A Story of Living and Thriving with Schizophrenia

Charlene Sunkel was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 1991 and her journey since then has exposed her to the challenges experienced by persons with mental disorders within and outside of the mental health sector. This encouraged her to commit herself to fighting the cause for mental health and human rights. In 2003 she became involved in volunteer work in the field of mental health, and in 2006 accepted a position in mental health advocacy and awareness with a provincially based organization. In 2014 she joined a national mental health organization in South Africa as Program Manager for Advocacy & Development.

In 2018 she established the Global Mental Health Peer Network, where she commenced her position as Founder/CEO in January 2019. She has written and produced theatre plays on life stories of persons living with mental disorders (including one on her life with schizophrenia), and written and produced a short feature film based on the storylines of the theatre plays awareness to raise public had been involved in the review/ drafting of various policies and legislation in South Africa and provided technical assistance to national and international mental health related reports and documents. She serves on a number of international boards and committees. She has published widely on issues related to mental health and human rights, stigma and the needs of people with mental illness in low-and middle-income countries.

Charlene has won numerous awards in recognition for her work.