National Schizophrenia Awareness Day: Sarah’s Story
This Friday is National Schizophrenia Awareness Day, a chance to raise awareness, challenge stigma and listen to the voices of those with lived experience.
Sarah, a valued volunteer at our Trust shares her story:
There’s a woman sitting on a pavement on a high street somewhere in south west London. It’s the middle of the night, she’s visibly distressed and frightened, and despite the cold, all she’s wearing is a vest, pyjama bottoms and a pair of socks. A nice man places a takeaway on the pavement beside her, and although he has kind eyes, she’s frightened of him. She doesn’t eat the food; it might be poisoned. Later a group of sex workers approach her and assume she is selling her body. They try to offer her better working conditions but she’s unresponsive, so they eventually give up and walk away. At some point a (not so nice) man tries to entice her to follow him with the promise of drugs and alcohol. A local shopkeeper chases him away, and then returns to his shop. For the most part though, people simply give her a passing glance and continue walking down the street.
Of all the people she encounters that night, nobody recognises the signs that this might be a mental health emergency, that this vulnerable woman is lost, confused and terrified that people are trying to kill her.
I know this because that woman was me. My name is Sarah, I have schizophrenia and over the years I have heard many stories just like mine.
We all have mental health and just like our physical health, it needs looking after.
Sarah’s story highlights the often-invisible struggles faced by people living with schizophrenia. Despite the challenges, many people with this condition live meaningful lives and contribute richly to their communities. However, stigma and misunderstanding still create barriers to support and recovery.
By sharing stories and fostering open conversations, we can break down stigma and ensure that those affected receive the care, respect, and inclusion they deserve.
We’re proud to stand with Sarah and others this Schizophrenia Awareness Day as we work together to create a kinder, more informed community.
Remember, if you need mental health support, you don’t have to face this alone. Support is available.
Find out more about Sarah's story here.
