1. talking about it Schizophrenia

2. What is Schizophrenia Who is affected Risk factors for Schizophrenia Signs and Symptoms Treatments The lived experience of Schizophrenia How to help someone experiencing Schizophrenia Overview

3. talking about it “Schizophrenia is characterised by a breakdown of thinking and emotions, and a loss of contact with reality ” What is Schizophrenia?

4. talking about it Who is affected by Schizophrenia? 1% of the Australian population will develop Schizophrenia at some stage in their life

5. talking about it Family history/Genetic factors Biochemical factors Structural changes in the brain Environmental stressors Risk factors for Schizophrenia

6. talking about it Delusions Hallucinations Difficulty with thinking Disorganised or inappropriate behaviour Lack of expression Loss of feeling Loss of motivation Signs and Symptoms of Schizophrenia

7. talking about it Medication Psycho/social support: eg. counsellors, case managers, support groups Community Support: eg. accommodation support, training and return to work programs Treatments for Schizophrenia

8. talking about it “Schizophrenia is not exclusive to the white English speaking population. It affects people from all cultures” Cultural Perceptions

9. talking about it G Gather: information eg. observations, asking others. Look for signs and symptoms R Respond: talk and listen non judgmentally to the person and give reassurance I Involve others: encourage the person to seek professional help either from a GP, Psychiatrist or Mental Health Services P Plan: to encourage the use of self help techniques such as support groups, medication compliance and stress management How to help someone who may be experiencing Schizophrenia

10. talking about it Spot the signs and symptoms Seek professional help eg. see your GP Make changes in your life eg. reduce stress, learn some relaxation techniques, get the support of friends and family, reduce alcohol and other drug use Helping yourself

11. talking about it Myth or Fact? Mental illness only affects a few people Mentally ill people are violent People with a mental illness should be kept in hospital People with a mental illness never get better Questions for discussion

12. Living with Schizophrenia

13. Questions?

14. talking about it Schizophrenia is characterised by a breakdown of thinking and emotions, and a loss of contact with reality Most people develop Schizophrenia between the ages of 15 and 25 The causes of Schizophrenia are not yet clearly understood Summary

15. talking about it Symptoms can vary widely between people who have Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is an illness that requires careful management GRIP Summary

16. talking about it Where to seek help and information Websites Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW www.sfnsw.org.au Australian Schizophrenia Research Institute www.schizophreniaresearch.org.au SANE Australia www.sane.org Headspace National Youth MH Foundation www.headspace.org.au Mental Health Association of NSW www.mentalhealth.asn.au Services See your local GP Mental Health Services Psychologist Psychiatrist Community Health Centre Local Support Groups Counselling Services Local Hospital

17. talking about it Where to seek help and information Helplines & Information Services NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511 Lifeline: 13 11 14 SANE Australia Helpline: 1800 187 263 Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 Mensline Australia: 1300 789 978 Beyondblue Information Line: 1300 224 636 Mental Health Information Service: 1300 794 991