Stigma Around Schizophrenia: Why Words Matter

We all know that words matter in every aspect of life. And for those living with schizophrenia, sensitivities around language can change the way that people think, talk about it, and possibly change lives in the process. For many people, their knowledge of schizophrenia is limited. Learning about the conditions through depictions in media or online, which often show criminal or violent behavior. This can have a serious effect on the way that people speak about this condition and perpetuates stigma that can push those living withschizophrenia to the margins of society. I'm proud to be a part of an organization that's actively working to change the discussion around schizophrenia and help empower people to share their stories, demystify this illness, and advocate for themselves. No matter the situation, people living with schizophrenia deserve to be treated with compassion and understanding, and I think a way to address that that is to ensure that we speak about it accurately and in a non-stigmatizing way. We at Teva believe that compassion and understanding are key when it comes to helping address the stigma around schizophrenia and its advocates like Matthew who are truly leading the way with the work that the National Alliance on Mental Illness continues to do, we at Teva believe we can help change the way people speak and approach conditions like schizophrenia.