To the Editor ... We have all seen or heard the misuse of the word schizophrenia or 'the schizophrenic'. They are terms used casually or inappropriately but which can bring distress to those who are aware of the nature of the illness and the effects it has on a whole family. Those who use it, especially those with large audiences, such as journalists, television and radio reporters together with their editors and producers need to be informed, every time it happens, so that they can think twice before misusing the words again. There are also programmes including chat shows where actors and guests are just as guilty of insensitivity. Every NSF (Scotland) member, user of our services and friends can help by writing to the newspaper, magazine, radio/TV journalist or producer as well as to the politicians. Some examples of what you can write are given overleaf but here are four steps which you can take. Step 1 Look for the name and address of the person you should send your comments to. It may be the Editor (if you want it to appear as a letter in the Letters Page of a newspaper) or it may be an individual journalist who also has an email address. If a guest or actor of a programme, then write to Right to Reply on Channel 4 or contact the programmer. Step 2 Write a short letter or note. Examples are given overleaf. Mention the date and the article/programme where the words were used. Step 3 Include any additional information, such as a copy of your local leaflet or an NSF (Scotland) leaflet, and make reference to our website. Step 4 Send us a copy of your letter. Use email if you have it. If you have the opportunity to talk to a journalist, you can remind him or her of the existence of the Scottish National Union of Journalists (NUJ) 'Mental Health in the Media. A Good Practice Guide for Journalists and Broadcasters'. If you want to send out further information, then contact National Office and we will arrange to send out copies of Severe Mental Illness Explained published by NSF in 1999. Together we can reduce the misuse of the words, and help to combat the stigma of mental illness.