Connected by Schizophrenia

Three mental health advocates speak with Healthline about stigma, misconceptions, and successes of living with schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia is one of the most misunderstood conditions in mental health.

The general public often associates it with dramatic “cinematic” breaks from reality, like delusions (false beliefs) or hallucinations (sensing things that aren’t there).

These misconceptions can lead to significant stigma about the condition, both from the public and within the healthcare system. This can lead to “self-stigma,” where a person internalizes negative attitudes about their own diagnosis. These barriers often result in social isolation and a reluctance to seek help.

Healthline spoke with three advocates, Rachel Star Withers, Kody Green, and Michelle Hammer, who are trying to change misconceptions about schizophrenia by sharing their experiences of living and thriving with the condition.