Understanding Schizophrenia: Breaking the Stigma Surrounding Mental Health

The Reality of Schizophrenia

Bhubaneswar: Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health disorder that significantly impacts an individual's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Despite growing awareness and treatment options, it remains widely misunderstood and stigmatized in society.

Mental health professionals emphasize the importance of viewing schizophrenia as a legitimate medical condition that can be diagnosed, treated, and managed effectively with appropriate support. According to SA Idrees, a consultant psychiatrist at Manipal Hospitals, the onset of schizophrenia is gradual, often influenced by genetic factors or environmental stressors. Symptoms may include hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech, which are serious indicators of a mental health issue rather than mere quirks.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 24 million individuals globally are affected by schizophrenia, equating to roughly one in every 300 people. In India, the prevalence ranges from 0.3% to 0.5%, affecting over 4 million individuals, as per the National Mental Health Survey. Despite its commonality, the topic remains shrouded in stigma. Idrees points out that derogatory labels like 'mad' or 'psycho' only serve to isolate patients and hinder their recovery. He advocates for normalizing mental health treatment, akin to how we approach conditions like diabetes or hypertension.

Typically, schizophrenia manifests in individuals between the ages of 20 and 30, with early signs often misinterpreted as personality traits or stress responses. Dr. Pradyut Ranjan Bhuyana, a senior consultant in Neuromedicine at Manipal Hospital, notes that the disorder can arise from genetic predispositions, chemical imbalances, or structural brain abnormalities, which can severely distort a person's perception of reality.

With appropriate treatment—including antipsychotic medications, cognitive behavioral therapy, and family support—many individuals with schizophrenia can lead stable and fulfilling lives. Continuous psychiatric care is essential, according to Bhuyana. He also highlights that India has made notable progress in enhancing access to mental health care. Cultural representations in films such as Dear Zindagi, Kartik Calling Kartik, and Chhichhore have played a role in destigmatizing therapy and sensitively portraying mental illness. Bhuyana states, 'When cinema is used responsibly, it can initiate conversations and shift societal attitudes.'

Mental health challenges affect everyone—children, women, and professionals alike. Recognizing pain, sharing experiences, and promoting treatment can create significant positive change. Idrees calls for a collective effort, urging policymakers, educators, media outlets, and the public to collaborate in breaking the silence surrounding mental health issues.