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My Anti-Stigma Message: There is Hope

(Champions of Science: The Art of Ending Stigma)


When I was diagnosed there were not a lot of recovery stories on schizophrenia. The only story I could identify with was the movie, Out of the Darkness that features Diana Ross.

Over the years, I have been called demonic on a few occasions due to my diagnosis. This is scary to me because I do not see myself as a threat or evil spirit. I identified more with college students, I dropped out of school as a result of my illness. I was diagnosed at age 20. Now I am a mental health advocate that aims to debunk myths and continue to strive to live well in recovery in spite of widespread stigma.

I am appreciative of Janssen Pharmaceuticals educational non-branded platform that aims to reduce stigma. In 2011, they spearheaded a documentary that shows how recovery is possible for persons living with schizophrenia. This was my first time seeing recovery in a positive light opposed to simply limiting us to the largely characterized symptom of hallucinations and voices. The half hour film is titled: Living with Schizophrenia, A Call for Hope and Recovery (2011). This documentary features three recovery stories including my own story, Josh Bell, and Rebecca Phillips.

In 2018, Janssen Pharmaceuticals led a panel discussion, which was an anti-stigma campaign. This virtual panel discussion featured: Vickie Mabrey (former ABC News Nightline Correspondent), Jeff Sparr (PeaceLove), Dr. Adam Savitz (Janssen), and myself. It is called, Champions of Science: The Art of Ending Stigma. Click here to view the full one-hour panel discussion that took place in November 2018. 

Through this blog I aim to offer hope and awareness. Moreover, I want to be an inspiring peer for others who are also diagnosed with schizophrenia and related conditions. So many of us are suffering in silence and do not have hope due to the stigma that society and others project onto us.

This blog details my journey in recovery with a hopeful attitude. Thank you for visiting my blog.

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