Stigmatization experiences of persons diagnosed with schizophrenia and their relatives in the framework of critical social work: The case of Zonguldak

The aim of this research is to bring visibility to unequal social conditions and discrimination by revealing the stigmatization experiences of people diagnosed with schizophrenia and their relatives. Qualitative research design was used in this research, which was carried out with people who received service from Zonguldak Community Mental Health Center and in-depth interviews were conducted with 32 subjects, 17 of whom were diagnosed individuals and 15 of whom were relatives of diagnosed individuals. The data obtained from the in-depth interviews with the participants were categorized within the framework of five main themes. These themes were conceptualized as (1) changes in social relations, (2) changes in self-image, (3) encountering unequal conditions and discrimination practices in the public sphere, (4) experiences specific to caregivers, and (5) struggle tactics. It was understood that the research subjects became lonely and excluded from the public sphere in the process after the diagnosis. Encountering pervasive stereotypes and humiliation are manifestations of exclusion from the public sphere. As a result of the exclusion from social relations and the construction of social identity within the framework of stigmatization experiences, there has been a sharp decline in self-esteem. It was determined that most of the diagnosed subjects could not be involved in the relations of production. In cases where participation in employment is possible, it has been understood that flexible and insecure working styles are intensified. Women whose partners have been diagnosed have faced difficult tasks such as taking on care roles and providing for the household. As a result of mostly family members bearing the burden of care, subjects have become unable to do anything but care. Hiding or revealing the diagnosis, avoiding social relations and holding on to spiritual references are the tactics of struggle against experienced problems. Non-governmental organizations that bring together people with schizophrenia and their relatives in order to make diagnosed people and their relatives into subjects claiming rights and to establish social change should be restructured with a content based on critical social work theory and ensuring the politicization of their members. In addition, there is a need for an institutional-legal formation that will increase the importance of the social work discipline in the field of mental health.