Michelle Hammer is a mental health activist, speaker, and the founder of Schizophrenic.NYC. A few years ago, Michelle was nominated at the Tribeca Film Festival for her WebMD documentary "Voices: Living with Schizophrenia," where she discusses her personal experience with the condition. Through her advocacy work and clothing brand, she strives to reduce stigma by initiating conversations about mental health, especially schizophrenia. Here, Michelle sheds light on the challenges of living with schizophrenia, common misconceptions, and shares her hopes for the future of mental health.

—

To begin, could you explain what schizophrenia is in simple terms, and what are some of the main symptoms that individuals may experience?

Schizophrenia is a complex mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It often involves symptoms like hallucinations, where individuals may see, hear, or feel things that aren't there. Delusions are also common, which are false beliefs that persist despite evidence to the contrary. Additionally, disorganized thinking leads to confusion and difficulty organizing thoughts, while disorganized behavior can manifest as odd or unusual actions. Overall, many negative symptoms are present.

Before being diagnosed with schizophrenia, when did you realize that something was off, and how did you cope with the uncertainty regarding your condition during that time?

Before I was diagnosed with schizophrenia, there were some signs that something wasn't quite right. I started experiencing hallucinations, hearing voices that others couldn't hear, and having paranoid thoughts that made me feel like I was being watched or followed. It was really scary and confusing, especially because I didn't understand what was happening to me. I coped with the uncertainty by trying to ignore it at first, hoping it would go away on its own. But as the symptoms persisted, at 22, I eventually sought help from a mental health professional. Opening up about what I was experiencing was a huge relief, even though it was also a bit daunting to face the possibility of a serious mental health condition. When I told my best friends about my diagnosis they told me that they already knew I had Schizophrenia. Knowing that my best friends already knew and didn’t care, helped me accept that I have Schizophrenia, and not care about other people's negative opinions.

Many people have misunderstandings about schizophrenia. How would you describe what it's like to live with it on a daily basis ?

Living with schizophrenia on a daily basis can be like navigating through a world where reality sometimes feels like it's playing tricks on you. Imagine hearing voices whispering in your ear, seeing things that others don't, or believing things that seem completely irrational to everyone else. It's like having a constant companion of uncertainty and fear, never quite sure if what you're experiencing is real or just a trick of your mind. Simple tasks can feel overwhelming, and social interactions can be fraught with anxiety and confusion. But amidst the challenges, there are also moments of clarity and connection, where you feel like you're still you, beyond the symptoms of the condition. It's a journey of highs and lows, but with the right support, treatment, and understanding, it's possible to find moments of peace and joy amidst the chaos.

As a mental health advocate, what are some simple but effective ways you recommend for challenging stigma and promoting understanding about schizophrenia?

Challenging stigma and promoting understanding about schizophrenia can be achieved through simple yet effective actions. Educating oneself and others about the condition, sharing personal stories to humanize it, and using respectful language are powerful tools. Initiating conversations, challenging media portrayals, and supporting mental health services also contribute to breaking down stereotypes. Advocating against discrimination and leading by example with empathy and acceptance further combat stigma. By taking these steps, we can collectively create a more compassionate and supportive environment for individuals living with schizophrenia, fostering understanding and acceptance in our communities.

Your advocacy work also involves art and creativity, especially through your clothing brand. How do you think art can contribute to raising awareness and reducing stigma around mental illness, especially schizophrenia?

As the founder of Schizophrenic.NYC, a mental health clothing brand, and an artist selling my artwork, I've found several simple yet effective ways to challenge stigma and promote understanding about schizophrenia. Firstly, through Schizophrenic.NYC's clothing designs, which feature bold and empowering messages about mental health, we're able to spark conversations and raise awareness in a subtle yet impactful way. Each design incorporates elements of my own artwork, providing a tangible representation of living with schizophrenia and showcasing my creativity. Additionally, through my artwork sales, I'm able to depict my personal experiences with schizophrenia and offer insight into the condition, helping to break down misconceptions and foster empathy. Both the clothing brand and my artwork serve as platforms for advocacy, allowing me to share my story and connect with others in the mental health community. Through these channels, I strive to create a world where mental health is accepted and understood, one t-shirt and artwork at a time.

What are some basic self-care practices that you find helpful in managing your mental health ?

Managing my mental health involves a combination of basic self-care practices that help me stay grounded and balanced. Firstly, maintaining a regular sleep schedule is crucial for me, so I prioritize getting enough rest each night. Regular exercise, even if it's just a short walk or yoga session, helps me manage stress and boost my mood. I also find that practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, can help me stay present and calm throughout the day. Taking breaks when needed and setting boundaries to avoid overcommitting myself are also important aspects of self-care. Lastly, connecting with supportive friends and family members, as well as seeking professional help when necessary, are essential components of my mental health management routine. 

In your experience, what are some common misconceptions about schizophrenia that you aim to correct through your advocacy work, and how do you address them?

Several misconceptions surround schizophrenia, contributing to stigma and misunderstanding. One prevalent myth is the association with violence, although individuals with schizophrenia are more often victims than perpetrators of violence. Another misconception is the confusion with dissociative identity disorder, leading to the false belief in multiple personalities. Also, many people think that schizophrenia causes intellectual disability, whereas it primarily affects cognition and perception, not intelligence. Contrary to the belief in lifelong debilitation, many individuals with schizophrenia can manage symptoms and lead fulfilling lives with appropriate treatment and support. Despite some facing challenges, not all individuals with schizophrenia are homeless or incapable of employment. Challenging these misconceptions is crucial for fostering accurate understanding and support for those living with schizophrenia.

Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of mental health advocacy, particularly in relation to schizophrenia, and what role do you see yourself playing in that journey?

My hopes for the future of mental health advocacy, especially concerning schizophrenia, are rooted in greater awareness, understanding, and support. I envision a future where conversations about mental health, including schizophrenia, are destigmatized and openly discussed in all aspects of society. I hope to see increased access to mental health resources and services, ensuring that individuals with schizophrenia receive the care and support they need to thrive. Additionally, I aspire to witness greater research efforts aimed at developing innovative treatments and interventions for schizophrenia, tailored to the individual needs of each person. Ultimately, my hope is for a future where individuals living with schizophrenia are accepted, supported, and empowered to live fulfilling lives free from discrimination and stigma. Through continued advocacy, education, and collaboration, I believe we can work towards achieving these goals and creating a more compassionate and inclusive world for all.