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I think it just depends on the person and that is what should matter. I know people with ASD who do not like to be called Autistic, which I completely understand. It's about being respectful and caring how it feels to different people.
@@Nikkers8 all of the autistic people who I've spoken to who *only* use person first, feel shame about autism. So I'm not convinced that it's actually beneficial for anyone. If they're comfortable with both that's different.. Sure, they can say what they want tho. Also, autism speaks did a poll on which people prefer, and the overwhelming majority of autistic people said they want to be referred to as autistic, while all the "autism moms" in the comments tried to shame them about autism, saying "it's not your identity, you can be so much more than that".. So that is why it's being pushed so hard in the community right now, because we are erasing the shame that non autistic people are forcing on us because they think we are "wrong neurotypicals" there is nothing wrong with autism.
You a target. You straight got a stinger on your head. Your dumb, people who get brainwashed and threaten are always stuck thinking in the head that it's a sickness, man that's how the government rolls down low.
I think Michelle is awesome! I love her perspective and wish her nothing but the best with her business. I am a mental health professional. My father was Dx "paranoid schizophrenic." He ended up homeless for a time. He is now deceased. I applaud anyone who is working to remove the stigma around mental health issues. Thank you both!
Very interesting. I think sometimes it really has nothing to do with what feels good, but by whats convenient grammar wise. People will say "Im diabetic" but most say "i have asthma" rather than "im asthmatic". I think sometimes we spit out what comes out most conveniently and society as a whole usually uses those same patterns.
I really love Michelle's perspective while still respecting Lauren's as well. 🥰 Language is important and people shouldn't be censored if their word choice empowers them.
I have to agree with Michelle on this one. I just find that we are focusing a lot on language instead of on doing more. I understand everyone wanting to express themselves and everyone should just do what is right for them because in the end we truly only have control over ourselves.
You both inspire me, my daughter is living with schizophrenia and is schizophrenic, barely a year. I appreciate everything you both do! Keep it up! Hugs
I've been dealing with schizophrenia since 1978 , I myself like saying, a person dealing with Scizoeffective disorder, were all different human beings, not just a name.. Thanks Lauren. ☮
I love Michelle! She does a great job at inspiring people and promoting her clothing brand on Instagram. I say let her say what she wants. She's still getting her point across.
I agree with Michelle in the fact that people spend all their time being so politically correct and trying not to offend anyone that no one is just jumping in and helping people. I have bipolar and I don’t find it offensive to be called bipolar. It’s not who I am but it’s a massive part of my life. Great video and would love to see more like this :) 💗👏🏻
Michelle is a good name. My nurse that comes in the morning is also named Michelle. My schizophrenia has been good since the ECT. But I still have to take my meds. I've never thought about this.
You're right Lauren, language is really important in shaping conversations and helping reduce stigma. My friend conducts research into how language shapes conversations regarding people seeking asylum and I think this is the same thing.
I think Michelle is right that there are more important things to fix than people's language, ie improving the health care system, access to health care, the social stigma around mental illness, etc, though I also think that it's not like we are taking away from these larger goals by also looking at how language figures into things. That is, it might be easier to do both rather than one or the other, as changing how people talk and having conversations about language can help change public consciousness and peoples' attitudes towards mental illnesses, therefore making it easier to accomplish those larger goals on the level of societal restructuring.
I never write comments but this video and thoughts shared in it deserves praise. This mindset should be spread and not just in regards of schizophrenia but in general. You are awesome girls!
I agree with Michelle. I go by myself as schizophrenic. But I say, to each their own. I will address people how they want to be addressed. I am schizophrenic. If someone wants to refer me as a person with schizophrenia, it's cool!
I get both sides of this. I think the main hang-up around identity first language is the issue of “not seeing the person,” but I think that society seeing mental illness or disability, for instance, as somehow “less human” is the issue. Because those things are very human. I don’t have to twist my language to say I’m “a person with tallness” or “a person with hazel eyes.” To say I’m tall or hazel-eyed doesn’t take away from my personhood. The same should be true for disability/mental illness, ideally. I know we don’t exactly live in that world yet though.
I have schizoaffective disorder. I also have several disabilities. On the disability side I much prefer person with disabilities, to disabled. With my schizophrenia, I prefer person with schizophrenia. I don’t care what people use, if they have it. I do care when people tell me I’m wrong, that happens to me. Which is just weird!
