Positive and Negative Messages about Mental Illness A positive message portrayed by Foster, Krasnoff, and Wright (2008) is that people with schizophrenia can be well-functioning and intelligent individuals. Although Nathaniel shows mild symptoms of schizophrenia, he can function well in society, considering the fact that he is homeless. Despite the disorder, Nathaniel is able to maintain stable and meaningful interpersonal relationships with others, as observed in his relationship with Steve. Studies have shown that people with schizophrenia do not always act abnormally and can appear completely normal and be perfectly responsible, even experiencing hallucinations or delusions (Lake, 2012). Nathaniel is an intelligent individual trying to do this. Therefore, Foster, Krasnoff, and Wright (2008) demonstrate that people living with schizophrenia need all the love and support that a normal person needs. Although the power of friendship changed Nathaniel's life, without treatment, he still suffered from the symptoms of schizophrenia. Therefore, treatment is still vital to help mentally ill people stabilize and function well in society (Gleitman et al., 2011). This implies that people suffering from mental health problems cannot simply be defined as “crazy” individuals. Most patients are sick human beings who need help that must be sustained over time. According to mental health professionals, many people do not seek professional help due to the stigma of mental illness (Laroi & Linden, 2009). Stigmatization has a number of negative consequences, such as increased symptoms and stress, but, more importantly, assimilation into society becomes difficult for people diagnosed with a mental illness (Laroi and Linden 2009). To ensure that mentally ill people can receive treatment and reintegrate into their communities, stigma and myths about mental health must be addressed to educate the general public so they can understand the difficulties these patients face and to offer hope, compassion and help. support for this