“I feel like there is hope now” Chris shares his story

As we come to the end of Schizophrenia Awareness Week, we continue our focus on building understanding and amplifying the voices of people with lived experience, along with their families, carers, and kin.  

Diagnosed with schizophrenia in the early 2000s, selectability recipient Chris is one of the many voices shaping greater understanding. 

Chris first connected with selectability in February after experiencing a significant decline in his mental health and presenting to the Mount Isa hospital emergency department. 

“They recommended I reach out to selectability,” said Chris. 

“That’s when I got onto the programs here.” 

Since then, Chris has engaged in a range of supports and activities, including movie groups, one-on-one sessions and bush outings.

“We go out bush together, billy tea and damper and sausages and all that. 

“That’s always an adventure.” 

For Chris, the biggest impact has been the structure and routine selectability has helped rebuild in his daily life. 

“The main thing with selectability is getting me out of my unit. 

“If I sit in my unit too much, I just end up ruminating and worrying and obsessing about things in my life. 

“Having selectability gives me structure, it gives me something to get me out of the unit and it helps to keep me grounded. 

“Just by getting out and doing something each week helps my motivation. It takes my mind off my problems and off the mental illness.” 

Chris says connecting with others who have shared experiences has made a significant difference. 

“With selectability, I get to meet new people. 

“I get to talk to people that have had similar experiences, so there’s a bit of connection there.” 

As part of Schizophrenia Awareness Week, Chris hopes sharing his story will help challenge misconceptions surrounding the condition and encourage others to seek support when they need it. 

“There’s still a stigma about it. 

“People think you’re violent or dangerous. I think that’s just due to not enough information. 

“The more we get it out there about schizophrenia and mental illness, the more aware people become of it, the better it will be.” 

Chris wants others living with schizophrenia to know that support is available and that reaching out can make a difference. 

“I know Schizophrenia Awareness Week is about how others view it, but it is also about people that have schizophrenia as well. 

“So, I want them to know, when you’re becoming unwell, reach out and get support, get help. 

“In my experience, it can be one of the most horrendous things to go through when you’re unwell. 

“But there are services out there that can help.” 

Chris said while schizophrenia remains something he lives with every day, having the right support around him has helped him begin rebuilding his life in Mount Isa after returning to the region with very little. 

“I had to start all over. 

“I’ve had to rebuild my life, but selectability has helped me out.” 

Chris is now focused on continuing to improve his wellbeing, saving for a vehicle and  building towards the future.