By Éverton Cabral
AMME aims to awaken the caregiver to also take care of their mental health as they become co-dependent on the disorder
The Associação Mãos de Mães de Pessoas com Esquizofrenia – AMME (Hands of Mothers of People with Schizophrenia Association), created by Sarah Nicolleli in 2018, aims to welcome, help and promote awareness about the disease. Its pioneering action is a reference in the country, serving mothers from north to south.
AMME began when Sarah discovered that her son had the disease. For her, it was all new and difficult to understand.
“I started researching schizophrenia on the internet and there was nothing that could help me. So I made a video that went viral. After that, mothers from different parts started calling me and we created groups to help us”, comments Sarah.
Based in Curitiba, Paraná, the organisation lives on actions to raise funds and help families. However, few contributions are received.
The Association works through the help of volunteers, including other mothers. Furthermore, it suffers from the difficulty of finding health professionals to volunteer, as they need to have an affinity with the topic of schizophrenia.
Therefore, it is worth highlighting that schizophrenia, according to Fernanda (add last name), volunteer mental health nurse at AMME, is a complex mental disorder that affects approximately 1% of the world’s population, imposing significant challenges for both patients and their families.
Combating lack of information and prejudice
Many mothers report difficulties in finding clear information about the disorder, as well as adequate psychological and medical support for their children.
Given this scenario, AMME appears to fill this gap, helping them to better understand their children’s condition and deal with daily difficulties.
The entity also works to combat the social stigma surrounding schizophrenia. Through awareness campaigns, lectures and community events, AMME seeks to demystify the disease and educate society about the importance of welcoming and respecting individuals who live with mental disorders.
Furthermore, it defends more effective public policies for the care and monitoring of people with schizophrenia, including calling for the creation of specialised mental health centres and financial support programs for the most vulnerable families.
Reception and support network
For the founders of AMME, the association is more than a support group; is a network of solidarity and unity, where each mother finds a safe space to share her experiences, fears and hopes.
The impact of this work is already beginning to be seen in the communities in which it operates, bringing greater understanding and empathy to the reality of people with schizophrenia and their families.
In this way, AMME invites all mothers and family members of people with schizophrenia to participate and help build this support network, with the motto: “Juntas, somos mais fortes” (“Together, we are stronger”).
Find out how to support
Associação Mãos de Mães de Pessoas com Esquizofrenia – AMME (Hands of Mothers of People with Schizophrenia Association) accepts donations and volunteers. For more information, contact us via the website. Also, follow the organisation on Instagram or join the group on Facebook.
