Nearly half of people in Wales wouldn’t live next door to someone with schizophrenia
Less than half of people in Wales say they’d be comfortable living next door to someone experiencing symptoms of schizophrenia — a stark reminder of the stigma still surrounding serious mental health conditions.
The figure, revealed by Time to Change Wales, contrasts sharply with attitudes toward depression, where two in three respondents said they’d welcome a neighbour with symptoms. The findings come as Mind Cymru marks National Schizophrenia Awareness Day (25 July) by challenging myths and misconceptions that continue to isolate thousands across the country.
“Stigma around schizophrenia leaves people feeling scared, misunderstood and alone,” said Sue O’Leary, Director of Mind Cymru. “It doesn’t just affect those living with the condition — it impacts their families, friends and communities too.”
A diagnosis under debate
Schizophrenia is a controversial term. It’s often used to describe a cluster of symptoms linked to psychosis, but there’s no single definition — and many mental health professionals now question whether the label should be used at all2. The symptoms vary widely, and often overlap with other conditions such as bipolar disorder, PTSD, and depression with psychosis.
Despite this, public understanding remains limited. Many still associate schizophrenia with violence or “split personalities” — myths that fuel fear and discrimination. In reality, schizophrenia has nothing to do with multiple personalities (that’s Dissociative Identity Disorder) and most people with the condition are far more likely to be victims of crime or self-harm than to harm others3.
Symptoms can include hallucinations, delusions, and disorganised thinking, but also less visible challenges like emotional disconnection, difficulty concentrating, and withdrawal from everyday life. Treatment often involves antipsychotic medication, but talking therapies such as CBT and art therapy are also widely used to help people manage distressing experiences3.
“I need that peace of mind”
For Sarah (pseudonym), who’s lived with schizophrenia since a breakdown in 2005, stigma remains one of the hardest parts of her journey.
“I sometimes feel paranoid, like people are talking about me. If I don’t ask — when it feels safe — I won’t sleep, and that can make me unwell. I need that peace of mind.”
Sarah says the condition can be isolating, but she’s learned to navigate it with honesty and self-awareness. “I find it best to be straightforward and ask people. Otherwise, the anxiety builds and I spiral.”
Her experience reflects a broader truth: schizophrenia is not a one-size-fits-all diagnosis. And for many, the hardest part isn’t the symptoms — it’s the silence and misunderstanding that surround them.
Why Time to Change Wales mattered
The research behind these findings comes from Time to Change Wales, a national campaign launched in 2012 to tackle mental health stigma through public education, lived experience storytelling, and workplace training. The programme closed earlier this year after more than a decade of work — but its legacy lives on in the data, and in the voices it helped amplify.
Mind Cymru, one of the founding partners, says it’s committed to continuing the fight. “Raising awareness of the challenges people with mental health problems are facing, and supporting events like National Schizophrenia Awareness Day, is a key part of that,” said O’Leary.
Where to find support for schizophrenia and mental health in Wales
Mind’s information hub
Learn more about schizophrenia, symptoms, treatment options and how to support someone living with the condition.
Side by Side online community
A safe, peer-led space to share experiences, connect with others and find support 24/7.
Local Minds across Wales
Find face-to-face services near you, including talking therapies, peer support and advocacy.
Hearing Voices Network
Support and resources for people who hear voices, see visions or experience other unusual perceptions.
Hub of Hope
A UK-wide mental health support directory that helps you find local services based on your postcode.
National Paranoia Network
Resources and community support for people experiencing paranoia and related symptoms.
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