1 in 100 people in the UK live with schizophrenia. That’s over 600,000 individuals.
Individuals who are friends, colleagues, loved ones, parents, siblings, and everything in between.
Individuals who have to deal with work stress, dodgy Wi-Fi, dating drama, the cost of living crisis – the 99 other problems everyone else does – alongside their condition.
Schizophrenia is a part of life for the people living with it, but it is not what defines them. Reducing someone to just their mental illness fuels stigma, misunderstanding and can create social isolation.
This National Schizophrenia Awareness Day, it’s time to see the whole person – their ambitions, their sense of humour, their everyday problems – not just our perceptions of schizophrenia.
Everyone has the right to be seen, supported, and understood. National Schizophrenia Awareness Day is a chance for all of us to learn the truth about a condition affecting so many people in the UK. It’s a chance for us to see the person, not just the diagnosis.
The myths of schizophrenia
Living with schizophrenia
Paul's story
"I've been been married 20 years. I’ve got two grown-up stepchildren and two teenage daughters. I hope my story demonstrates that you can still live a fulfilling, happy life despite schizophrenia."
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Ashley's story
"When I told my close friends and family about my diagnosis, they were very understanding and accommodating. However, I was selective about which family and friends I told."
Leon's story
"This is real mental illness. It’s not a quirky series of personality traits; you can’t hit the gym and lift your way out of it."
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Mark's story
"Life then strangely full of ups and downs and is not at all negative. The point is to try to brave these symptoms, step by step."
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Jamie's story
"I started to feel a bit better after taking the medication, and soon I moved into a Rethink Mental Illness Supported Accommodation Service."
Hal's story
"Voices would whisper to me and shout at me. They were so venomous, insidious, unfailing, unending."
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