Forum aims to counter schizophrenia stigma after Vince Li case

The Manitoba Schizophrenia Society is hosting an open forum Wednesday to discuss the facts and myths of living with the mental illness following the high-profile case of Vince Li being found not criminally responsible for killing Tim McLean on a Greyhound busin 2008.

Sherri Matsumotolives with schizophrenia and will be speaking at themeeting tonight. She says she had symptoms of mental illness as a teenager but was not diagnosed until her late 20s.

"You don't hear thestories of recoveryand people going to school and getting their diplomas and education and living on their own, having families. You don't hear that side of the story enough," Matsumoto said.

The review board in Li's case decided earlier this month to let him move into a group home which prompted arally by people opposed to his release.

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Matsumotohopes to help fight the stigma associated with the illness, shefacilitates workshops and helps others though the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society.

"I think sometimes people have judgement. They hear the word schizophrenia and all of the sudden you're judged for the label but you're not judged for your personality and character. So all of asudden the barriers go up," she said.

The forum will be held at theCentre Culturel Franco-Manitobain at340 Provencher Boulevard in Winnipeg at 7 p.m.