World Schizophrenia Day – 24 May 2025

by Vishen Pillay

World Schizophrenia Day – 24 May 2025
Creating Inclusive Workplaces for People Living with Schizophrenia
By Anrishen Chetty, Registered Counsellor | Varaya Wellness

Schizophrenia is a widely misunderstood and highly stigmatized mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. In many professional spaces, it is still cloaked in fear, discrimination, and harmful myths—often isolating those living with the condition.

On World Schizophrenia Day, we at Varaya Wellness call on organisations to create inclusive, informed, and supportive workplaces. Our Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training for corporates and Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) are designed to help teams become more resilient, empathetic, and ready to support employees facing mental health challenges.

What Is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health condition that affects approximately 1 in 100 people globally, including in South Africa (source: SADAG, WHO). It is characterized by episodes of psychosis—a state where a person loses touch with reality—alongside long-term disturbances in thinking, perception, emotions, and behaviour.

Importantly, schizophrenia is not a split personality. Rather, the term reflects a fragmentation of thought processes and emotional responsiveness.

It commonly presents:

  • Between the ages of 15 and 30
  • With earlier onset in males and slightly later onset in females
  • As a lifelong condition, but one that can be managed successfully

Early Warning Signs

Recognising early signs—especially in a work setting—can allow for quicker support:

  • Social withdrawal or isolation
  • A noticeable drop in performance
  • Trouble concentrating or communicating clearly
  • Flat or inappropriate emotional responses
  • Suspiciousness or irrational beliefs
  • Changes in sleep or self-care routines

Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Positive Symptoms (presence of abnormal behaviours):

  • Hallucinations (hearing voices, seeing things)
  • Delusions (e.g., persecution, grandeur)
  • Disorganised speech or behaviour

Negative Symptoms (absence of normal functioning):

  • Lack of motivation or initiative
  • Emotional flatness
  • Difficulty experiencing pleasure (anhedonia)

Cognitive Symptoms:

  • Poor memory and attention span
  • Executive functioning issues (planning, decision-making)

 Debunking Myths

  • MYTH: Schizophrenia means violent or dangerous behaviour.
    FACT: People with schizophrenia are more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators.
  • MYTH: People with schizophrenia can’t work.
    FACT: Many live independently, work, and maintain relationships—with the right support.
  • MYTH: It can’t be treated.
    FACT: Treatment with antipsychotic medication, therapy, and social support improves quality of life significantly.

Can People with Schizophrenia Work?

Yes. In fact, employment can support recovery by providing structure, social engagement, and a sense of purpose. The key lies in reasonable accommodations, stigma-free policies, and consistent support.

People with schizophrenia can thrive in various careers, especially when matched with their interests and supported by informed leadership.

Workplace Challenges

Even high-functioning employees living with schizophrenia may face:

  • Cognitive fatigue, affecting task completion
  • Social isolation due to stigma or misunderstanding
  • Fear of disclosing their diagnosis
  • Triggers from stress and overstimulation

How Employers Can Help

At Varaya Wellness, we believe workplaces can be therapeutic when they embrace inclusive, supportive practices. Here’s how:

1. Create a Stigma-Free Workplace

  • Offer regular Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training to staff
  • Use awareness days (like World Schizophrenia Day) to educate staff.

2. Offer Reasonable Accommodations

  • Quiet workspaces or noise-cancelling options
  • Shorter tasks with clear instructions
  • Scheduled breaks and reduced distractions

3. Provide Access to Professional Support

  • Invest in a comprehensive EAP that includes psychological support.
  • Refer to reputable mental health providers.

4. Communicate Empathetically

  • Train managers to conduct non-judgmental check-ins.
  • Focus on solutions rather than symptoms.

5. Focus on Strengths

  • Encourage contribution in areas like problem-solving, data analysis, or creative tasks, depending on the individual’s abilities.

 Tips for Employees with Schizophrenia

  • Know your triggers and develop a plan with your therapist.
  • Communicate if you need changes to your workload or environment.
  • Practice daily self-care (hydration, sleep, mindfulness).
  • Lean into peer support—you’re not alone.

 How Varaya Wellness Can Support Your Organisation

Our expert-led services are rooted in compassion, evidence-based care, and workplace practicality. Through our:

  • Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training
  • Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
  • Mental health policy reviews and coaching

...we help teams become safer, more inclusive, and equipped to support all staff—especially those with complex mental health needs.

Whether you’re an HR leader, business owner, or wellness champion—you can be part of reducing stigma and promoting psychological safety in your organisation.

💬 We’d love to hear from you:

🔹 Do you have a mental health policy that includes conditions like schizophrenia?
🔹 What support structures are in place for employees with invisible disabilities?
🔹 Would your team benefit from MHFA training?

Reach out to Anrishen at anrishen@varaya.co.za or +27 87 153 2528 to find out how we can partner with you to create a healthier, more engaged workplace.

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