Stigma and Misconceptions Against Schizophrenia

When managing schizophrenia, many of us have come to accept that there is a stigma around the disorder. But what happens when the stigma is from the medical professionals who are supposed to be treating, diagnosing, and helping you? Mental health professionals can even turn away people with a schizophrenia diagnosis. When we've been turned away by a therapist, psychologist, what happens next? Where do we end up?

Studies have found that mental health professionals have a tendency to view people with serious mental illnesses more negatively than positively, characterizing them as manipulative, lacking in willpower, disturbing, ineffective, and difficult to communicate with.

In this episode of Inside Schizophrenia, host Rachel Star Withers and co-host Gabe Howard look at schizophrenia stigma in the medical community.

Joining is guest Desire’ Brown, a mental health counselor who has worked with various social work organizations. She currently works with Monarch, which provides hope, promotes wellness, and empowers individuals and families impacted by mental illness, substance abuse, intellectual and developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injury.

To learn more -- or read the transcript -- visit the official episode page.

Our guest, Desire’ Lillian Brown, MBA, BA, is currently working on her second master’s degree. She has been counseling adults in mental health for 8 years and working with SPMI diagnostics for 4 years. She works with clients from all walks of life.

“I love helping others, it is a calling from GOD.” — Desire’

Monarch is nationally accredited by The Joint Commission. We employ approximately 1,400 staff members, many who work with individuals and their families to identify and overcome many of the barriers they often face by providing varying levels of support. To join our team, visit Monarch Careers to learn more and view available positions. Join us today in making our mission, vision and values a reality.

Monarch provides hope, promotes wellness, and empowers individuals and families impacted by mental illness, substance use disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and traumatic brain injury.

Our host, Rachel Star Withers, creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids and a tool for schizophrenics, To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators.

To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, RachelStarLive.comm.

Our co-host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.

Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com.

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