Michelle Hammer Returns: Is Schizophrenia Stigma Getting Better?

I joined Brandon on Snackable Mental Health to talk about 10 years of Schizophrenic.NYC and whether stigma around schizophrenia is actually getting better. We get into losing job after job before starting this, the improv class moment when someone’s whole attitude changed after I mentioned my diagnosis, ideas of reference, and why the word “antipsychotic” needs a new name. We also talk about finding “glimmers” when processing trauma, my art going to Fountain House Gallery, and yes, the banana debate returns.

In this conversation:
• Is schizophrenia stigma getting better or worse?
• 10 years of Schizophrenic.NYC, and how losing office jobs led to starting it
• The improv class story, when a classmate’s attitude changed after I mentioned schizophrenia
• Ideas of reference, feeling like strangers are talking about you
• Why the word “antipsychotic” needs a new name
• Bad days, panic attacks, and not being able to be an advocate 100% of the time
• My art heading to the Fountain House Gallery Small Works show
• Running Schizophrenic.NYC mostly solo, with help at pop-ups
• Hurtful online comments and changing minds through advocacy
• The banana debate

Learn more about Michelle and Schizophrenic NYC: https://www.schizophrenic.nyc/

Michelle Hammer

Michelle Hammer is a well-known schizophrenia activist, mental health advocate, artist, and founder of the brand Schizophrenic.NYC, using her own experiences to challenge stigma and start conversations about mental health. Diagnosed with schizophrenia at age 22 after an earlier misdiagnosis, she turned her journey into purpose by creating a clothing line in 2015 that blends bold design with awareness-raising messaging. Michelle has been featured in the WebMD documentary Voices, which was nominated at the Tribeca X Festival, and her work has appeared in major outlets like Mashable and The Daily Mail, as well as on ABC, NBC, and CBS. Through videos, public speaking, and creative projects, she humanizes schizophrenia, educates audiences about living with the condition, and inspires others to look beyond stereotypes toward understanding and acceptance.