Hope in Every Story: Lived Experience Leading Conversation on Schizophrenia

Hope in Every Story: Lived Experience Leading Conversation on Schizophrenia

For World Schizophrenia Awareness Day 2026 (24 May 2026), the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is raising awareness through real stories from people with lived experience to help break the silence and challenge stigma. The theme for this year is Listen, Learn and Support, encouraging people to better understand Schizophrenia and support those affected by it.

Living with Schizophrenia can affect how a person thinks, feels, behaves, and experiences the world. However, having Schizophrenia does not mean someone has a “split personality,” nor does it automatically make a person violent or dangerous - two common myths that continue to contribute to stigma and misunderstanding.

Psychiatrist and SADAG Board Member, Dr Mashadi Motlana says,

“Getting diagnosed with Schizophrenia can be extremely difficult and isolating because for the longest time Schizophrenia was seen as a major psychiatric disorder from which there was no hope. It is so important for those newly diagnosed to be given hope that there is treatment available. The primary treatment for Schizophrenia is medication, and therapy is also a very important and effective tool in recovery and management.”

While Schizophrenia can impact many areas of a person’s life, support from families, friends, workplaces, and communities can make a significant difference in helping individuals feel understood rather than judged. Creating safe spaces for open conversations about Mental Health can also encourage more people to seek help and feel less alone in their journey.

Garth, who is living with Schizophrenia added,

“Living with Schizophrenia does not mean you cannot live a normal, meaningful life. With the right support system, understanding, and treatment, I have been able to manage my condition and continue with my life. My family and friends have played an important role in my journey, and that support has made all the difference.”

Tune in to SADAG’s Facebook Online Ask The Expert Live session on Schizophrenia Lived Experience this Friday, 22 May 2026 at 1 pm, via Facebook. We’ll be joined by Support Group Leader for family members of people living with Schizophrenia, Tina James, as well as Garth, who is living with Schizophrenia, for a conversation about lived experience, support, recovery, and hope.

Visit the SADAG website to access the World Schizophrenia Awareness Day Online Toolkit, which offers valuable information, resources, brochures, articles, videos and Support Groups. Stay tuned to our SADAG Social media pages where we'll be sharing information about Schizophrenia, Support Groups, and other activities.

Support is available 24 hours a day through the SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0800 567 567 or 0800 456 789. You can also send an SMS to 31393 for a Counsellor to call back or contact SADAG via WhatsApp on 076 882 2775 (8am–5pm, 7 days a week).

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