World Mental Health Day 2014

World Mental Health Day is the annual global celebration of mental health education, awareness and advocacy.

Every year, on 10 October, World Health Organisation (WHO) lead the awareness campaign to shine a spotlight on a particular aspect of mental ill health and the theme in 2014 is "Living with Schizophrenia".

Living with Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia affects around 26 million people across the world.

Despite being a treatable disorder, more than 50 per cent of people with schizophrenia cannot access adequate treatment, and 90 per cent of people with untreated schizophrenia live in the developing world.

Dr Paul Lelliott, Deputy Chief Inspector of Hospitals (lead for mental health), commenting on World Mental Health Day said: "Schizophrenia affects the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in England – both those who experience the problem and their families and close friends. Like some long-term physical health conditions, not everybody’s experience of Schizophrenia is the same. Some people require only occasional contact with health services; a few suffer long-term impairment and need continuous treatment and care. However severe the problem, the great majority of people with schizophrenia are able to lead full and active lives and this goal must be shared by those who provide care.

"People with schizophrenia should expect the same quality of care as those who have a long-term physical health problem. The services that provide that care should be available when and where they are needed; including out of hours in the event of an emergency. The care should be personalised to reflect the fact that every person with schizophrenia has different needs and when people need a combination of mental health, physical health and social care this should be available as a seamless package. Other than in exceptional circumstances, it is the person with Schizophrenia who should decide what help they need."

Read more about World Mental Health Day