Breaking the Chains of Stigma

National Schizophrenia Awareness Day: May 24

(May 24, 2004) - Ignorance, Misconceptions, Lack of Awareness and Fear. These are the leading causes of stigma, according to people with schizophrenia. That's why the National Schizophrenia Foundation has declared May 24 as National Schizophrenia Awareness Day (NSAD). In its seventh year, the goal of this year's NSAD observance is to increase public awareness and understanding about schizophrenia to help "Break the Chains of Stigma."

"People don't understand that schizophrenia is a physical disease, not a moral issue," said Lisa O., an individual with schizophrenia who has experienced stigma first-hand.

Schizophrenia, which affects 2.5 million Americans, is a biologically based brain disease that seriously impairs a person's ability to think clearly and relate to others.  Someone with schizophrenia has difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what is imaginary, and is often unresponsive and withdrawn.  Although there is no known cause or cure, a majority of people with schizophrenia can lead a more "normal" life with the appropriate medication, therapy and support.  

"The greatest stigma was the self-imposed stigma that I could never function again, that I could never amount to anything, never be normal.  That badge of shame became my badge of honor today," said Jim C., who was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder.

May 24 is set aside to honor another hero -- Dr. Philippe Pinel -- a major figure in the early efforts to provide humane care and treatment for the mentally ill.  Appointed chief physician at the men's "insane" asylum in Paris in the late 18th Century, Dr. Pinel was horrified to see the patients restrained to walls by chains.  Although warned against it, Dr. Pinel took a bold and unprecedented move to remove the chains from the patients on May 24, 1793.

"That day is significant because, despite scientific advances, there's still a lot of inaccurate and misleading information out there," said Eric Hufnagel, President & CEO of the National Schizophrenia Foundation (NSF).

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The NSF is a not-for-profit organization that promotes public awareness and educates the public about schizophrenia, and administers the Schizophrenics Anonymous (SA) self-help network.  SA is a network of 166 self-help groups run for/by persons with schizophrenia and related disorders.

Read: How Others Can Help the Schizophrenic and How Family Members Can Maintain Their Own Health and Emotional Well-being

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