Schizophrenia: The Stigma, The Neglect, and The Urgent Need for Change

Schizophrenia is one of the most misunderstood and stigmatized mental health conditions, despite affecting 1 in every 100 people worldwide. It is a disease of the brain, much like dementia, yet the way society responds to those diagnosed with schizophrenia is starkly different. There is little emotional intelligence or compassion extended to those living with schizophrenia, and the consequences of this neglect are devastating.

Demonization Instead of Support

When schizophrenia is portrayed in the media, it is often in the context of crime or danger. Sensationalist headlines and fear-driven narratives paint those with schizophrenia as violent or unstable, reinforcing damaging stereotypes. This portrayal not only distorts reality—since people with schizophrenia are far more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators—but also isolates those struggling with the illness. Unlike other mental health conditions, schizophrenia rarely comes with a public message of support. When depression or anxiety is discussed, there are helplines, campaigns, and community initiatives. But when schizophrenia is mentioned, the conversation stops at the headline.

Additionally, those who have been hospitalized for manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility are not murderers, yet this is still not properly represented in the media. The blame and shame should lie with the health boards and the government, who fail to provide adequate care, yet they stand by, allowing the shift of this blame onto the ill person to clear themselves of responsibility, hiding behind confidentiality. It is truly shocking.

A System That Fails the Most Vulnerable

Mental health services are grossly underfunded, and schizophrenia is one of the conditions most neglected by the system. Young people, often in their late teens or early twenties, receive a diagnosis at a critical point in their lives—when they should be building their futures, not fighting for basic care. Without adequate support, many are left to navigate a fragmented mental health system that fails to provide early intervention, sustained treatment, or community support.

Low-secure mental health wards are horrifically awful places to be. Why are we still providing inappropriate care, more suited to 200 years ago, instead of compassionate and effective treatment? Of course, someone with delusions and hallucinations is going to refuse treatment! If you are living in a hell within your mind, where reality and delusions/hallucinations are wired together, of course you will be terrified! Anyone would be. Being held down and forced to take medication only reinforces their belief that they are at risk. This is why a longer stay in hospital is necessary, but it needs to be in environments that are more humane and not so horrifically awful. However, the availability of beds is another huge issue. Patients are often hundreds of miles away from their families.

If we were having this conversation about available beds for cancer patients or heart/stroke patients, it would be headline news. However, this is not the same for mental health beds. The lack of available beds for those suffering from severe mental illness is rarely discussed, and the shortage is often accepted as an unfortunate reality rather than a crisis requiring immediate action.

The Tragic Consequences of Stigma

The stigma surrounding schizophrenia is more than just an inconvenience—it is life-threatening. Many young people, burdened by shame and lack of understanding, take their own lives. They suffer in silence because our society has conditioned them to believe they are undeserving of help. Their families, too, are left with little support, often navigating a broken system alone.
Imagine being hospitalized for psychosis and having no visitors. This is the reality for many. Society turns its back on those with schizophrenia, leaving them to struggle in isolation. Yet, we all know someone with schizophrenia, even if they never disclose it due to the stigma.

Time to Wake Up and Change

We need to grow in emotional intelligence and recognize our role in perpetuating the problem. The media must take responsibility for the narratives they push, ensuring that schizophrenia is reported with the same care and consideration given to other mental health conditions. Governments must prioritise mental health funding, providing early intervention and long-term support. And as a society, we need to stop looking away and start listening.

ITV’s ‘Britain Get Talking’ is a great initiative, but the message should extend to everyone—including those with psychosis. We need to create a world where young people diagnosed with schizophrenia don’t feel like their future is over before it even begins. The shame and silence must end. Only then can we build a society that truly supports all those who struggle with mental illness.

While there have been notable investments in schizophrenia research, the funding remains disproportionately low compared to other major diseases such as cancer and stroke. This disparity highlights the need for increased financial support to advance understanding and treatment of schizophrenia in the UK. This is why I have decided to choose the schizophrenia research charity as my donation for this years Reiki share groups.
For more information on reiki you can go to my sister website: reikicoursesinwales.co.uk