The old adage “knowledge is power” holds true, especially in the case of schizophrenia as a multifaceted mental illness. Education is crucial in managing your own or a loved one’s mental illness, as well as combating the stigma that often surrounds it. Podcasts are an effective tool for achieving this, given their flexibility, as they can be easily integrated into your daily routine and listened to on the go.
What is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia affects an individual’s cognition, emotions, and behaviour. It can manifest in various ways, including delusions (such as irrational beliefs, fears, or paranoia), hallucinations (such as hearing voices), abnormal behaviour, speech irregularities, and psychomotor difficulties. Those with schizophrenia may also experience cognitive impairments and altered sleep patterns.
Although the exact cause of schizophrenia remains unknown, current research suggests that a mix of environmental and biological factors contribute to its development. Some notable aspects related to the onset of this disorder are as follows:
- Typically, it emerges in individuals aged between their mid-teens and twenties.
- People who have a family history of schizophrenia have an elevated likelihood of developing it.
- Individuals who have undergone traumatic experiences, especially during childhood, have a greater susceptibility to the condition.
- The heavy use of cannabis among young people can increase the likelihood of developing schizophrenia or accelerating its onset.
Living with Schizophrenia
Living with schizophrenia is certainly manageable, thanks to the various treatment options available, including medication, talk therapy, and peer support groups. Having a strong support network of friends and family who are willing to learn about the condition and offer their support can also be immensely beneficial.
For those who are living with schizophrenia or have loved ones who are, consider exploring the following podcasts for valuable insights and guidance. Personal storytelling not only provides a sense of validation and connection for listeners but also helps dismantle stereotypes and misconceptions associated with schizophrenia.
5 Podcasts on Schizophrenia
Podcasts have emerged as a powerful medium for sharing information and promoting dialogue about mental illness. In the case of schizophrenia, a complex and often misunderstood condition, podcasts play a crucial role in educating individuals, breaking down stigma, and providing a platform for personal stories and insights.
These podcasts present evidence-based information in an accessible and engaging format. Providing listeners with valuable tools and resources to better understand and support individuals living with schizophrenia. By delving into the experiences of those directly affected by schizophrenia and featuring expert perspectives, these podcasts contribute to a broader understanding of the illness and its impact on individuals and society as a whole.
Look Again: Mental Illness Re-Examined is put out by the BC Schizophrenia Society. This 20–30 minute podcast aims to dispel myths and bring out the human side of this mental illness. Host Faydra Aldridge, CEO of the BC Schizophrenia Society, speaks to medical experts, people who’ve experienced the illness and their families. She shares the latest medical information, honest conversations, and stories of hope.
In the January 11, 2023 episode, for example, Faydra interviews Dr. Diane McIntosh, Psychiatrist and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia, about the use of medications and other treatments for schizophrenia. In the November 23, 2022 episode, she interviews Yusef Faqiri whose brother suffered from schizophrenia and died in 2016 in an Ontario jail.
Inside Schizophrenia was created in order to help their audience better understand schizophrenia. Hosts Rachel Star Withers and Gabe Howard interview someone living with schizophrenia, a family member, a medical expert, or a first responder. This podcast is approximately 45 minutes per episode.
Show topics have included Electroconvulsive Therapy (March 15, 2023), Psychological Resilience In Schizophrenia (February 15, 2023), and Managing Family Dynamics with Schizophrenia (January 18, 2023).
In this podcast, Interview with a Schizophrenic, host Duncan Samarasinghe interviews a variety of people who are living with schizophrenia. The episodes vary in length with some being as brief as 15 minutes and others lasting for an hour or more. Duncan interviews people from all walks of life and shares stories of hope and encouragement.
As you might expect, Schizophrenia: Three Moms in the Trenches, is hosted by three mothers of children living with schizophrenia. Randye Kaye, Mindy Greiling and Miriam Feldman aim to help those living with this serious mental illness feel less alone. Their podcasts are between 30-60 minutes per episode.
They’ve interviewed guests such as Islamic motivational speaker, Hakeem Al-Zayyidi on the subject of Schizophrenia and Resilience (March 22, 2023). Tackling topics such as Interventions for the Homeless and the NYC Plan where they interviewed Brian Stettin, senior advisor to NYC Mayor Eric Adams’s administration on severe mental illness (March 9, 2023).
Unseen and Unheard is hosted by storyteller and public radio host Glynn Washington. This podcast shares stories and artwork from individuals living with schizophrenia.
Each episode, of roughly 30-45 minutes, aims to change the way we see schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder by telling the stories of those actually living with these illnesses.
Finally, for a broader perspective on brain health, be sure to check out the Krembil Brain Institute’s podcast, Your Complex Brain.
Each episode explores the latest science on how the brain works along with the latest discoveries and treatments for conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Schizophrenia. Interviews are conducted with world-renowned researchers, and doctors as well as patients and their families.
Conclusion
Through the power of storytelling and accessible learning, podcasts contribute to a greater understanding of mental health and empower individuals to seek help, offer support, and advocate for positive change.
Whether you’re someone living with schizophrenia or caring for a loved one with the condition, these podcasts can serve as a valuable resource of information and motivation. Sharing these podcasts can help to end the stigma experienced by the millions of people currently living with schizophrenia.
Eli’s Place will be a rural, residential treatment program for young adults with serious mental illness. To learn more about our mission and our proven-effective model click here.
