24/05/2025
World Schizophrenia Awareness Day, observed on May 24th every year, aims to raise public awareness about sc**zophrenia and to reduce the stigma associated with the condition.
The term "sc**zophrenia" was first used in 1911 by a Swiss psychiatrist, Eugen Bleuler. It comes from the Greek roots sc**zo (split) and phrene (mind). Bleuler used this name to emphasize the mental confusion and fragmented thinking characteristic of people with the illness.
Schizophrenia is one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions. There are many myths and misconceptions when it comes to persons living with sc**zophrenia, including that they are violent and dangerous.
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World Schizophrenia Day on 24th May 2025: History, Theme, and Healthy Lifestyle Habits for Those Affected
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Written by:
Shrabani Pattnaik
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22 May 2025
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10 min
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World Schizophrenia Day on 24th May is an international awareness event dedicated to shedding light on one of the most challenging and misunderstood mental health conditions – sc**zophrenia. This severe brain disorder affects about 24 million people worldwide. Its causes are complex: research points to an interplay of genetic vulnerabilities, brain chemistry imbalances, and environmental triggers rather than any personal failing.
People living with sc**zophrenia often experience hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking that distort their sense of reality. Unfortunately, stigma surrounding this illness is pervasive – many face discrimination and isolation due to misconceptions. Indeed, studies estimate that nearly two-thirds of people with sc**zophrenia encounter stigma at some point in their lives.
That’s why World Schizophrenia Day on 24th May is so crucial. It provides a platform to spread understanding, challenge myths, and show solidarity with those affected. Advocates use this day to remind everyone that mental wellness is more important than physical wellness, emphasising the importance of mental health and urging us to support people with sc**zophrenia. By breaking the silence and dispelling fear, this day helps foster empathy, hope, and change.
Table Of Contents
What Is Schizophrenia?
About World Schizophrenia Day on 24th May 2025: When Is the National Day of Schizophrenia? History, Theme & Significance
What Colour Ribbon Is For Schizophrenia?
What Is a Healthy Lifestyle for Schizophrenics?
Does Schizophrenia Stay for Life?
The Final Say
FAQs
References
What Is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a chronic psychotic disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and perceives reality. It typically begins in the late teens or early twenties and causes episodes of hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that aren’t there), delusions (false beliefs), and disorganised thinking.
Scientifically, sc**zophrenia is linked to brain chemistry imbalances and genetic factors (not upbringing or personal weakness). There is no known cure, but treatment with medication, psychosocial therapy, and strong support can help most people manage symptoms and lead meaningful lives. Historically, doctors classified sc**zophrenia into several subtypes (see table), though modern practice just uses the single diagnosis ‘sc**zophrenia.’
Type
Description
Paranoid Preoccupation with one or more delusions (often persecutory or grandiose) or frequent auditory hallucinations, while other thought processes remain relatively intact.
Disorganised (Hebephrenic) Disorganised speech and behaviour, incoherent or illogical thoughts, and flat or inappropriate emotional responses. Daily activities and self-care are significantly impaired.
Catatonic Dominated by unusual, extreme motor behaviour. This can involve periods of rigid, unmoving stupor (catatonia), bizarre postures, repetitive movements, or echolalia/echopraxia (mimicking words or movements).
Undifferentiated Mixed symptoms of sc**zophrenia that don’t clearly fit into the paranoid, disorganised, or catatonic categories. A catch-all diagnosis for diverse symptom profiles.
Residual A history of past psychotic episodes, but currently only mild or “residual” symptoms are present (such as odd beliefs or low-grade hallucinations). Essentially a phase of partial remission.
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About World Schizophrenia Day on 24th May 2025: When Is the National Day of Schizophrenia? History, Theme & Significance
History of the Day
The roots of World Schizophrenia Day on 24th May date back to the late 18th century and the humane revolution in mental healthcare. This date was chosen to honour Dr. Philippe Pinel, a French physician renowned for his compassionate treatment of the mentally ill. On May 24, 1793, Pinel famously ordered the chains removed from people with mental illnesses at the Bicêtre asylum in Paris. This courageous act – freeing patients who had been shackled for decades – became a powerful symbol of dignity and hope in psychiatry. Centuries later, the National Schizophrenia Foundation (a US non-profit) established World Schizophrenia Awareness Day on 24th May to commemorate Pinel’s legacy and champion continued progress in mental health care. Each year since, organisations worldwide have observed World Schizophrenia Day on 24th May by raising public awareness about sc**zophrenia, promoting compassion, and pushing for better mental health policies and research.
When Is the Day?
World Schizophrenia Day on 24th May is observed annually on May 24th around the globe. In 2025, it falls on a Saturday. On this day, mental health advocates, hospitals, and communities host events to educate the public and support those living with sc**zophrenia. It’s important not to confuse this global day with country-specific observances – for example, the United Kingdom marks its own National Schizophrenia Awareness Day on July 25 each year, led by the charity Rethink Mental Illness. However, the overarching international focus remains on World Schizophrenia Day on 24th May, which unites the world in solidarity for sc**zophrenia awareness and advocacy.
Theme for 2025
Every year, World Schizophrenia Day on 24th May adopts a special theme to guide awareness campaigns. The theme for 2025 is “Rethink the Label: Reclaim the Story.” This slogan urges society to move beyond the labels and stereotypes often attached to sc**zophrenia, and instead listen to the personal stories of those who have this condition. “Rethink the Label” challenges the negative words and misconceptions (like the false idea of “split personality”) that have long haunted sc**zophrenia.
“Reclaim the Story” invites individuals affected by sc**zophrenia to share their experiences in their own voices, highlighting resilience and humanity rather than letting fear or myth define them.
Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves.
People with sc**zophrenia may seem like they have lost touch with reality.
Treatment is usually lifelong and often involves a combination of medications, psychotherapy and coordinated speciality care services.