I see psychosis stigma almost every day. It’s in the movies and TV shows I watch, the games I play. It’s in the news and on social media. I even hear it from friends and strangers. It’s ingrained in our society, like binge drinking or tribalism in sports, and it’s a hard one to break.
Stigma thrives on repetition. We can see it in the discourse currently happening surrounding the trans community, migrants and asylum seekers. If the same message is repeated and from sources that are seen as reputable and accessible, people will start to believe them. This is how psychosis stigma has become so embedded. So much so people don’t see it and don’t see any issue with their opinions or the language they use.
Here’s an example from last week, stigma caught out in the wild. I’m sitting working in a cafe, and I strike up a conversation with a guy who’s probably in his late fifties. We chat about work and cafe culture - pretty wholesome, right? The conversation peters out, and I get back to my writing. I often talk to myself when I work, and the guy picks up on it. I laugh it off, telling him it helps me concentrate.
“As long as they don’t talk back, eh?” he says jokingly.
I’m in a no-nonsense, earnest mood as I reply sincerely, “Sometimes they do.”
“Well, you better be locked up then, quick!” he laughs at his ‘joke’. I leave it, as I can tell any conversation about why his ‘joke’ contributes to psychosis stigma would lead to an argument, or I’d be accused of being ‘woke’ or a ‘snowflake.’
These conversations happen in society every single day and often go unchallenged. As does the media we consume. We accept it as part of modern life. It shouldn’t be that way, but how do we challenge and break these stigmatising views and beliefs?
Education is key here. Whether it’s from your own lived experience or what you’ve learned about psychosis, it’s the best way to combat stigma. I think we can often tell when we’re in a no-go conversation. When we know the person we’re talking to is so dug into their opinion, they’ll never change it, regardless of what information we bring to the table. These aren’t the type of people we should be trying to educate. Instead, focus on people who’ve heard misconceptions but are open to listening and learning.
The main way I’m currently challenging psychosis stigma is with my book, The Myth-Busting Guide to Psychosis, which is currently available to preorder. The book digs into what psychosis really means, what it feels like, and how to handle its effects, along with tackling stigma and other people's misconceptions.
Through interviews and my own lived experience, the book explores the realities of living with psychosis. I feel so passionate about this subject, and this book really was a labour of love.