Dr Richard Schweizer

I want to suggest to you an idea that may be a little confronting. It’s an idea that may take you a while to get your head around. And the idea is this: Schizophrenia is normal. It’s a simple idea, but a powerful one.

I know your immediate reaction may be one of surprise, perhaps rejection, perhaps anger. How can a person who has schizophrenia, who has experienced its most terrible symptoms say it’s normal? How can I possibly say it is normal when so much brain science is discovering the abnormal brain conditions that give rise to mental illness?

I accept these questions. And yes, on one level, on an important level, schizophrenia is abnormal and deserves the care and support and resources that brain abnormalities require in their sufferers.
However, I believe deeply, that people with schizophrenia need the same support and love that people without mental illness need.