Bristol Myers Squibb has launched the Live Your PosSCZible campaign, aimed at elevating the voices of those with schizophrenia patients and their care partners. This initiative focuses on driving impactful conversations about the aspirations of schizophrenia patients and providing resources to support them. The campaign highlights the experiences of actor Taye Diggs and his sister, Christian, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia as a young adult. By sharing their story, the campaign hopes to challenge misconceptions and inspire others within schizophrenia patients.
Schizophrenia is a persistent and often disabling mental illness that impacts how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Onset typically occurs in late teens and early adulthood. Without proper management, symptoms can significantly affect daily functioning and quality of life, leading to challenges in personal and professional spheres. However, with appropriate treatment and support, schizophrenia patients can achieve their ambitions and lead fulfilling lives. Effective management of the condition can include a combination of medication, therapy, community support, and lifestyle adjustments, all of which contribute to improved outcomes and enhanced quality of life.
The Live Your PosSCZible campaign is a significant step in promoting awareness and understanding of schizophrenia. It aims to reduce stigma and promote empathy by providing educational resources and sharing real-life stories of resilience and success. By highlighting the capabilities and achievements of those living with schizophrenia, the campaign fosters a more inclusive and supportive environment.
Schizophrenia Patients Thrive: Live Your PosSCZible Campaign Promotes Recovery and Support
“There is a persistent stereotype that people with schizophrenia cannot lead meaningful lives,” said Gordon Lavigne, CEO of the Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance. “This perception is false. With proper treatment and support, many people with schizophrenia can work, study, have a family, and enjoy social activities. The Live Your PosSCZible campaign showcases stories of what is possible with access to proper treatment and care.”
The campaign features stories from schizophrenia patients, including Taye Diggs and his sister, Christian. Taye shares how his sister, with the right support, manages her mental illness and lives independently. Christian enjoys yoga and dance and is doing well. Their story aims to dispel negative stereotypes and raise awareness that people with schizophrenia can live full, happy lives. The campaign also includes stories from care partners and individuals living with schizophrenia. These stories, shared by social media influencers and advocates, highlight how they manage daily challenges and pursue their ambitions. The initiative encourages others to believe in their potential and strive for their goals.
Live Your PosSCZible provides educational, community, and peer resources to help navigate care. The campaign’s website, LiveYourPosSCZible.com, offers a wealth of information and tools to increase understanding of schizophrenia, reduce stigma, and promote empathy and support. The site features “Get Ready with Me” videos, showcasing how people with lived experience prepare for their daily routines, inspired by the popular #GRWM social media trend.
Beyond Diagnosis: Campaign Offers Hope and Support to Schizophrenia Patients
Jasmine Greenamyer, Vice President of Patient Outreach at Bristol Myers Squibb, emphasized the importance of the campaign. “A schizophrenia diagnosis can be extremely challenging. Society often tells people with schizophrenia that their diagnosis means they must put their goals aside. We launched Live Your PosSCZible to let people with schizophrenia know their ambitions are important and that, with the right support, anything is possible.”
Schizophrenia affects nearly 24 million people worldwide, including 2.8 million in the U.S. It is characterized by positive symptoms (hallucinations and delusions), negative symptoms (difficulty enjoying life and withdrawal from others), and cognitive impairment (deficits in memory, concentration, and decision-making). The campaign aims to provide hope and support to this community, showcasing that a diagnosis does not define one’s potential.
Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing, and delivering innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. Their commitment to empowering schizophrenia patients through initiatives like Live Your PosSCZible reflects their broader mission to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Resource: Bristol Myers Squibb, May 21, 2024
This article has been prepared with the assistance of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more details, please refer to our Terms and Conditions. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author.