I have no experience of schizophrenia, but I have lots of experience of inadequate mental health care, and I admire you both tremendously. This subject is desperately begging for attention, and you two are bringing it. Also, I think Michelle makes a great point emphasizing the social issues created by inadequate health care. I'm not sure that medical science has all the solutions we want, but we all know how to deal with the social needs of people who suffer from debilitating mental illness, and we badly need to get on with that. A T-shirt that says, "Yes I'm schizophrenic, is that OK with you?" not only makes people aware, it doesn't let them forget.
This woman is exactly right about the language thing. I actually like identifying myself because it helps me understand who I am and also that "labeling" myself isn't bad as your guest said. I also think it sets an example for others who might need help accepting themselves, that who they are isn't bad whatever they choose to call themselves.
Love this discussion! I think it is so true that we need to learn to just roll with things and have this discussion based on personal preference. I do enjoy watching videos in both of your stories and learning from you. THANK YOU!!
I'm schizophrenic & am lucky cuz with seroquel - i am sane - some forms of schizophrenia are real bad & medication doesn't work - I'm like a 5 on a scale of 10 - thanks 😁& glad you sound 👍 good
I find this wonderful. I normally prefer not to label myself most of the time, but those who don't know me may think otherwise. But still, I stand by my artistic means to talk about such subjects pertaining to mental illness and mental health. My art is my superpower, first and foremost. Thank you. Hope that clothing line will get more people to open up with their loved ones and strike up more conversations in the long run. I prefer first person language myself, but to each their own, I always say. ✌️
I definitely agree with her. I still call myself schizophrenic I still refer to people with schizophrenia as schizophrenic's. That is my choice and it just is what it is , why argue about the semantics that really make no difference at this point when there are better things to be talking about and doing. And if we're going to stop using it as a descriptor then we need to come up with a different word to describe not just the person with the condition but symptoms as well. But either way I still thank you Lauren for trying to get people to talk about it either way they talk about it. Because the more we talk about it the less stigma there will be.
I am an avid #MentalHealthAwareness advocate and spoken word performer, and I love this so much. I travel the country trying to bring that awareness on stages, in classrooms, hospitals, and on my RU-vid channel, so I get excited when I see other advocates. 💙❤
Interesting topic. I dont have Schizophrenia myself but in talking about those with mental illness or addictions, I personally try to use "this person has Schizophrenia" or "this person who has a drug addiction" as opposed to labeling them as such that leaves no room for them to be anybody else. But that's just how I refer to others.
As a fellow schizophrenic I know exactly where you guys are coming from and you both are beautiful souls and wonderful individuals thank you guys for all you guys video
(partway through video) What Michelle says about the "I have X - Wait, you have X? No you cannot have X - No I actually have X" experience, I relate to that strongly myself (as a person with Autism, not Schizophrenia), and point out that it is another factor in barriers to support, it can lead to social ostracism, lack of access to medical or psych help, and such. I was delayed in getting a formal diagnosis (again, for Autism), and support, for 5 years because of denial and said barriers.
I never used that term and recently adopted a claim of being _aphasia_ case though in my very well considered opinion that is only a cover for mind both racing too fast and seeing through the fakery; My business associate is Clinical Schizophrenic and we get along fine; When I refer to skitz I simply make a gesture that is common in .mx culture; Recently I subbed an MD whom posted about some valid medical stuff on very relevant issues; I depersonalize until we get to something that matters the I get very close in on what I am experiencing as it can read what the other is doing
Interesting to hear two different viewpoints. Just shows everyone is different, but I'm with Lauren. If I had cancer I would not call myself cancerous, I'd say I was living with cancer. Ditto to schizophrenia, but hey we are all different and we should respect that and ask the other person how they like to be referred to.
I agree, I think its confusing that someone with a"condition" or situation they're dealing with will voice how people are offensive labeling them and at the same time totally identify themselves by that label.
Great conversation between people first/straight up identity. Bottom line, people need access to mental healthcare. We need therapists, psychiatrists, facilities, support systems with the goal of creating independence. I live in Pomona, the armpit of LA County. So many homeless have mental health issues. Our mental healthcare needs to change in order to more efficiently address the mentally ill homeless problem.
