Loretta wrote on June 21 as they were coming to their last days in Saskatchewan:
When we decided to ride our bikes across Canada we chose schizophrenia as a cause to promote. Before and during our trek we have had responses which generally fall under three types: 1) Why schizophrenia? 2) What is schizophrenia? and 3) Someone close to me has this illness.
This web site has provided me an opportunity to reply.
The WHY is because in 28 years as a care-giver in a hospital, it is the illness that touched me the most. The reasons for this are varied: the fact it surfaces, often without warning, to a person entering adulthood shattering future dreams; the nature of the illness itself makes it difficult for the person, family and friends to understand and accept; the difficulties in initial diagnosis and treatment (finding the right medication to control the symptoms); and, depending on the severity, the impact on family relationships and lifestyles.
The acute suffering that is experienced by a patient and family is complicated by the societal stigma that still exists in many areas, resulting in avoidance, perhaps fear, a lack of awareness and the subsequent lack of support and encouragement required to cope with any such tragedy.
Briefly, schizophrenia is a brain disease, incurable but treatable. As with any disease there are several kinds and there are varying degrees of severity. Typical symptoms include delusions, hallucinations, changes in emotions and behavior, inability to respond to those around. I will not attempt to describe them here as there are many brochures and books which I would encourage those interested to read. We need to have greater awareness of the impact of this disease as it affects about one in every hundred people, obviously touching many lives in our communities.
It has been surprising how promoting schizophrenia has opened the door for people to discuss their family members or friends and difficulties encountered. Many express the wish that people would be more supportive and understanding towards the ill person in their home.
As we’ve cycled these many hours, there has been much time to reflect on how fortunate we are to have our health and to be able to achieve a dream. There are also many hours to think about our own suffering — too hot, too cold, vicious wind, tired legs, sore derriere. But when we stop riding we are able to enjoy good food and people around us. We receive many words of admiration, encouragement and well wishes. We would like to see the same offered to those who do not have the luxury of health.
What is Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a treatable biochemical brain disease. It strikes 1 in 100 normal intelligent people, often without warning. It usually strikes people in their late teens and early twenties and is a lifelong disease, and is often called Youth’s Greatest Disabler. It causes 40%-60% of those afflicted to attempt suicide, with 10% of all schizophrenia victims completing the act. It costs $4 billion annually. In fact, 1 in 12 hospital beds in Canada is used by someone suffering from schizophrenia.
No one can measure the human loss and suffering associated with schizophrenia to both those afflicted and their family members. Family members of those afflicted with schizophrenia are under a great deal of stress every day. Understanding and acceptance from all Canadians will allow people with schizophrenia to achieve a better quality of life.
Schizophrenia is not a split personality, caused by childhood trauma, poverty or by domineering mothers and/or passive fathers, nor is it caused by the guilt, acts or failures of the sufferer. Schizophrenia is not the fault of the person or their family. It is not contagious.
For more information, visit the Schizophrenia Society of Canada web site, or any of it’s affiliated provincial groups. Much of the brief description in the previous couple paragraphs are quoted directly from their Web page. You can also check the Web pages of affiliated provincial groups.
Schizophrenia Society of Canada
British Columbia
Alberta
Saskatchewan
Manitoba
Ontario
Québec
New Brunswick
Prince Edward Island
Nova Scotia
Newfoundland
Schizophrenia Facts
- “Schizophrenia” is a brain disorder which affects ONE in 100 persons. This means that 270,000 Canadians will be diagnosed with this illness at one point in their lives.
- Schizophrenia is a lifelong illness. Some may return to a fairly normal way of life, while others may require life long support.
- Less research is done on schizophrenia than on any other major disease.
- Medications have influenced the course of schizophrenia. They have helped to decrease the number of relapses and rehospitalizations as well as improve functioning for many persons with schizophrenia, allowing some to live independently and to hold jobs.
- There is hope of a cure. The challenge to both private and public sectors is to provide sufficient funding to make these possibilities a reality.
- Schizophrenia is not caused by any guilts, acts or failures of the person.
- Schizophrenia is not the person’s fault.
- Schizophrenia is a real disease (or group of diseases).
- Schizophrenia has concrete and specific symptoms different from other mental illnesses.
- Schizophrenia has been called one of the worst illnesses of mankind.
- Family members of those afflicted with schizophrenia are under a great deal of stress every day.
- The Schizophrenia Society of Canada offers information, advice and a feeling of acceptance to families whose lives have been turned upside down.