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Unkindness with labels. Ditching the diagnosis?

Unknown userMember

Unkindness with labels. Ditching the diagnosis?

I have had a diagnosis of schizophrenia for 21 years now, since I was 13. Whilst the reactions I get to the word “schizophrenia” have gotten a bit better, it’s still not great. People start walking on eggshells and get weird expectations about how I’m going to behave that have very little to do with clinical schizophrenia.

I’m thinking of ditching my diagnosis. If I need to tell a doctor, fine. But because I can’t hide my illness, people usually want to know what’s going on. They even ask for specifics, which is a bit rude really (“do you mind telling me what you have” etc.). I think from now on I might just say “I’m neurodiverse” and flat out refuse to give more information than that. Has anyone else done something like that?

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In response to: Unkindness with labels. Ditching the diagnosis?

TranquillitySenior Contributor

Re: Unkindness with labels. Ditching the diagnosis?

When I first received a schizophrenia diagnosis (due the onset of a nightmare of hearing frightening voices 24/7 and ending up in mental hospital) about 5 years ago, it was a shock to me. I told quite a few people around me; family, friends, my employer.

  • But these days, I'm not so sure about identifying with this label, given the stigma and level of community misunderstanding that goes with it. I prefer to try to forget that I ever had such a diagnosis. Unfortunately, I'm still hearing pretty horrible voices and I don't like taking antipsychotics. But given a lot of support I've received, I'm much happier and coping pretty well. I'm almost the same old me before this ever happened in spite of symptoms persisting.

In response to: Re: Unkindness with labels. Ditching the diagnosis?

tymeModerator

Re: Unkindness with labels. Ditching the diagnosis?

Hey @Tranquillity ,

I'm hearing you.

There can be so much stigma attached to a diagnosis.

I guess whether you 'ditch' the diagnosis or not is completely up to you.

For me, there are situations where I ditch my diagnosis e.g. work; while there are other times I share my diagnosis e.g. in advocacy work and when I'm seeking particular treatments.

If you 'ditch' it, it doesn't mean the symptoms are wiped away. So I guess it sounds like it's more 'WHEN' you share and when. you ditch - to your benefit.

I'm not sure if what I'm saying is making sense.

Whatever you decide, know that you are not alone 🙂

In response to: Re: Unkindness with labels. Ditching the diagnosis?

TranquillitySenior Contributor

Re: Unkindness with labels. Ditching the diagnosis?

Hi @tyme, thank you for your response. What you have said is very reasonable. Know who your audience is and use discretion.

In response to: Re: Unkindness with labels. Ditching the diagnosis?

tymeModerator

Re: Unkindness with labels. Ditching the diagnosis?

Yes! I like the way you framed it.. know your audience and use discretion... that's what I've learnt anyway. @Tranquillity

I hope it makes it easier for you this way.

But I totally here and agree there is so much stigma attached to labels.

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