On Wednesday in Accra, Ghana joined the rest of the world in observing World Schizophrenia Day under the banner “Celebrating the Power of Community Kindness.”
According to Madam Estelle Appiah, Chairperson of the Mental Health Authority (MHA) Board, this year’s event’s primary objective was to raise awareness of schizophrenia and eliminate widespread myths and misconceptions about the condition.
Madam Appiah stressed the importance of providing the required treatment and assistance to everyone who is afflicted by the condition and stated that efforts to minimize the stigma and discrimination experienced by those who are affected would continue to be a top priority.
She recommended collaboration between the general public, development partners, caregivers, community organizations, and all other interested parties in to reduce barriers and increase support for those with schizophrenia.
Dr. Nana Yaa Adobea Brown, the MHA’s Technical Director, claimed that the MHA was enlisting everyone’s support as the most effective way to eradicate the stigmas connected to mental health. In order to increase awareness, increase access to mental health services, and ensure that those impacted receive the treatment and support they require, she urged for a supportive environment for those with schizophrenia.
The Acting Chief Executive of MHA, Professor Pinaman Appau said, “These people with schizophrenia, possibly the most vulnerable of all face serious difficulties every day, including stigma, prejudice, and social exclusion.”
She felt that by creating a culture of acceptance, understanding, and support, the barriers preventing people with schizophrenia from fully participating in society might be removed.
Prof. Appau claimed that the government could create a compassionate society that offered equal access to mental healthcare, economic opportunities, and social support networks through community projects, educational campaigns, and cooperative collaborations.
The mental illness schizophrenia is characterized by recurrent psychotic symptoms such as auditory or visual hallucinations, delusional thinking, disconnection from reality, and disordered thought and behavior.
According to the World Health Organization, schizophrenia is a severe mental illness affecting more than 21 million people globally. A common myth surrounding schizophrenia is that people suffering from it have a split personality, meanwhile, this is untrue.
Schizophrenia patients have one personality, just like everyone else. It is a condition where certain chemicals in specific areas of the brain are out of balance, and as a result, there is a lack of coordination between thoughts, actions, and emotions. The illness usually occurs in early adulthood or late adolescence, typically between the ages of 15 to 28.
Men also have a higher risk of suffering from the illness than women; they have an earlier onset age than women. They are also prone to suffer from a more serious form of the disease with more negative symptoms, less chance of a full recovery, and a worse outcome.
Every May 24, World Schizophrenia Awareness Day is observed. The purpose of this day is to spread awareness about the illness and eradicate the myths and superstitions around mental illnesses.