Latest news with #WorldSchizophreniaDay
CNBC
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNBC
Taye Diggs: My sister's schizophrenia diagnosis changed our family—and how I handle my own anxiety: I 'follow her lead'
When award-winning actor Taye Diggs isn't on the big screen, he makes sure to show up for his family, especially his younger sister, Christian, 49, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia in her early 20s. "It's been a tumultuous journey, as you can imagine," Diggs, 54, tells CNBC Make It. "Watching her through support and love and patience, watching her kind of figure out how best to move forward with this diagnosis, has been just amazing." About 24 million people worldwide are affected by schizophrenia, according to the World Health Organization. The condition impacts how a person perceives reality and can cause hallucinations, disorganized thinking and drastic changes in behavior. In honor of World Schizophrenia Day, Diggs and his sister partnered with Bristol Myers Squibb for the Live Your PosSCZible campaign. "When I was first diagnosed, it was very shocking and a bit scary," Christian said in a video made to spread awareness about schizophrenia. "But of course, after receiving my diagnosis, I felt a little bit calmer about the whole thing, and I actually had hope because I could put a name on everything that was happening." Supporting his sister through her diagnosis and helping her to receive the care she needed caused Diggs to take a closer look at his own mental health. "I've learned a lot about myself, so much more about my sister, and so much more about schizophrenia," Diggs says. "Watching her monitor herself, and making sure that she doesn't drink a certain amount, and making sure she is very aware of the crowds that she's going to be exposed to, just watching her making those necessary adjustments has helped me kind of deal with my level of anxiety." When Diggs feels really anxious, he does deep breathing exercises and focuses on the present to ground himself, he says. "I have to remind myself to just let go," Diggs says. During a talent showcase the siblings hosted for the campaign earlier this month, he found himself getting anxious about how everything would turn out. "[My sister's example] helped me monitor myself and follow her lead," Diggs says. ,
The Hindu
24-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Family and community key to Schizophrenia recovery, say experts
Experts at the schizophrenia awareness programme organised by the Kozhikode-based Chetana Centre for Neuropsychiatric Rehabilitation, in observance of World Schizophrenia Day on Saturday (May 24), stressed the importance of family and community in recovery, especially in the context of rising drug abuse and digital media addiction among youth. The event was conducted in collaboration with several organisations, including Thanal Suicide Prevention Centre, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Committee for Emotional Well-being and Suicide Prevention, the Indian Psychiatric Society (Kerala State Branch), the Composite Regional Centre for Persons with Disabilities, and the Calicut Psychiatry Guild. Focussing on the causes of schizophrenia, Dr. Arun Gopalakrishnan, consultant psychiatrist at Isha Mind Care, pointed out the role of epigenetics and chemical imbalances in the brain and the fluctuations in the levels of serotonin and dopamine. 'The onset of the disorder is usually between the ages of 15 and 55, but can occur earlier or later,' Dr. Gopalakrishnan said. He added that the symptoms of schizophrenia included withdrawal tendencies, hallucinations, random disorganised speech and illusions. Early detection and treatment would help to cure the disease completely, highlighting that 20-30% of patients fully recover, Dr. Gopalakrishnan said. Dr. P. N. Suresh Kumar, convener of the Indian Medical Association's Committee for Emotional Wellbeing and Suicide Prevention, said that hospital-centred, institution-based, community-based, and non-residential rehabilitation, which provided opportunities to schizophrenia patients based on their aptitude and ability, helped in their recovery. Dr. Roshan Bijili, director of the Composite Regional Centre for Persons With Disabilities, emphasised the need to treat schizophrenia like any other medical condition. M.K. Raghavan, MP, inaugurated the programme. Dr. A.K. Abdul Khader, vice chairman of the Thanal Foundation Trust, presided over the session. K.C. Hariharan, administrator, Chetana; DR. V. Rajmohan V., editor of Kerala Journal of Psychiatry; Dr. Susheel K., president of Calicut Psychiatry Guild; and Dr. Rajagopalan Puthusserri, administrator, Thanal Suicide Prevention Centre, took part in the event. The programme also featured the staging of 'Aakashakazhchakal', written by M. V. Suresh Babu and directed by Vijayan Kanthoor. The play staged by Sradha, Kozhikode, portrays the experiences of a person living with schizophrenia, including the person's hallucinations of being attacked, evoking empathy in the audience and raising awareness.
The Hindu
24-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Hospital holds rally to raise awareness of schizophrenia
Over 200 Tiruchi residents participated in an awareness rally organised by Athma Mind Care Hospital (AMCH) to observe World Schizophrenia Day on Saturday. The rally was flagged off on AMCH premises by P. Azeem, Inspector of Police, Thillai Nagar. AMCH consultant psychiatrists M. Sridhar and M. Rajaram spoke on the importance of early diagnosis and support for individuals living with schizophrenia, a mental disorder characterised by disruptions in thought processes, perceptions and emotional responsiveness. The initiative aimed to destigmatise schizophrenia and encourage community understanding through public engagement and awareness. Participants marched with placards and slogans advocating mental health care and inclusion. A signature campaign was also organised, inviting the public to pledge their support for mental health awareness
