Topic Tuesday // Living with Schizophrenia // 16 May 7 - 9 AEST

Okay I have a question for everyone - some people have already brought it up -

Have you experienced stigma? How did you manage it?

@Former-Member you sound like a super awesome mum.

Have you experienced stigma? How did you manage it?

Yes, but mostly I keep my MI to myself, don't tell people. I've lost friends becasue of my illness, lost jobs because of my illness and the best help I ever got was a MH worker who acted as my advocate in a work situation. I managed to keep my job (well for a while) but the stigma remained and I was outcast a bit by my colleagues. I ended up leaving and starting afresh. Lost my next job as I got sick again but since then I've managed to hold down a good job for 11 years even with episodes in between times. People fear what they don't understand I guess.

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@Hannah93 wrote:
If you were explaining your experience with schizophrenia to someone, how would you describe it?

@NikNik For me, I just get into this constant state of intense fear... like everything is a source of danger. My mind plays so many tricks on me and it's so hard to know what's real.

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@Hannah93 @NikNik

do you mind if I ask if you have that reaction now after a period of time on medication?

you are a super awesome mum @Former-Member xx

I feel strongly that stigma can 'branch off', so to speak, amongst Carers. For example, it has been said to me, "Oh, but my son/daughter has plain old Schizophrenia, and no illicit drugs were involved". I still think of this everyday!

With permission from tonight's facilitators, may I recommend a fabulous and empowering youtube video I saw a couple of nights ago that helps to debunk this as a JUDGEMENT!. Due to perceived and learned shame, another stigma is born through the misunderstanding of communities, family, friends, doctors etc, When understanding and help is denied early on, I can clearly understand why anyone with an undiagnosed mental health condition then falls into the crevaces and self medicates. (hope this makes sense!)

http://theunboundedspirit.com/drugs-dont-cause-addiction-this-short-animated-video-will-change-your-view-on-drugs-forever/

hello @Phoenix_Rising

thank you

..i love him to bits.. schizophrenia..paranoia ... doesnt change the depth of love

Interesting question @NikNik....

I have been on the receiving end of stigma from a wide variety of sources, even from my Father and his family. The worst stigma I have ever seen was when I lost my job with a government organisation. The organisation decided, despite a glowing performance appraisal, that once a diagnosis of schizophrenia was known to them, that my services were no longer required and I was forced to resign under. Had I been aware that this was illegal under antidiscrimination laws, I would have fought to keep my job. Alas that was 10 years ago now.