Building Awareness About Schizophrenia
90 Minutes
Resource Review(minus 15 minutes if completed before class)
My Mom
Guided Discussion
Meditations Between Us
Breathing Exercise
Guided Discussion
Closing Thoughts and Evaluations
Participants will be able to:
Interpret clinical information about Schizophrenia
Identify how characteristics of a protagonist's diagnosis are integrated with other aspects of their humanity
Compare different ways in which Schizophrenia can impact different people
Describe ways to reduce stigma and identify connections with people beyond their diagnoses
"Building Awareness About Schizophrenia" invites participants to deepen their understanding of schizophrenia through two short films depicting different lived experiences. Guided by an overview of definitions, symptoms, and treatment options, participants will explore the perspectives of the films' protagonists. The first film, an animated documentary, captures a daughter's reflections on her mother’s condition, prompting discussion on how symptoms translate into lived experiences. The second, an experimental film, follows two lovers navigating the challenges schizophrenia presents in their relationship. The class concludes with a reflection on societal portrayals of schizophrenia and how we can foster connection and reduce stigma.
Note: This class includes supplementary materials that can be completed at the start of class or assigned as homework. If assigned as homework, the class duration may be approximately 15 minutes shorter.
topics covered
Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder
aom nutrients
Empathy, Respect for Practical Constraints
casel sel
Social awareness
wellness wheel
Emotional, Social, Intellectual
identities
Pacific Islander, Adult, Parent, Immigrant, Child / Children, Animated and/or ambiguous
film style
Animation, Documentary, Experimental
Films Included
Meditations Between Us
Two lovers grapple with the challenges posed by schizophrenia on their relationship. One, ensnared by delusions, leaves the other behind.
film style
Animation, Experimental
identities
Animated and/or ambiguous
My Mom
This film, “My Mom” was created as part of a personal project series by Chara Bui (she/her). This series contains a short film collection about mental health experiences accompanied by music she played on guitar. She believes that art is a powerful gateway toward healing, resilience, and growth and that storytelling is a profound way for us to connect to each other.
film style
Animation, Documentary
identities
Pacific Islander, Adult, Parent, Immigrant, Child / Children