Topic Tuesday // Let's talk about Schizophrenia // Tues 25th May, 7:00-8:30PM AEST

[TideisTurning]

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@Sandy1 wrote:

How do we look past a diagnosis label and see a person? Well, they are there in front of you for a start. And rthey will have hopes and dreams, a soul and a heart. But it may be damaged for the moment. Moving past just talking about stigma and call it out for what it is: discrimination. But remembering to look at each individual as someone who has something of value to offer the world. Just talking about stigma without attaching it to real people can muddy the waters. And people get sick of words that attack without substance behind them. Having a real person’s story reminds people that there are real consequences for their actions. People will respond to authenticity. Divergent thinking shouldn't been seen a threatening if one's human rights are not infringed. And divergent thoughts can extremely creative. Compassion, respect understanding are human traits we all have, and deserve to be given.

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What a wonderfully articulate way of putting it @Sandy1. Love this! 💙💙

[Daisydreamer]

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@Mellymead wrote:
Good Greetings
I am very interested to understand the perspective of ‘Maturity’ in lived experience with schizophrenia in the sense of resilience and compassion

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Hi @Mellymead and thank you for joining us tonight!

Completely agree, there is so much strength, resilience, compassion and courage in lived experience, and these are the conversations we need in the mental health space right now. I would love to hear your thoughts about how we can move towards seeing people experiencing schizophrenia with a more compassionate, empathetic and respectful approach to a divergent human experience?

[greenpea]

@Mellymead  Hi Mellymead can you tell us a bit more. Am very interested.

[Sandy1]

Hi @Mellymead,

Yes it's a basic thing to have a mature attitude to people of difference. And to build resilience in all of us but especially someone with schizophrenia to deal with what's thrown in their way.

[Mum1990]

Lots of love, patience and him knowing we had his back every step of the way. Also wrote him a ltr in the early days letting him know he was not alone, not a failure and not the life any of us wanted for him but it was ours to own and for all of to focus on the future and his recovery.  We were also incredibly well supported by his health team who actively engaged us as his parents to support him on his journey and his decision making.  Also incredibly grateful he continues to take his meds. There are ups and downs which can be sole destroying but we dig deep and just keep moving.  I also remind him that labels belong on jars not people and he is a unique intelligent person who has achieved alot and who can have a great life. 

[Daisydreamer]

Q4: @Jordan94,  from your experience, what are some of the key messages that you hope to share with the broader community to normalise or create more understanding of schizophrenia?

[StuF]

@DaisydreamerStuF checking in. Bit late to the party but I've caught up. Great discussion so far 🙂

[greenpea]

I have to go thank you for an informative evening. peaxxx

[Jordan94]

Q4: @Jordan94,  from your experience, what are some of the key messages that you hope to share with the broader community to normalise or create more understanding of schizophrenia?

I would like people to take away hope and that there is support for people living with serious mental health issues, and that each person’s recovery journey is different. It’s certainly not a once-size fits-all approach. In my experience, this can range from having stable housing, community with peers, or completing education. Furthermore, we know from research indicating that approximately 8-10% of the general population experience different perceptual experiences such as hearing voices, so it is quite common for people to have this experience

[Sandy1]

Hi @Mum1990,

Sounds like you are giving a lot of support that is real and empowering. I hope he does well and finds his life a good place. Does he engage with other people with his diagnosis? Where does he get support away from the family other than mental health professionals?