That sort of is relatable in terms of, I'll casually say 'Well, I'm autistic,' and then see people either using it as an insult, saying 'don't call yourself that', or they get really uncomfortable. Mental differences doesn't mean there's anything 'wrong'' with you. I really appreciate the courage of these two for speaking out. :)
NYC perspective of mental diseases is either on point or so far off..... Brooklyn resident living with depression anxiety ADHD wish I could find a chat room to talk with others in my area with "issues"
Cool video. I do agree with wording of a person with mental illness for sure but also agree that let's not get so caught up in language rather than helping marginalized pple
Michelle is so right, I totally agree with her. Policing the language is just stupid when they should be looking after the people suffering and clear that not be talking nonsense about labeling everything its silly and not at all productive. It should be free to have treatment for mental health issues. It's one of those taboo things that doesn't matter until it knocks on your door!
Doctors already labeled my daughter as schizophrenia. I refuse to label her. I tell her she has human issues/emotions just like some have physical conditions like diabetes, lupus...etc. Her issues just might be more extreme than some.
Beautiful work Lauren.. and Michelle! Amazing to see your both working together... I show both of your videos to the parents in our Family Education and Support groups. Thank You so much for your work! Time to order some cool teeshirts. Xoxo :)deNISE gould - DMHS
I am schizophrenic; I am a person with schizophrenia. Ergo, I am a schizophrenic person. I just combine the two and own it like a boss (at least I hope I do...). It's a part of me, as such it is me. It is not my only characteristic, but it's what really helps create my character as a person about 90% of the time. I have no issues with anyone calling themselves one or the other, or even both. This is just how it translates in my mind when I talk about myself. Schizophrenia doesn't necessarily define me, but I am a schizophrenic person. Edited to Add: one of the voices just said this as if he were talking to one of the people berating Michelle over language, "If you want to be PC, go help the ill homeless man across the street like a real human being."
I would say to Michelle "you can't cure stupid". People are intelligent enough to understand schizophrenia or not. If they say you are not schizophrenic and don't know what schizophrenia is, that's stupid. This is a matter of intellect, not emotions. I guess, people are dumb. But great job, many people do get it.
People think people with schizophrenia are zombies I have been watching videos and I was very surprised to see people with schizophrenia have been to college held down jobs my son is showing signs of being schizophrenic and we had to take him out of school so now I am in mourning of allot of things he will not get to do like graduation and prom but I see you guys living and now I want to get him around positive people or some type of group therapy when this pandemic eases
I used to tell people that I was bat shit crazy. Most people thought I was joking. Let them hang with me for a night... They never thought I was kidding around ever again. And that was just an average evening
Get Woke, go Broke!! Okay, first of all I love who you are Michelle, what you're doing, and how you're doing it. Next, I watched your 2017 video "Voices - living w/ schizophrenia" and I wanted to know you were still doing well with your business so I looked you up and found this most recent interview. I saw the title of the channel "Living well w/ Schizophrenia" and I clicked on it hoping you would provide even more insight into successful living with schizophrenia. But when the host disagreed with you in regard to her perspective about language choice I was like, "Oh crap, now cancel culture is dictating how mental health experts are supposed to talk about their own field of expertise?!?!, give me a break!!" I have subscribed to several mental health channels recently and this will NOT be one of them.
This is a really interesting conversation, I am currently researching support for people with severe and persistent mental illnesses who are dying from life limiting illnesses. I generally have disregarded literature where people are called schizophrenic. Those articles have tended to be paternalistic and demeaning so I have excluded them as they do not represent contemporary perspectives and will only be referred to in my thesis as excluded for being paternalistic and demeaning. I love, however, the reclamation and fierce ownership of terms, so will always defer to a person’s preference.
Good talk y’all! Yes words alone can hurt, but again I say, intention matters too; as well as promoting understanding, tolerance, perspective, heck… how about trying to be caring, & validating? labeling is more powerful than a lot of people realize; it can be harmful, this is insightful! However, being presumptuous and intolerant can also be powerfully harmful. Once we called a Buffalo a Bison, and now we are suppose to call them buffalo again…. So much to keep up with, so little time! Sometimes, there really are a lack of perfect words that will please everyone. All words are descriptions and labels essentially. I’d much rather have met a person, and leave them feeling validated and understood, than schooled or policed. It’s hard to do this, but let’s keep trying to be supportive and raise each other up, not put each other down.
