Interview With......
Schizophrenia Awareness & Interview with Mental Health Counsellor Sarah Priest
Written by Elise Falloon - Director at Strength to Strength Mental & Physical Healthcare
Earlier this year in May, we had an awareness week for Schizophrenia – unfortunately, the majority of people may not have known this. So rather than having to wait for this week to roll around next year, I thought we can open this platform to learn and discuss mental health & mental illness. This will aid in addressing the stigma that may follow with the diagnosis and highlight the importance of social support and physical activity.
I am also fortunate to have Sarah Priest, a highly experienced Mental Health Counsellor to join me and answer a few questions about mental illness and schizophrenia, which will hopefully be informative for you and help reduce the stigma around mental illness.
Strength to Strength Mental & Physical Healthcare work WITH people who may have a mental illness or want to learn to better manage their own mental health. We create an inclusive environment, aiming to provide a comfortable and safe space for each individual. Our approach with everyone we work with is that the mental illness or disability does not have to define who you are. You are your own person. Implementing sustainable and achievable healthy habits can assist in the management of your mental health and wellbeing.
There are many studies pointing to the benefits of exercise. Improving general overall health and wellbeing can assist in reducing stress, promotes good sleep and aids in recovery. Strength to Strength focuses on goal setting, maintaining an exercise routine and implementing healthy habits – this can help with improving quality of life, provide a feel of accomplishment and also reduce the feelings of isolation.
So, in saying this, following on from Schizophrenia Awareness Week, let’s start by addressing the question – ‘What is Schizophrenia?’
Schizophrenia is one of the most misunderstood and stigmatised mental illness.
It is an illness affecting the biological functions of the brain.
It is known to be quite a complex illness which can make it difficult to understand.
Is caused by abnormalities in the brain hormone particularly the hormone called dopamine. (Dopamine is responsible for the thought processes)
To be diagnosed with Schizophrenia, a psychiatrist may describe it as a psychotic illness. Schizophrenia can actually refer to one of ten psychotic disorders each of which exhibits itself in three ways:
lethargy, apathy and social withdrawal
hallucinations and delusions.
cognitive symptoms such as impaired memory.
A person may show either or all three at the same time, this will determine the specific treatment.
Unfortunately, historical beliefs and traditions have developed negative perceptions around Schizophrenia and Psychosis. TV productions and media forums have taken this perception and used oppressive language which has further instilled negative connotations that are still current in today’s society. People are continued to be oppressed and marginalised, leaving feelings of isolation within society. This results in poorer mental health and wellbeing outcomes.
We have seen a slight shift in the way we talk about mental health - however there is still a need for further education around mental illness. Overall, there is a great need for a paradigm shift in the way we think about mental illness and mental health.
Q & A with Sarah Priest, a Mental Health Counsellor.
Hi Sarah,
Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions.
Many of us have an unconscious bias when it comes to the brain - for example, some people wouldn’t think twice about telling friends and family about sore muscles or open wounds - however perhaps may be more hesitant to discuss what is happening in our brain - such as our feelings and emotions. What is your opinion around this?
Absolutely, I agree. There is a stigma when it to comes speaking about our mental health which I find really strange; as our mental health is just as much a part of us as our physical health. I do believe that this is changing through role modelling and taking part in these sorts of conversations which is really encouraging and should continue.
It is important for people to know the difference between mental illness and our mental health, can you explain?
Yes, I think it is really important to know the difference and to have an understanding of what these mean to break down the barriers of stigma. Mental health is a of state wellbeing similar to physical health, I believe the term mental health can sometimes have negative connotations; rather than being perceived as a continuum with one end experiencing healthy mental health and on the other side of the continuum is illness. It is natural that we travel back and forth along the continuum throughout life experiences, however, we may experience mental illness if we; for example, spend a significant amount of time mentally unwell or are not supported emotionally.
Sarah, you have worked with in the mental health sector for so many years now, what do you think the biggest barrier is for people living with a mental illness?
One of the biggest barriers that I have witnessed is stigma and a disconnection to others. It can be so incredibly difficult for people to connect particularly if they have been labelled with a mental illness which can really Impact one’s own confidence and self-worth. This barrier contributes to isolation which can have further implication on one’s own mental health.
If someone has or knows someone with symptoms of psychosis, where is the first place they should get help?
The first place that they could get help is to The NSW Mental Health Access Line 1800 011 511 which will then put you in touch with your local mental health service and can provide advice, support and referrals for people experiencing mental health struggles and their families and carers.
What advice would you give to a family member or friend of someone who has schizophrenia?
The advice I would give is to recommend that both the person experiencing schizophrenia and the friend/family member is well supported. Self-care is so important for all involved; as is having a team of supports rather than one individual providing assistance. I would encourage being linked in with professional supports who have experience in the field of mental health such as a counsellor/psychologist.
There are many myths around Schizophrenia that I would really like to bust. The main two that stand out for me is that they are dangerous people and they can’t live a “normal life”, what is your opinion around this?
Yes, these are two that are really common but I don’t believe are true. I would firstly like to point out that all people have the potential to be dangerous and from my experience I have found that people experiencing symptoms such as psychosis can actually be more frightened by others than the other way around. I have never experienced any issues or felt unsafe around people with schizophrenia. The second, I believe is false, I have worked alongside with people with schizophrenia in the community who are supported and I would certainly describe as living a fulfilling life.
Language is another important factor around oppressing and excluding people with mental illness, how do you think we can change this?
I think it is necessary to adapt and change our language to break barriers and stigma and an important way we can so this is to be more informed about mental health and illness and I would recommend thinking about some of the terms used to describe people such as labeling someone as s ‘schizo’ ‘schizophrenic’ ‘crazy’ these can really offensive and convey an idea that defines that person, instead perhaps think of the mental illness as something that the person is experiencing such as a person who has schizophrenia similar to a person who has a broken leg.
As you know, Strength to Strength uses exercise as a tool to help better manage our mental health, how important do you think exercise and looking after your well being is important for people with a mental illness?
I think it is really important if not necessary for people experiencing mental illness to be looking after their well being in the form of exercising as it can contribute to improved mental health. Exercise provides benefits such as social interaction, decreases isolation and can contribute to confidence and increased self-worth; which are beneficial for all people, particularly when experiencing mental illness. think exercise is important for all of us to maintain our physical health; in addition to our mental health.