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Human Rights For Those With Schizophrenia

January 14, 2014 Dan Hoeweler

Having Schizophrenia does not mean that you should be treated unjustly. We deserve the same basic rights as anyone else experiencing a debilitating illness. (Schizophrenia is an Illness, Not an Evil) Our disease is just that, a disease and nothing more. I am not a flu virus when I am sick, nor am I a bacteria when I have an infection. Why should we even call ourselves “schizophrenics”, as if our illness is attached to our very souls? We have beating hearts, and are veins bleed like anyone else. Our emotions are hurt when we are abused and our passion is just as strong, even if it is sometimes misplaced. Everyone is defective in some manner, so why should we be thought as being less?

Stigma of Schizophrenia

Having Schizophrenia does not mean that you should be treated unjustly. We deserve the same basic rights as anyone else experiencing a debilitating illness.We are no more the cancer of society, than anyone suffering from a serious disability. I have seen no movies that portray diabetics as ravenous entities set on terror and destruction, yet I have seen many that portray those of us with schizophrenia with such contempt. We deserve to be judged and viewed upon by others with the same respect and dignity as anyone else.

Below the Surface of Schizophrenia

Though our disability may be debilitating, it has led many of us to understand our mortality and fragility. (The Positive Side of Schizophrenia) It has allowed us to see the outward and inward demons that lie within our world. We share the experiences of psychosis, and it has brought us to places that others cannot understand. From these experiences, we need to strengthen ourselves, and form our own distinct identity, where we fight for our rights. Despite our disability, those of us with Schizophrenia need to assure that our basic freedoms, rights and dignity are not trampled upon.

It's Time to Stand Up For Ourselves

More people with Schizophrenia need to stand up for themselves and not fear what others think. Our disability makes this difficult, but some of us must do so. I understand the stigma that surrounds Schizophrenia. It has not been easy for me to write a blog pertaining to my illness. It has come at a cost, and yet not a day goes by that I regret my decision.

If we do not work together, then we will continue to succumb to the behavior of a public that does not understand what it is like to have Schizophrenia. We must teach them and show them, to assure that we are treated in a humane manner. If we continue to hide in the shadows then we will continue to be denied a voice. We deserve human rights as much as any other human does. If we do not stand up for ourselves, then who is?

You can also connect with Dan on Linkedin

APA Reference
Hoeweler, D. (2014, January 14). Human Rights For Those With Schizophrenia, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2024, March 28 from https://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/creativeschizophrenia/2014/01/human-rights-for-those-with-schizophrenia



Author: Dan Hoeweler

Debbie Brownlee
April, 7 2018 at 8:25 pm

I have a friend they had socschizo he has been diagnosed by doctors SSDI will not recognize this because he does not have dementia and this is still a disability illness can't work properly but he's can't hold a job... which is to have really bad and they don't want to see it because they think his intelligence good enough to get by... he's living on the street bouncing off the walls .... help help help what can I do for you him... the thing is he is terrific I'm tired of him being treated like crap... they told him to hold on there could be answers 3 or 4 years... quote and quote they tell him don't get moody well schizophrenic don't have dementia SSdi.. is not educated that way... or they're nervous as what Trump is saying help help help ideas please I don't want him living on the street

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Elizabeth Caudy
April, 8 2018 at 8:05 am

I care about you and your friend and what you're going through. I suggest you call the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) as they may know of resources.

usha kiran das
March, 12 2015 at 10:44 am

I am 50+ yo and with schizophrenia. Only sometimes I feel I behave different but 15+hours a day I am OK. my own family members have left me in my own condition and they don't care I feel they either ignore me, mock at me as I am always subject of joke, in a way for example they want that I keep sleeping and so they don't have to bother about me. only my elder son actually understands my conditions and genuinely tries to really do what all needed to actually help me. just due to fear of society, other family members show off to world that they care for me. a condition where my own family members are my enemy while the world thinks that they have specially cared for me bearing with me for years. a catch 22 situation of helpless me,can you understand how dangerous... fact is I have always been of some or other use to them all throughout like doing daily chores, households and cooking. but now its just that I got SOME more problems like diabetes...
is there an organization which can solidly help me legally to reunite with me elder son ? I am sure he has no dual face or character. please help. my last call desperately...please ...
I am 50+ yo and with schizophrenia. Only sometimes I feel I behave different but 15+hours a day I am OK. my own family members have left me in my own condition and they don't care I feel they either ignore me, mock at me as I am always subject of joke, in a way for example they want that I keep sleeping and so they don't have to bother about me. only my elder son actually understands my conditions and genuinely tries to really do what all needed to actually help me. just due to fear of society, other family members show off to world that they care for me. a condition where my own family members are my enemy while the world thinks that they have specially cared for me bearing with me for years. a catch 22 situation of helpless me,can you understand how dangerous... fact is I have always been of some or other use to them all throughout like doing daily chores, households and cooking. but now its just that I got SOME more problems like diabetes...
is there an organization which can solidly help me legally to reunite with me elder son ? I am sure he has no dual face or character. please help. my last call desperately...please....
best regards and thanks in advance....
best regards and thanks in advance....

randall
February, 12 2014 at 6:12 pm

I found out that bipolor 1 until I diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder the parinoia that I rewired my phone direct from the pole it would shock you a bit I would hear people in my ac vent and used night vision binocler to see pepiel in the tree thelongest time I slept 1 to 2 hours a day if that I have to take a ton of meds for mood staboliser sleep meds and .3 different sicotropic too cope every day

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Dan Hoeweler
February, 17 2014 at 5:34 pm

Yeah, I'm there with you. That paranoia can really bite. I can't function without my meds.

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