How to reduce stress with progressive muscle relaxation
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Read moreMyths about schizophrenia
It’s Schizophrenia Awareness Week and there are many misunderstandings about schizophrenia; what it is and how it affects people. SuicideLine Victoria is working to reduce the stigma of schizophrenia by looking at the most common myths and comparing them to the facts.
SuicideLine Victoria is focusing on the many misunderstandings about schizophrenia – what it is and how it affects people. We are working to reduce the stigma of schizophrenia by looking at the most common myths and comparing them to the facts.
Myth
Having schizophrenia means you have split or multiple personalities.
Fact
No. People with schizophrenia do not have more than one personality. Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness that affects your thoughts, behaviours and perception. People with schizophrenia may have trouble distinguishing between what is real and what is not.
Myth
Schizophrenia is very rare.
Fact
No. Around one in a hundred people will develop schizophrenia., with it typically affecting people in their late teens to mid-twenties.
Myth
People with schizophrenia only suffer symptoms that involve delusions and hallucinations.
Fact
No. People with schizophrenia can experience two or more of the following symptoms:
- Delusions – fixed beliefs that are implausible
- Hallucinations – experiencing things that no one else is hearing, seeing, tasting, touching or smelling
- Disorganised thinking – not connecting thoughts logically, speech is difficult to follow
- Abnormal movement – includes catatonia
- Negative symptoms – reduced facial expressions, low motivation, inability to enjoy once-liked activities, and social withdrawal
Myth
People who have schizophrenia are violent.
Fact
No. Violence is not a symptom of schizophrenia. Unfortunately, popular culture has often depicted people with schizophrenia to be violent.
Myth
You cannot treat Schizophrenia.
Fact
No. There are treatments for schizophrenia. These include medication, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based treatments, and education identifying the suffer of the warning signs. Many people living with schizophrenia go on to live productive and successful lives.
If you are worried about yourself or someone you know, a GP can help with an initial assessment and then refer you to a specialist. The earlier schizophrenia is diagnosed, the better a chance for recovery.
If you are struggling and want to speak to a professional counsellor, SuicideLine Victoria is available 24/7. Call us on 1300 651 251.
If it is an emergency, dial 000.
Further reading
Positive self-talk
Self-talk is your inner voice that runs throughout the day. It can help you process experiences, make decisions, ask questions, and influence how you feel. Understand how positive self-talk can help to improve your day and wellbeing.
Read moreWhat are the symptoms of anxiety and what can cause anxiety?
Many of us feel anxious when we have a stressful event or situation coming up, and we are worried about it. This feeling is temporary and usually goes away after the event or situation has ended. Anxiety is when that feeling of anxiousness does not go away and is long term. Find out more about the symptoms of anxiety and what can cause anxiety.
Read moreWhat is social anxiety?
Social anxiety is more than just feeling nervous about a social function or event. People who have social anxiety feel an extreme sense of fear and anxiety in social settings and everyday interactions. They often know their fear may be unreasonable, but they are unable to overcome it. Learn how to spot the signs.
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