The Guelph & Area Chapter of the Schizophrenia Society held its annual Walk of Hope May 29 and raised over $5,000.
The walk is to raise awareness and funds. The theme was to thank all past and senior members for their dedication and contributions over the years. A short tribute was expressed to the seniors before the walk commenced.
In 1981, several people from Guelph and area formed a support group, which eventually evolved to become the Guelph & Area Chapter of the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario. Many of the founding members attended.
Schizophrenia usually strikes in the late teenage and early adult years, most commonly between 12 and 25 years of age in men, and between 25 and 35 years in women.
It is a form of psychotic disorder, which means it can cause people to have difficulty interpreting reality. Individuals develop a marked change in their thinking, perceptions, and behaviour. Improved medications have greatly improved the outcome for those suffering with this illness. Receiving help early has also enhanced the recovery results. This is why knowing the signs of schizophrenia and other mental illness and taking immediate action is so important.
Several years ago mental illness was not talked about. Information on signs of the illness and how to effectively care for someone who became ill was not readily available.
Families associated with the newly formed support group knew of an education program in Hamilton and were very instrumental in helping to create an effective 10 week education program in Guelph.
Currently such a program is offered at Trellis for families to learn about mental illness.
Information about mental illness became more readily available and the stigma surrounding mental illness began to lessen. As families became educated more programs and groups became available in the area.
Education programs were planned for area schools, and creative support groups were formed for those who had been diagnosed with mental illness to allow them avenues for healing through art, music and social activities.
Families and friends joined to raise awareness to combat the stigma often associated with the illness. A handbook From Rollercoaster to Recovery was created by families to help others when navigating through the mental health system. Members rallied to have an Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team for Guelph.
