Name: Social and Cultural Myths Surrounding Antipsychotics Use
Start: 2026-02-22T14:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-02-22T15:30:00-05:00
Location: 313 SE Maynard Rd

Learn about the social and cultural myths about antipsychotic use that also influence Medic*tion adherence.
About this Event

Welcome to "The Social and Cultural Myths Surrounding Antipsychotics Use" event!

Sticking to antipsychotic use is not just a matter of knowing whether you are ill. And it’s not only a matter of negotiating side effects and choosing which ones you can live with. While these are both major factors, there are also powerful social and cultural myths about antipsychotic use that also influence Medic*tion adherence. These cultural myths are perpetuated by stigma and are easy to fall for – I fell for them myself. These common beliefs and sentiments actually produce reversed logic on why and why not to take antipsychotics. Understanding social pressures involved with antipsychotics and how to see through them helps people make better decisions on antipsychotic use. It also helps caretakers to understand these pressures from their loved one’s point of view.

Back by popular demand, Sarah Merritt Ryan, MS, CPSS, is a writer, speaker, and advocate for emotional recovery from serious mental illness. She is a survivor of four psychotic breaks who made a full recovery while choosing to remain on antipsychotics for life. She is diagnosed with schizophrenia and has been in full remission, symptom-free, for 14 years. During this time, she has married, given birth to a son who is now in first grade, and rebuilt her career. She is also a Certified Peer Support Specialist through the UNC School of Social Work.

She has a degree in Journalism from UNC-Chapel Hill and a Master of Science degree in Communication from NC State.

If you sign up to attend online, you will receive the Zoom Webinar link 24 hours before the start of the event.

Whether you are a parent, grandparent, caregiver, friend, or ally of a person struggling with a mental health crisis, this event is sure to provide valuable knowledge to help you help them on their journey to mental wellness.

Welcoming Wellness provides monthly hybrid presentations by industry professionals on all topics related to mental health. Click here to learn more about our Mental Health Initiative.