A seminar named ‘Life with Schizophrenia’ was organised at Mount Carmel Hospital on October 10, in order to celebrate World Mental Health Day.
A number of professionals participated in this seminar in order to inform the wide audience about what is schizophrenia, the difficulties that have to be tackled by individuals who suffer from this mental disorder, and the problems of their carers.
The presentations discussed also what is being done in the area of mental health particularly that related to schizophrenia, the aspect of social integration, and also the treatment of schizophrenia in the community.
Clifton Grima, CEO of Mount Carmel Hospital, explained how World Mental Health Day have been celebrated from 1992 among more than 100 countries and it has always delivered a significant contribution.
He said that “the main aim of this commemoration is to increase awareness about mental health and also to give a voice to those who don’t have one”.
On the other hand, psychiatrist Dr Anton Grech revealed that schizophrenia is a mental disorder which affects thinking, feeling and behaviour.
Grech insisted that “schizophrenia is a serious psychotic illness which will lead to much suffering and sometimes even suicide if left untreated”.
Psychiatrist Dr John Mifsud said that “the treatment related to schizophrenia is not only prescribed to control the symptoms but also to hinder further advance of the illness”.
Moreover, he described the difficulties that psychiatrists have to deal with when family members of people diagnosed with schizophrenia, including children, refuse to allow these individuals to take the necessary medication.
“We can do nothing in such cases,” he explained, “because we cannot impose treatment on anyone, even if we are aware about the consequences which will lead the illness to become worse.”
Psychologist Joan Camilleri illustrated the fact that often people with schizophrenia suffer also from isolation. However, she mentioned that a number of volunteers are offering their services to accompany these people according to their needs.
Camilleri treated also the aspect of burnout which carers of people with schizophrenia have to deal with. She insisted that “it is necessary that carers find time to rest in order to avoid reaching this extreme, since this will not only harm them but also hinder them from being able to help further”.
Meanwhile, she also identified the need for an adequate place which could serve as a Respite Unit for people who suffer from schizophrenia in order to alleviate some of the pressure and stress from these carers who have to face these responsibilities day after day.
For more information, one can contact Mount Carmel Hospital on 2141 5183.