Our Mental Health Month series continues with Cameron's story, a heart-warming look at living with schizophrenia, overcoming stigma and learning empathy.
“When I was given my diagnosis, it was stigma that told me I was never going to have a home. I was never going to have a job. I was never going to have a family. I was never going to have a life. It took me 15 years to learn all that is completely wrong."
Cameron, who lives with schizophrenia, feels the impact of stereotyping and stigmatising in every aspect of his life.
“What I see about stigma... tells me that I am not worthy and that I don’t deserve to belong.”
"Stigma is a weapon that keeps people apart, and I don’t want to be apart anymore.”
To learn more about schizophrenia, which affects roughly 20 million people worldwide, head to SANE Australia’s website, where you will also find personal stories of living with schizophrenia and other complex mental issues.
If you’d like to support SANE’s work in supporting people with schizophrenia and other complex mental health needs, and in fighting stigma, please donate via the SANE website today.
And if you feel like you need some additional help or advice, for all of October you'll have free access to SANE's 'best in class' 1 to 1 Wellbeing Check-in - a 25-minute mental health check-in and chat with a professional Peer Support Worker, completely anonymous and confidential, at a time that suits you.
This free Wellbeing Check-in is available exclusively to International Towers community members in Tower Two, Tower Three or International House.
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Mental Health Month encourages us all to think about our mental health and wellbeing, regardless of whether we may have a lived experience of mental ill-health or not. We're incredibly proud and excited to partner with SANE Australia, a national charity helping people live long and fulfilling lives, free from stigma and discrimination. They support anyone affected by mental health issues, including family and friends, through information and stories, peer support, and counselling.