PICTURE yourself sitting with your friend, studying on the campus lawn – and boom they get up and start taking off their clothes and tearing books and study material apart.
You’d be embarrassed and freaked out.
Probably, you’d think your friend is bewitched.
Well, this happens and it is not caused by jealous neighbours or family members. It’s a health condition called schizophrenia.
Alex (not his real name) was studying Law at Wits University when he experienced a mild breakdown.
Despite the incident, he managed to continue his studies and graduated with a law degree.
While Alex was completing his articles, he started having hallucinations, delusional behaviour and often struggled to construct coherent thoughts and sentences.
He went to the doctor and was referred to a psychiatrist, who diagnosed him with schizophrenia.
At first, Alex was overwhelmed, believing his life and career were doomed, until he started treatment.
His doctor prescribed monthly injections.
Alex’s symptoms subsided and his life returned to normal. He was also able to achieve his goals.
Now, he works and lives a fulfilling life as an advocate for people living with schizophrenia.
He’s also an active contributor at a support group that meets weekly to help people living with the disorder.
Worldwide, over 1,5 million people are diagnosed with the disorder every year. This means most of us will be affected and need help.
If detected early, the condition can be managed.
This will help stop people living with schizophrenia from being chained and locked up in dark rooms.
Schizophrenia can be managed.) If you need help, visit www.schizophrenia24x7.co.za
Signs of Schizophrenia:
Experts say if help is sought early, patients may live a normal life.
“The sooner schizophrenia is detected and treated, the better the outcome for the person living with the disorder,” said Jansen Pharmaceuticals in a statement.
After schizophrenia has been diagnosed, patients should start treatment, which includes therapy and medication.
Various available medication:
- Oral medication or tablets must be taken daily, without fail. The challenge with the treatment is that patients often find it difficult to stick to the medication schedule.
- Monthly injection or long-term, slow-release medication has proven to be highly effective because it eliminates the need to take tablets on a daily basis. Once administered, the dose lasts for a month.
