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

[Shaz51]

I do think it's so important to share personal experiences though, so we can help those people to understand and empathise with what we're dealing with every day. yes ----I agree @Hannah93, @NikNik

and also on the Sane Forum , where we can help each other and to help  new friends we meet on the forum

[Phoenix_Rising]

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@NikNik wrote:

 
It's so true - I think with all forms of stigma - it comes from a place of fear and/or lack of understanding. It's their problem, not ours!

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@NikNik...except when the stigma comes from people in a position of power over us, such as mental health professionals or employers. Then it very much becomes our problem.

[Former-Member]

Have there been any positive moments during your journey that stand out?

For me, I was in hospital with psychosis and depressed about it too and we had a group session. I remember not wanting to participate, not listening properly etc. People were drawing on the whiteboard what helps them - one guy drew a dove for hope. It was a huge turning point for me as prior to that I had no hope. It cannot be underestimated, the power of hope. If it comes from within, more the better.

[NikNik]

Oh don't get me wrong @Phoenix_Rising - it's never okay. I just hope it helps people who are experiencing stigma to know it's not them. It's the person who is spewing the stigma. Might not help the situation though - I understand 😞

[ViperPixie]

I'm still trying to find a positive moment unfortunately.

[Sanefan]

For sure! ...and, well said!

[Queenie]

Yes @NikNik there have been positives. I have had the opportunity through studying, to learn more about myself and others and becomes more empathetic I think. My journey is far from over yet, I aim to go onto Uni and study social work. I think mental health professionals with a lived experience are worth their weight in gold!

I've also had an opportunity to share my story at a national level with consumer participation projects here and there and this was important to remind me just how far I've come on my journey to recovery.

[Former-Member]

@Zam

Yes I read your post.

To be treated in that manner is so barbaric

this is where change needs to start in the medical health systems

where is the duty of care there?

[Shazld]

Hi, sorry I'm late. I have a brother and a cousin (on my dads side) with schizophrenia.. and other undiagnosed MIs family members on my mums side. My parents have passed in the last few years so now I'm next of kin for my 38 yr old brother. We have only just since then developed a good relationship and he trusts me.
I've always been open to people about my families history of MI and I have found that made others that are in similar situations open up to me. I feel they hide it because of the assumed stigma. But I find many people to be very compassionate now about MI.

[Hannah93]

Have there been any positive moments during your journey that stand out?

One thing that stands out for me is my friends visiting me during my times in hospital so much that it surprised the nurses... some had been told to stay away but they cared enough to stick around and their support got me through the darkest times. 🙂 It's true that love conquers all 🙂