Schizophrenia Awareness Week
May 21-27, 2006

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What is Schizophrenia Awareness Week?

Schizophrenia Awareness Week (SAW) is an annual observance designed to educate the public about schizophrenia and how it impacts the daily lives of individuals with schizophrenia and their families. The observance, sponsored by the National Schizophrenia Foundation, is focused on eliminating the fear and ignorance that often surrounds schizophrenia and related disorders.
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Why is Schizophrenia Awareness Week important?

Schizophrenia is a serious debilitating illness that significantly affects individuals, families, and communities. Schizophrenia Awareness Week promotes public awareness of this disorder in the hope of eliminating the ignorance and stigma often attached to mental illnesses. Public education regarding schizophrenia also creates dialogue about issues surrounding mental health problems within families and communities.
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What is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a brain disease that can severely damage a person’s ability to distinguish what is real from what is imaginary. A person with schizophrenia may develop antisocial personality traits such as being withdrawn or acting indifferent. Other symptoms of schizophrenia include visual and audible hallucinations, disconnected thoughts, and agitation. Contrary to popular perception, schizophrenia is not synonymous with “split or multiple personality disorder.” The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that 2.4 million Americans have schizophrenia.
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Where can I get more information?

For more information and resources on schizophrenia, you may contact the National Schizophrenia Foundation at 403 Seymour Avenue, Suite 202, Lansing, Michigan 48933, Phone: 517-485-7168, Consumer Line: 1-800-482-9534.