Becoming Schizophrenia Advocates

In this week’s episode, Michelle Hammer from Schizophrenic.NYC and Cecilia McGough  Students With Psychosis talk about why they became advocates. The world needs more schizophrenia and psychosis advocates. We talk with students every day, and an often concern that is addressed is whether or not they should disclose their diagnosis or to pursue certain majors. It is difficult to not want to rose tint the answer to this question. To be honest, even if there are laws in place providing reasonable accommodations and against discriminating an individual based on their diagnosis, discrimination still happens. We need to change the landscape of the workforce and education system and make sure that our workplaces and classrooms include diversity and accommodate and highlight the abilities of people who experience psychosis symptoms. When you bring diversity to the room, everyone wins. When you create a mental health-conscious environment, everyone wins. Let’s not limit our world to neurotypical solutions; otherwise, the solutions and priorities of our world will remain with a neurotypical bias. We see this bias today reflected in the results of high percentages of our psychosis community being present in the unemployment rate, homelessness rate, dropout rate, the attempt of suicide rate, and suicide rate. Empower people living with psychosis, and you will empower one of the most vulnerable and misunderstood communities along with tackling and creating solutions to some of the world’s most prevalent societal concerns of today.

Schizophrenia And The City

The Podcast

Schizophrenia And The City Hosts

Schizophrenia And The City is a podcast and video series hosted by two New York City women.