Written by: Chadwyck Beckford
Edited by: Arya Tondale
Imagine being falsely viewed as violent, aggressive, and unable to function in society - not because of your actions, but because of a medical label that has nothing to do with those behaviors. This kind of stigma doesn’t just create misunderstandings; it can isolate you from others, limit your opportunities, and make it harder to be seen for who you truly are. Over time, constantly being judged or feared can lead to feelings of shame, frustration, and hopelessness. The emotional weight of being misjudged based on something outside your control can be just as heavy as the condition itself.
Those feelings are not uncommon for people suffering from mental illnesses. As society has progressed and technology has become increasingly advanced, the general knowledge on many mental illnesses has grown tremendously. Illnesses such as Epilepsy, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Alzheimer’s Disease are some of the most well-researched mental illnesses, with medical and psychological resources abundant. Regardless, there is still more work to do in the medical field regarding information towards certain illnesses, such as Schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is one of the most misunderstood and stigmatized mental health conditions, affecting millions worldwide. Often portrayed inaccurately in the media, this complex brain disorder is frequently associated with fear, violence, or hopelessness—yet the reality is far different. Schizophrenia is a treatable condition, and with the right support, individuals can lead fulfilling lives. However, due to widespread misinformation, many people hesitate to seek help or face discrimination in healthcare, employment, and society.
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder that affects approximately 24 million people worldwide, or about one in 300 individuals. The onset of schizophrenia typically occurs in late adolescence to early adulthood, with men often exhibiting symptoms earlier than women. It is categorized into three primary symptom domains (Koronka, 2025):
Positive Symptoms: Hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking and/or speech
Negative Symptoms: Social withdrawal, diminished emotional expression, and lack of motivation for activities
Cognitive Symptoms: Impairments in memory, attention, and executive functions
The exact cause of schizophrenia is still unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic predisposition and economic factors. Rare genetic variants, such as the Setd1a gene, substantially increase the likelihood of developing schizophrenia (Marcus, 2024). Environmental factors such as air pollution and psychedelic drug use are also linked to increased rates of schizophrenia (Gregory, 2024; Swartz, 2024).
Treatment for schizophrenia involves antipsychotic medications and psychosocial interventions. Antipsychotic drugs, such as olanzapine and haloperidol, work to block neurotransmitters such as Serotonin (Koronka, 2025). This reduces positive symptoms such as delusion and hallucinations. Psychosocial interventions like behavioral and family therapy aid in improving social functioning. As medicinal technology advances, new treatments such as the recently approved antipsychotic drug Cobenfy, target new neurotransmitter systems, offering hope for those unresponsive to previous traditional methods of treatment (Koronka, 2025).
People with schizophrenia often suffer discrimination in society due to lack of knowledge. This mental illness is often accompanied by widespread societal stigma. Common stereotypes portray individuals with schizophrenia as unpredictable or violent, despite evidence indicating that they are more likely to be victims rather than perpetrators of violence. Such negative portrayals are frequently reinforced by media representations, which tend to emphasize these inaccurate associations. This stigma contributes to social exclusion, impeding access to employment, housing, and essential healthcare services for individuals with schizophrenia. Consequently, many may avoid seeking necessary treatment due to fear of judgment, exacerbating their condition and hindering recovery (Bhandari, 2024).
It is paramount that we work together as a society to deconstruct these stigmas. To support individuals with schizophrenia effectively, it's essential to exhibit patience and respect. Practicing compassionate communication by listening without judgment and avoiding dismissive language can make a significant difference in helping those affected feel heard and valued. Dismissive language can be invalidating and even more harmful to individuals suffering from ANY mental illness. Some examples of this language include “It’s all in your head”, “You’re making excuses”, and “You sound crazy”, among other words and phrases. Instead of using dismissive language, it is better to validate the experience of a person suffering from schizophrenia with phrases such as “I believe you, and I want to understand better”, “You’re not alone, and I support you” and “That sounds really difficult. How can I help?” Speaking without judgment can help people with schizophrenia feel respected, understood, and supported. Increasing public awareness about the realities of schizophrenia—dispelling myths and recognizing it as a medical condition rather than a character flaw—can help reduce stigma and foster a more inclusive environment. Psychoeducation programs, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Family-to-Family Education Program, provide valuable information and coping strategies for both patients and their families, fostering better understanding and support (Ducharme, 2024). In the long term, these programs can reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent relapses. Proactivity relating to schizophrenia combined with patience and empathy is a great recipe to take down the stigmas surrounding this mental disorder. Together as a collective, the world can become a healthier place for those suffering from schizophrenia.
References
Koronka, P. (2025, February 5). Valdo Calocane: what is schizophrenia and how is it treated? thetimes.com; The Times
Marcus, A. D. (2024, November 27). A Scientist’s Final Quest Is to Find New Schizophrenia Drugs. Will He Live to See Them? WSJ; The Wall Street Journal
Gregory, A. (2024, December 17). Pollution exposure linked to mental health hospital admissions, says study. The Guardian; The Guardian
Swartz, T. (2024, November 13). Taking drugs like LSD and ecstasy can increase your risk of schizophrenia, according to new study. New York Post
Walton, M. (2022). The Stigma Surrounding Schizophrenia. WebMD
Ducharme, J. (2024, November 22). Can Hearing About Someone Else’s Problems Fix Your Own? TIME; Time
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