the next few weeks there will be various events all of which have been organised to emphasise the issues still to be confronted, but, to actually acknowledge and celebrate the achievements during the journey so far.