ies. Over ninety percent of mentally ill patients keep in regular contact with their families. In conclusion, schizophrenia is not a common disease, but its effects affect our society. From homeless persons on the street to your well-to-do neighbor, schizophrenia does not discriminate. Law enforcement officers, educators, family members, care-takers, doctors, ministers and anyone who is an advocate for the community should understand the direct effects of this sometimes tragic disease. Everyday in America, someone is admitted into a psychiatric hospital desperate for help, or worse murders a family member or stranger, because no one took the time to understand his/her symptoms and how to react to them. Mental illness cannot be prevented. Therefore, we as a community must know the signals people give when something is not right. We should know to react in a kind and non-threatening manner and get professional help to the person who needs it.Adding a stigma to schizophrenia does no one any good. It only manifests the myths and discrimination felt by so many already....
