Schizophrenia is a serious Mental Illness that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Just like many other Mental Illnesses, there are numerous misconceptions, stigma, and discrimination that surround Schizophrenia—making it even harder for those living with it to seek help and feel understood.
This World Schizophrenia Day (24 May 2025), we’re encouraging everyone to Listen, Learn and Support. By truly listening to those affected, learning the facts, and showing support through empathy and awareness, we can create a more inclusive, informed, and compassionate world for all.
Over the past week, SADAG has proudly represented the voice of Mental Health at a series of impactful local and global platforms. From presenting a powerful session on Chronic Pain and Suicide at the PainSA Congress in Cape Town, to Dr Frans Korb (SADAG Board Member & Psychiatrist) delivering the opening address at the J&J Mental Health Planning Meeting — our presence has ensured that Mental Health remains at the forefront of critical discussions.
The SADAG Cape Town team also attended the Akeso Eating Disorders Summit in Montrose and participated in the World Health Assembly gathering of IAPO patient health groups from around the world. These engagements highlight the importance of SADAG’s ongoing commitment to advocating for Mental Health wherever decisions are made — injecting our voice where it’s needed most and ensuring the lived experiences of South Africans are heard.
Understanding Schizophrenia begins with knowledge. By learning about this complex condition, you can move beyond stigma and towards effective support. This brochure offers helpful information covering symptoms, potential causes, available treatments, self-help strategies, and guidance on how to best support someone living with Schizophrenia. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or seeking ways to help someone else, this brochure is a meaningful first step.
New Schizophrenia Webpage
We’ve launched a Schizophrenia webpage filled with helpful information about symptoms, treatment options, and practical coping strategies. Whether you’re living with Schizophrenia or supporting someone who is, this page can guide you with facts, helpful articles, videos and tools. Take a moment to explore our resources like brochures, Ask The Expert webinars, and free Support Groups.
LIVE “Ask the Expert” on Facebook – Friday, 23 May at 1PM
Effective communication with your Doctor can be life-changing, especially when living with Schizophrenia. This World Schizophrenia Awareness Day, join us for a powerful Ask The Expert session: “Schizophrenia – How to Talk So Your Doctor Will Listen” on Friday, 23 May at 1pm.
Whether you’re living with Schizophrenia or supporting someone who is, this session will help you find the right words, ask the right questions, and feel more in control of your Mental Health journey. Hear from Cindy van Wyk, a Clinical Neuropsychologist, and SADAG Support Group Leader, Tina James, who offers a Support Group for loved ones and family members of those living with Schizophrenia, as they share practical tips, personal insights, and answer your questions.