Great way to go out and help reduce the stigma. I have several mental illness awareness shirts and yeah some understand and share their story.. Great work and thumbs up! .👍❤🌝
As well intended as this argument may be, it is stupid. If someone is treating you differently or poorly because you’re schizophrenic or something, perhaps try to point it out to them and help them understand. They may have meant well depending on how you’re being treated, and they may not understand they’re being rude or something. If they don’t modify how they treat you over time call them out on it and stop hanging around them. If someone keeps insisting that you’re a dangerous/bad person because you’re schizophrenic, call them out on it, and if they don’t own up to it and apologize, stop hanging out with them/talking to them.
I love this chic! I say "I'm Catholic", my sibling is an addict and sometimes she'll say that or she'll say "I'm in a lot of pain, gimme meds" and the point gets across. Oh: I'm "allergic" (severely, it seems, to many antibiotics) so I have to say that. It depends on context. When I have to call the sister with untreated schizophrenia "this is my family member with untreated schizophrenia", well, it's a mouthful when things are flying at the police. #NoJoke I didn't even know my family member with schizophrenia was schizo because at first (I guess due to privacy laws) doctors used absolute crap like, "anxious". YEARS would pass before I knew "anxious" meant "schizophrenic". I had no clue that her actions might be called "schizophrenic" because I would put in the search terms (yelling, scared, confused, hours-long screaming fits, terrors, speed talking, sleeping for days, hiding in plain sight, etc) and *at best* I might get "psychosis". The few times I did land on a page about schizophrenia, they made it sound like a calm person who hears a whisper occasionally and gets shy; occasionally they are 'agitated' and need medication (which I thought meant like, a XANAX the way this 'nice, policed language' described the shy person).
I think the word schizophrenia is heavily stigmatized and I think we should change the name completely. Lauren maybe a show on alternative names for this condition would be really nice. There's a magazine I use to subscribe to called schizophrenia digest and the had a contest to come up with a completely different name
It's great to see extremely high functioning people share their diagnoses and promote their businesses on the internet, but these women are not a representative sample of people with schizophrenia by any means.
My psychologist compared my sibling and I who were around more black Americans than her and we are white. It turned out that the therapist was a racist because she didn’t approve of me having a black boyfriend.
I wish that someone would love me. I wish that people would stop being against me. People act like they are supposed to be mean and we call them normal. I put up with mean people that call themselves counselors. Didn’t the black man who studies psychology realize that he was treated better and believes that these idiots from the halfway house were better than me. He told me off in front of him. I don’t want to hear crap about privileges and race because it’s controversial and not true. You don’t know who I really am. You don’t know my true ancestry. My ancestry gave me the diagnosis and you should understand
5:42: Lauren is not amused lol. I feel similar about autism though: Just because I'm technically on the spectrum doesn't mean I actually want to be called "autistic". I'd rather want people to accept me as is since as soon as I mention autism people simply threat me differently and it really does not help socially - at all.
My actual diagnosis is bipolar and they say that's because I changed my mind so much but the reason I change my mind so much is because the environment changes and so I say choose your environment wisely because you're a product of your environment and Karen so if someone wants you to make all the decisions in a 400 billion dollar company that way if you mess up they can blame you it's not fair I mean I'm hoping you know I got five brothers and two sisters but according to my mom I only got four brothers and one sister you know in according to my dad I got you know a brother and a sister and that's it and then Greg so that they be another brother and then fill it up in that be another brother and then Joe that be another brother and then tea in that be another brother and it's just insane young thing I was trying to do is keep the kids together but I had to end up giving everything up and just saving my mom and saving my relationship with my mother because my children thought I was crazy and I'm I couldn't my advice wouldn't help them the only help I can give them is just you know you know where I can find some bud cuz you know where I can find some green because if they knew then they knew that's what they were missing they needed that that I don't know what chemicals called but there's a chemical that keeps you from overreacting there's a chemical that keeps you from breaking somebody's jaw or fighting or hitting you know you can just you know you can actually smoke and feel good but if you start start throwing your pot at each other and then decide to fight then you're not going to feel good and you need to just share your CBD as much as you can because guess it's good to have a supply enough for you but it's so much better to be able to share with somebody
