As someone living with schizophrenia, I’ve experienced firsthand how language can either open doors, or shut them.

The word “schizo” is not just an abbreviation. It has become a weaponized label used to insult, stereotype, and exclude people with schizophrenia and related mental health conditions.

Whether used to dismiss someone as “crazy,” insult a political figure, or villainize individuals in media, the term “schizo” reinforces fear, misinformation, and violence toward one of the most misunderstood mental illnesses in the world.

Schizophrenia affects 1 in 100 people globally, yet individuals living with it are among the most stigmatized and least understood. Studies show that stigma delays treatment, increases isolation, and worsens mental health outcomes.

When people casually use “schizo” as a joke or insult, they dehumanize real people. Just like words that have been recognized as slurs for racial, gender, and disability groups, “schizo” deserves cultural and institutional rejection.

What We’re Asking:

We call on the following institutions to formally recognize “schizo” as a slur and label it as offensive or derogatory:

- Merriam-Webster, Oxford, Dictionary.com and other major dictionaries
- The Associated Press Stylebook, NPR, New York Times, and other media outlets
- Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter/X and other social platforms

We also call on mental health and disability advocacy organizations to:

- Publicly state that “schizo” is a slur
- Include it in anti-stigma campaigns and training

This petition is not about censorship.

It’s about respect, safety, and justice for people with schizophrenia—people like me, my friends, my family, and millions of others worldwide.

Let’s make it clear: “Schizo” is not just a word. It’s a wound.

And it’s time the world stopped using it to hurt us. Sign this petition to help stop the stigma, word by word.