Every year on May 24, the world observes World Schizophrenia Day, with the aim of increasing public awareness of this complicated mental health condition.
Chronic schizophrenia impairs a person’s thoughts, behavior, and emotions, making it challenging to distinguish between what’s real and what’s not. In addition, this mental disorder can seriously impair a person’s capacity to operate independently by causing severe disturbances in their personal and social lives.
According to the President of the Moroccan Society of Psychiatry, Professor Abderrazzak Ouanass, 1% of the Moroccan population suffers from schizophrenia, equivalent to 340,000 Moroccans.
The major setback in Morocco concerning early diagnosis, treatment of mental and psychological illnesses in a specialized environment, and the prevention of such disorders, is linked to the means at our disposal, notably human resources, infrastructure, medication, and budgets.
There is a lot of stigma and misinformation surrounding schizophrenia, which is why it is crucial to inform people about the signs, causes, and effective treatments of this mental illness.
By raising awareness, we can clarify misunderstandings and ensure that those who are impacted by this disorder are able to receive the assistance and care they need.
Challenging prejudice is one of the best ways to fight it. Simply telling others about your experience with schizophrenia or getting to know someone who has a mental illness and learning about their illness can make a difference.
If we show compassion, spread kind words, and encourage self-empowerment, we can fight the stigma surrounding schizophrenia and mental health, and ensure that people suffering from mental illnesses feel safe and protected.
