Selling Alternatives to Stigma

Thanks Christina for a great entry.  You are making a difference.  The older I get, the more I believe that those who can come forward have a responsibility to do so.  When people can see with their own eyes that those who suffer from serious mental illness are in most ways no different and are actually family members, friends, neighbors and colleagues, then things change and for the better.  Several years ago I told my brother that he could tell his friends that I suffer from schizophrenia and when I was in school I told several of my teachers.  I've never regretted it.  I want people to know why I'm reclusive and that it is because I am ill, not bad.  I am actually proud of the fact that I survived the worst of the illness.  But I remember that when I was most ill, I only told my family and one young friend, otherwise I hid the fact.  I was so fragile.  I just wish that others who are going through the acute stages of schizophrenia can stay in a safe and supportive environment where they feel no shame at being ill.

I felt stigma the worst in my life at my last job. I had to go the hospital after having started a new position. I had to tell my supervisor where I was. When I returned to work everything changed. They all knew. I was treated unfairly and harshly. I ended up back in the hospital. After that admission I never went back. During the first month I was out of work my pdoc suggested I speak about my illness. I think he was being glib, but it sounded right up my alley. A year and a half later, I have had the pleasure of speaking at several different places. I believe in what I'm doing is the right thing and I'm not ashamed anymore. Reducing the stigma is a battle. One that requires patience and perseverance. If I can help educate the public and people with a mental illness , then I doing an important part in stopping the stigmas. "You eat an elephant one bite at a time." I have found since I've been speaking up and out, my self-esteem and self-worth has grow tremendously. My speakers group calls ourselves "Champions of Change". Change is gonna happen. Slowly, but it will.