CMHA recognizes World Schizophrenia Awareness Day

May 24, 2024

CMHA Ottawa recognizes May 24th as Early Psychosis and Schizophrenia Awareness Day, a day dedicated to supporting individuals living with early psychosis and schizophrenia to reach their full potential. Schizophrenia affects approximately 20 million people around the world. Often, individuals experiencing psychosis, disorientation or hallucination can achieve remission with treatment or find ways of living in harmony with their experience. Others, despite treatment, may still encounter significant impairments in the way they function socially and at work.

Schizophrenia and early psychosis are medical illnesses that, like other medical illnesses, have variable expression/effects on symptoms, function and response to treatments. Schizophrenia and early psychosis are caused by several different factors; from multiple genetic or environmental factors or from a combination of both. Individuals living with schizophrenia may face unique mental health and addiction challenges.

At CMHA Ottawa, we provide services for individuals in the Ottawa area with severe and persistent mental illness—which includes early psychosis and schizophrenia—and/or substance use disorder, many of whom are experiencing chronic homelessness or are vulnerably housed.

Let’s raise awareness, combat stigma, and support those affected.

Visit Schizophrenia Society of Canada for more information and for additional resources and guides, please visit: Resources – Schizophrenia Society of Canada.