Schizophrenics Anonymous

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Schizophrenics Anonymous is a self-help group to help people who are affected by schizophrenia to cope with the disease.

Contents

[edit] History

The program was established in the Detroit area in 1985.[1][2] The founder was Joanne Verbanic,[2][3] who had been diagnosed with schizophrenia in 1970.[4] Shortly before forming SA, Verbanic had publicly disclosed her diagnosis and had discussed her illness on national television programs in an effort to challenge the stigma associated with schizophrenia by educating the public. [5] She has continued to be active as a spokesperson for persons with schizophrenia and other mental illness[4] and was a 2006 recipient of a Lilly Reintegration Award in recognition of her lifetime contributions to the mental health community. [3]

By 2007, there were more than 150 local SA groups in 31 U.S. states and groups in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, France, India, and Venezuela.[6]

[edit] Program principles

The SA program is based on a twelve-step model,[7] but includes just six steps.[8][6] The organization describes the program's purpose as helping participants to learn about schizophrenia, "restore dignity and sense of purpose," obtain "fellowship, positive support, and companionship," improve their attitudes about their lives and their illnesses, and take "positive steps towards recovery."[1]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b What Is Schizophrenics Anonymous?, Schizophrenics Anonymous website
  2. ^ a b Working Their Way Back, by James Willwerth, Time, Nov. 14, 1999
  3. ^ a b Eli Lilly and Company Announces 2006 Lilly Reintegration Awards Recipients, Eli Lilly press release, October 10, 2006
  4. ^ a b Linda Whitten and Bruce Black (2005). Schizophrenics Anonymous (PPT, slide 4). NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) website. Retrieved on 2008-02-10. “Joanne Verbanic / Founder of Schizophrenics Anonymous / 1970 diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia / 1985 with Mental Health Association in Michigan Founded Schizophrenics Anonymous / Motivated to erase stigma / “The stigma is harder to deal with than the illness itself.” / Spokesperson at Mental Health conferences, universities, schools, clubs, TV, radio in an effort to educate the public.”
  5. ^ Schizophrenics Find Stigma Is Even Worse Than the Disease, HealthyPlace.com, September 27, 2003
  6. ^ a b Recovery World
  7. ^ Linda Whitten and Bruce Black (2005). Schizophrenics Anonymous (PPT, slide 11). NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) website. Retrieved on 2008-02-10. “Initially based on 12 Steps of AA / Self-help only—not advocacy or group therapy”
  8. ^ Linda Whitten and Bruce Black (2005). Schizophrenics Anonymous (PPT, slides 25-31). NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) website. Retrieved on 2008-02-10.

[edit] External links

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