Letter to the Editor
Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office
The Windsor Star
October 28, 2002
'Schizophrenic' a label that demeans patients
Re: the Oct. 15 editorial, "A Plan To Help Schizophrenics". I was dismayed that the Windsor Star, during Mental Illness Awareness Week, would choose to run a series about mental illness with such negative and hostile overtones.
The series did not highlight the positive experiences of individuals with mental illness who contribute to the health of community, who are contributing and valued members of the Windsor community, and who function daily with little or no difficulties. I was alarmed by the sensationalistic and negative portrayal of mental illness.
The language used by The Star is offensive. People are not schizophrenics and should not be labelled in such a way in order to grab the attention of your readers. This use of language only further serves to undermine the work done by patients, families, advocates and service providers to dispel the stigma and stereotypes of mental illness. Labels serve only to dehumanize people.
The editorial also illustrated your contempt for civil rights advocates and their work in promoting and protecting patients' rights. It is essential that whenever the state restricts a person's individual rights and freedoms, there exist a series of checks and balances in place to protect those who are most vulnerable amongst us. Advocates work to ensure that there is an appropriate balance in the system and that all care and treatment is provided in keeping with provincial laws.
Your editorial also failed to look at the issues from the patient's point of view and what they want in their quest for wellness, recovery and reintegration into the community. Most patients want an inclusive community that will support them to achieve their full potential.
Medication was discussed in the editorial as if it were the panacea and the solution to all. However, until medications are found with fewer side effects, some patients will continue to resist their usage. Many of the medications that our clients are encouraged to take have dozens of side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and other life-threatening conditions. What a risk.
Your series of articles did nothing to improve the quality of life of individuals with mental illness but rather to reinforce in the public's mind the stereotypes and stigma of mental illness.
David Simpson
Program Manager
Toronto
