I was wondering in relation to topic of stigma. Has your family discussed your experiences with you at any time? Are they open to others about your diagnose? Mine it seems are quite ashamed of my illness. Or scared. Or sth else I don’t understand. When I was admitted to hospital and “disappeared” each time for 2months from social circles they said whoever asked for me I was on holiday. Also when I told them after I recovered to be open about what happened they said it’s better not to tell the truth. As a compromise they said others I was treated with depression… Is it abnormal that I want others to know what really happened? Also my family whenever I talked about the past (my episodes) cut my off saying it’s too difficult to talk about it and there is no need… I understand it is hard but isn’t it healthier to be open? It makes me really shameful, no wonder I have lived for the last 10yrs in denial of my diagnose… what is your experience?
im open about schizophrenia…I tell others most times. Im not ashamed otr embarrassed. My parents aren’t as open as I am but they do tell neighbours and extended family.
Im not ashamed, neither should you be. …be comfortable with what you tell people
I am an embarrassment to my aunt. First, because I was born out of wedlock. Then because I was obviously mentally ill at one point, which I heard she attributed to my being born out of wedlock (when she wasn’t able to deny she knew me or change the subject). That’s her problem, not mine.
I don’t tell everyone I know about my SZ mainly because there’s nothing worse than being stuck with someone who talks incessantly about their health and that’s the only thing they talk about. I try not to be that person.
Pixel.
My family just doesn’t talk about it at all. Like it never happened. Like I’m completely normal now, which is good most of the time. We’re very waspy bunch. I have no idea what they tell other people about me, not sure I want to know. My bf whom I’m closest to, and I talk about it often. Neither of us have shared it with many others except for his family and administration at my college.
@Pixel I do agree with you in that matter that there is nothing worse when people are on and on about their problems. That is why we have professionals to deal with that… I mean just my family, closest one (like my parent’s siblings). I did pretty"crazy" stuff when had episodes and feel quite embarrassed because of that. It just would be nice to have a chance to discuss that, clear the air. I don’t think they believe in my “depression” anyway. They are not stupid… Also some of the things which happened around that time, conversations affected others. The only person who I can talk to is my sister. She was 5yrs old when I was ill and remember talking a lot of sh…t to her before I went to hospital. Now she has some issues herself. I think she finds it helpful that I am open about it. Asks me lots of questions. Probably is afraid she may become ill as well… but maybe I am selfish. Maybe it would help just me, not others…
@Karl thanks. I am happy for you.
@Skims it’s great you have a close friend you can talk about it. I’ve just started to use this community to do that, so sorry for my future posts. Probably there will be plenty of them, heh… Take care
@Pixel btw. you seem pretty feisty. I like it 
all the best
My dad and brother are very supportive and open. My mom has schizophrenia. Right now I’m her caregiver in essence. My dad moved out because he couldn’t handle being there, but he’s still close by and gets groceries he just needed personal space. She’s not getting mental health treatment. I am triggered often because I am around her and live with her, and she can upset me with her words, that she is confused and does not intend to say. She is not herself. My family accepted me, I have a big family and none of my relatives were mean or judged me. They always accepted me as the same bright girl I was before I got sick. I recovered also, recently, and I don’t get psychosis anymore nor need medicine. At least I think. I’m on medicaid now and I’m trying to get disability, so I should probably stay in treatment with my psychiatrist. My dad wants me to get a therapist. I have lost two friends in the past three years to fatal overdoses. I’ve been depressed, my doctor thinks I’m more depressed than crazy.
My mom and I talk about it all the time, my sisters aren’t as open. I have two, one calls occasionally the other never does, I only see her at Christmas.
I think I’m an embarrassment to them to be honest, I did some stupid stuff over the years. The drug use, the friendships, the relationships, the coherently bad decision making, all piled up and now they don’t care much.
Honestly, it doesn’t really bother me that much. I’m open when I need to be. I don’t act like I’m embarrassed, I’m really proud of myself for overcoming my issues.
@Minnii and you should be proud. I tell myself that as well, to be proud, but sometimes it’s difficult… wish you all the best. Thank you.
@StarryNight do you think you can get some help from social services? Or from community mental health team to help you look after your mum? It seems it’s really to much for you to deal with at the moment…
My Mum and I talk a lot about it. Mum was sort of my primary caregiver for at least seven months last year (helped me to avoid hospital). I know she has spoken with my sisters about it but I don’t have much opportunity to speak to my sisters because they are very busy. I don’t know if they would be open about it.
I think my Mum just sees schizophrenia as being a disease just like diabetes and doesn’t apply any stigma to it. I am very lucky.
My family doesn’t go around telling everyone… but they are fairly open about it with people they trust.
I have some Aunt’s who believe the gossip media more then professionals and researchers and my own immediate family. I’ve been learning to ignore them.
My parent’s, my brothers and my kid sister are part of my care team. They help me when I need help… if I ask… my Mom or Dad will go to my doc’s with me.
My family has been helping me through this since I was very young… so I think they are just used to it all. I’m close to my family… I’m thankful they are on my side.
Mine also feel shame it seems. They never mention it and get worried if i ever do. It is considered the tabboo subject in our house. I’ve been dubbed the “crazy” one by some which kinda hurts.
@Turtle you can consider yourself very lucky. I am very happy for you. When I think about it my dad has similar attitude, even though he doesn’t talk about it. Once when he visited me in the hospital in the past he said: “remember when I was ill (he had some sort of cancer back then. All clear now…)? It is the same with you. It’s just your head. You’ll get better. Just listen to your docs and take meds”. It really helped me back then. It still does. Wish you all the best. Thank you. You made me appreciate things I didn’t see before…
@SuprisedJ thank you for sharing. I am very happy for you to have such support. Wish you all the best.
My family is pretty open about it. As long as I don’t intrude and over stay my welcome when they have company over their house I think I am viewed as being pretty normal.
@Sharp I know how it feels… I am trying to be understanding but at the same time I feel that I am not fully accepted for who I am… I know I shouldn’t be complaining and to just be more assertive in getting some professional support from elsewhere but it’s so bloody hard. I am sorry. I will stop whining. All the best. Thank you for sharing.
Hey, don’t worry about it. I like to listen(read?) and don’t mind any extra words. I guess we are both in the same boat then, eh? It is very irritating when family members can’t accept what is right in front of them.
At first, I thought this was completely shame but later learned something new. Although I do think my parents are a bit ashamed, I feel that my mother is more upset and feels that I am suffering. I assume this must not be easy for any parent to take in, and I don’t think they want to think about what I hear or see, because it makes them worry for me. Maybe your family is a little the same?
It is certainly unpleasant and probably makes you feel alienated at times. I really hope things get better, mate. I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to message me if you ever want to chat, I don’t mind.