‘More than 10 per cent schizophrenics commit suicide’

When 52-year-old Dharani (name changed) started talking to herself 20 years ago, her doting family labelled her as an overdramatic version of herself.

It was only after she attempted suicide that her family comprehended the magnitude of her mental disorder. However, it was already late, as she has reached stage-two of schizophrenia.

Dharini is only one among so many who develop the disorder and attempt suicide.

According to psychiatrists, more than 10 per cent of schizophrenics commit suicide. Tuesday being World Schizophrenia Day, counsellors emphasised on creating awareness about the disorder so as to help reduce the number of suicides.

“We get an average of 10 to 12 calls from families of schizophrenics each day,” said B. Ilayaraja, counsellor, 104 helpline. “Many are not aware of the disorder and tend to think that the victim is cursed rather than sick. Family members go to the extent of requesting for an ambulance to bring the patient to the hospital for admission,” he said.

Creating awareness about the symptoms of the disorder is very important as the family members tend to take the patient for prayers instead of bringing them to the hospital, said Neena M, who works with schizophrenic children.

Narrating Dharini’s incident, her younger brother P. Chandra Shekhar said, “She struggled to overcome her breakup and started developing delusions about her ex-boyfriend. She still cannot accept the fact that he is married and settled abroad. She complains of him assaulting her.

Though the therapist had advised lifetime medication, Dharani refuses to take it on the grounds that she is perfectly fine.

“We have caught her on many occasions talking to the pressure cooker, computer and other such things with the thought that her ex-boyfriend is talking to her through them. She has become extremely aggressive with everyone at home,” said her 82-year-old mother.

According to recent reports, 26 million people worldwide have schizophrenia, of which 10 per cent ten to commit suicide. “33 per cent schizophrenics have a chance of complete recovery,” added Neena.

Vandana Gopikumar, founder of Banyan, a mental health NGO, said, “By engaging women with mental health issues in productive work, providing both hope and instilling self-confidence in them, helps them gain confidence in themselves.” Schizophrenics should never be ill-treated,” she stressed.

—BOX— * 104 helpline receives on an average two schizophrenia related calls each day for help to prevent the patient from committing suicide.

* 50 per cent schizophrenia cases are related to alcohol

* Majority of the cases arise from broken relationships.

* Most cases are seen among those between the ages 26 and 40