Every card starts with a myth you've probably heard. Tap it to see what the evidence actually says. Then share the truth.
“People with schizophrenia are violent and dangerous.”
The violence narrative is statistically disproportionate.
The proportion of total violent crime attributable to schizophrenia is consistently below 10%, and the absolute risk to society is small. Risk is significantly increased by comorbid substance misuse — a factor routinely left out of headlines. People with schizophrenia are far more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators.
“Schizophrenia means having a split or multiple personality.”
This is a persistent misconception, not a fact.
UK studies of university students reveal widespread confusion — many wrongly believe schizophrenia involves “multiple personalities” or inherent dangerousness. Schizophrenia is a condition that can affect how a person thinks, feels and perceives the world. It is not a divided personality.
“They can’t hold down a job.”
Most want to work — stigma is the barrier, not ability.
Only 5–30% of people with schizophrenia are employed, despite up to 90% wanting to work. In a 2021 Rethink Mental Illness survey, 61% said fear of discrimination stopped them applying for jobs or promotions. Employment actually aids recovery and reduces stigma — the obstacle is prejudice, not capability.
“There is no hope of recovery.”
Recovery is real and well-documented.
With responsive treatment, support and the right environment, many people live full, meaningful lives. The biggest threats to recovery are often self-stigma and shame — described in research as a “second illness” — alongside under-resourced services, not the diagnosis itself.
“Just call it ‘psychosis’ and the stigma disappears.”
Renaming the condition does not reduce stigma.
A 20-year UK newspaper analysis (2000–2019) found the term “psychosis” actually carries an even more negative tone than “schizophrenia.” The negativity attaches to public conceptions, not the label. What changes attitudes is how the condition is reported — and real contact with people who live with it.
One tapped card can change a mind. Share these and challenge the story.