To unravel the secrets fueling society’s stigmas, seasoned journalist Greg Hitchcock raises a mirror - reporting on those, who, like himself, live with mental illness. By capturing the captivating stories of the downtrodden (those struggling with mental illnesses, traumas, substance abuse, and physical disabilities) and their ability to overcome, he shines a light on every individual’s infinite resilience.

“We’re all dealing with some sort of crisis, in one way or another. We’re not different. We’re all in the same boat,” he said.

In his second book, “Stories of Stigma: How to Overcome Shame to Live a Healthy Life” (October 2024), Greg shares empathetic insights and actionable solutions for sufferers that help foster hope and silence doubt.

An Impossible Choice

In the mid-80s, while serving in the U.S. Army, Greg was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Not only were the symptoms of the disease life-changing, but he also fell victim to cultural stigmas surrounding disabilities and their side effects. So often, the stereotype in books, films, and other media perpetrates the idea that a person with a mental illness is dangerous, criminal even, and certainly, not to be trusted.

Which is why Greg often doesn’t mention it, and lets people wonder why he might seem a bit “off.”

“When I do disclose my disability, I’m treated differently,” he said. “I’m given menial jobs because people are worried that I’ll mess things up,” said Greg. Instead, he said, he hopes his books help people see why being rewarded on merit is so valuable. “I believe that what you put in, you get out. I want to be recognized, like anyone else, instead of being shoved aside.”

In addition to living with schizophrenia for forty years, Greg began his media career reporting on New York State government and politics for the Empire State Report. He is the founder of Pegasus Digital Media, former editor of the Montana-based Sidney Herald, and has produced short films chronicling climate change in the Adirondack mountains, equine therapy for veterans, and the violence endured by Native American populations.

After six years of serving on the Board of Directors for the Mental Health Association of Fulton and Montgomery Counties, Greg discovered how those diagnosed with mental health disorders are also disproportionately affected by poverty and food insecurity.

Learn more about author and freelance journalist Greg Hitchcock’s in-depth reporting and find his latest book, "Stories of Stigma: How to Overcome Shame to Live a Healthy Life" by visiting
www.pegasusdigitalmedia.com