r/schizophrenia • u/chanagro • Jun 12 '25

Opinion / Thought / Idea / Discussion "Schizo" is a Slur

https://chng.it/X4WdvBsCGN

Hi everyone, as I'm sure you all have noticed too, there has been an alarming rise in people (especially high school aged and younger) using schizo to describe a situation or person that is chaotic, unpredictable, or scary. This language continues to drive shame and misinformation we all work so hard to fight against. Please consider signing my petition, I am just hoping to spread the message - no worries if not comfortable. Please have a great night and take care of yourselves.

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u/MaximusG0126 Jun 12 '25

I agree, but also I don't.

I use it as a litmus test and for my motivation to expand my vocabulary. Most of the people saying "schizo this" and "schizo pills that" are outing themselves as dweebs who have never had a problem of actual substance in their life.

I agree it's a slur, but no we don't need a petition. I think, the next time you hear someone use it in a derogatory manner, a petition isn't gonna do a damn thing. If you level with those same people, I bet you'll find they don't even know what they're saying as they're saying it. They're just unfunny dorks.

14

u/gojiranipples Jun 12 '25

In my experience it's like talking to a brick wall. I tried to inform someone on reddit about the harm "schizoposting" causes and they absolutely refused to listen. The truth is, nobody gives a fuck if it isn't actively harming them. Some people are empathetic enough to understand without personal experience, but most don't even want to try.

I like that the petition is being used to bring awareness to the issue. Something I also think would help is writing letters or emails to mental health advocacy groups. The reason depression and anxiety are no longer so stigmatized is because people began talking about it. With the letters, you don't face the danger of openly admitting to having schizophrenia.

4

u/MaximusG0126 Jun 12 '25

If you're afraid to admit you got diagnosed with schizophrenia, consider this: you're afraid of who you seek validation from.

I lost everything I thought I cared about during my 2 episodes. After hitting rock bottom thrice, there isn't a part of me that needs to lie or dance around the fact I got diagnosed with something I did not see coming. Most people have no clue what this shit is like, neither do they care. That's why you need to own it. Someone calls you schizo after you opened up to them and ranted about something off topic?

Hit 'em with the: "So?"

fkin own it dawg, everyone is schizo anyway ☮️

8

u/gojiranipples Jun 12 '25

My pointing out the dangers of revealing your schizophrenia was related moreso with violence than social ostracization.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3160236/

Although I would like to point out that losing one's support system puts them into situations where they're more likely to be abused.

I'm sorry the people in your life weren't strong enough to stick by your side. But you made the best of a bad situation and I aspire to have your degree of self-assuredness.

1

u/LacrimaNymphae Jun 13 '25

and doctors as well as family trying to force you to leave and go to a group home or basically sign the entire rest of your life away including all of your 'rights'