Taye Diggs is disclosing information regarding schizophrenia, a mental health condition that has had an impact on his family.
The actor, 53, disclosed for the first time that his younger sister, Christian, 48, was diagnosed with the condition in her twenties.
“I was at a loss for what to do,” Diggs disclosed to CBS News regarding his response to her diagnosis. “I am the elder sibling.” Chris and I were extremely close. We shared a unique affinity as I was born before she was, and I had always assumed that I was available to assist her in any way she required. Then, we were confronted with this, and I was unaware. I was unaware of the definition of schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that disrupts an individual’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, affecting approximately 24 million individuals worldwide and 3 million in the United States. Schizophrenia may manifest as a combination of hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thought and behavior, as per the Mayo Clinic.
Despite the fact that the revelation caused the family to be shaken, it provided an explanation for the transition from Christian’s “very energized, vivacious, and ebullient” state to his “really despondent and lethargic” state, as Diggs put it.
“It was wonderful that we were able to identify the changes in her conduct,” he stated. However, he also acknowledged that they “immediately anticipated the worst.”
Schizophrenia is frequently portrayed as “crazy” in the public eye, as is the case with other mental health challenges. Other misconceptions include the belief that individuals with the diagnosis exhibit unpredictable and hazardous behavior or a “divided personality.”
However, the National Institute of Mental Health emphasizes that the majority of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia are not violent, and it is important to distinguish it from dissociative identity disorder (previously known as multiple personality disorder or the split personality).
The organization asserts that “a significant number of individuals who receive treatment are able to participate in school or work, attain independence, and appreciate personal relationships.”
“I was uncertain as to whether she would be able to maintain a consistent employment. He stated, “If she were capable of being in a relationship and having children.” However, the situation was reversed once Christian established a relationship with a competent psychiatrist and identified the appropriate medication.
The siblings are currently collaborating with Bristol Myers Squibb, a global biopharmaceutical company, to introduce the Live Your PosSCZible campaign, which aims to challenge the misconceptions of others regarding schizophrenia. The objective of the national initiative is to decrease stigma for individuals with the condition and increase awareness of it.
In a video for the campaign, Christian Diggs describes the initial diagnosis as “very startling and a bit frightening.” However, upon obtaining my diagnosis, I experienced a slight sense of relief and even optimism, as I was able to assign a name to the events that had transpired.
Diggs expressed his desire to “alter the discourse” regarding schizophrenia, particularly in light of his sister’s “blooming” experience with the illness.
“It is by no means a simple matter to navigate, but it is not the end of the world by any means.”
Desiree Matthews, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, was interviewed by CBS News in conjunction with Diggs. She notes that schizophrenia has no cure, but there are “many forms of treatment available.”
She stated, “This is a highly intricate illness that necessitates everlasting treatment at this time.” I am extremely pleased that the psychiatrist, Taye’s sister, and the family were able to develop a care treatment plan that was effective for Christian, as schizophrenia treatment should be tailored to the individual.
According to the Mayo Clinic, schizophrenia can result in additional complications, such as anxiety and melancholy, the inability to work or attend school, financial difficulties, homelessness, and social isolation, if not treated.
According to the clinic, adhering to your treatment regimen can prevent symptoms from recurrence or deterioration.
According to Matthews, the campaign is crucial for the general public and healthcare professionals to witness the tales of individuals who are “really flourishing, despite living with schizophrenia.”
“Unfortunately, we continue to have these negative perceptions of individuals with schizophrenia based on television and film,” she stated. She also noted that individuals with schizophrenia “lacked a platform to demonstrate their true capabilities and the potential of living with schizophrenia.”
