Schizophrenia is a complex and challenging diagnosis to live with, but I have learned to embrace it – warts and all – as an immutable part of who I am. Accepting myself with my schizophrenia, and not in spite of it, has freed me from self-hatred and improved my mental health dramatically.

Schizophrenia is one of the most feared diagnoses in modern medicine, and for many people, it can feel like their life is ending when the diagnosis is given.

We are taught through the media and general society that schizophrenia is scary and that schizophrenics are violent and lesser humans.

Upon receiving a schizophrenia diagnosis, many people withdraw as they feel contaminated and unfit for the company of others. The societal stigma becomes self-imposed, and the damage is enormous.

The existential isolation of schizophrenia is immense, from the uniqueness of the psychotic experiences and the social isolation caused by stigma.

Many schizophrenic people do not feel safe sharing their diagnosis, even with close friends and family, for fear of rejection.

This self-hatred caused by stigma and isolation is toxic and does nothing to help the schizophrenic person stabilize. Learning to embrace who we are as neurodivergent people and accepting all parts of our lives is liberating.