British Columbia Schizophrenia Society » Family & Friends

Cognitive Deficits in Schizophrenia – How to Help

admin — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 23:20:49 +0000

Printable PDF version: Managing Cognitive Problems in Mental Illness Managing Cognitive Problems in Mental Illness Cognitive (or thinking) skills are often affected by severe mental illness such as schizophrenia Cognitive skills are mental abilities that are needed for attention, information-processing, memory, and critical thinkingThese difficulties can be present even when the individual is stable on medication and not [...]

Forensic Psychiatric Services

BCSS Staff — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:58:13 +0000

A 2011 booklet for families to explain BC's forensic psychiatry services.

Benefits of ‘Extended Leave’

admin — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:46:03 +0000

Provisions for Extended Leave exist under the BC Mental Health Act. These provisions are used regularly and successfully in certain regions of the province. Broad Criteria for Use of Extended Leave For patients who: Have a diagnosed severe and persistent mental illness Lack insight due to the nature of their illness, and are unable to voluntarily seek or comply [...]

Family Toolkit

BCSS Staff — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 22:44:24 +0000

The Family Toolkit is designed to assist families in caring for a family member with a mental illness by providing information and practical resources.

Useful Printable Information

admin — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:18:55 +0000

A selection of some of our most useful fact sheets for families.

Strengthening Families Together Video Series

admin — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 01:37:49 +0000

This video series was produced by the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario, based on the Schizophrenia Society of Canada’s Strengthening Families Together program. While some information is Ontario specific, most is very applicable and useful to British Columbians. For more information on in-person local Strengthening Families Together courses, please see this program page Episode 1: What is [...]

Ulysses Agreement – planning for support

admin — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 02:22:51 +0000

A Ulysses Agreement is a voluntary plan that allows a parent to plan how their children will be cared for should they relapse and be temporally unable to care for their children. Help to create these plans is available in Boston Bar, Hope, Agassiz, Mission, Abbotsford, Langley, White Rock & Surrey from Mark Littlefield at (604) 832-0705. Outside the Fraser region, please call Mark for more information or click on the link for written information and templates.

How do I get help for my loved one?

admin — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 23:33:24 +0000

Click here for information and tips for family members on how to get help for your loved one.

Where do I get help for my loved one?

admin — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:28:24 +0000

If you’re trying to get help for a loved one with schizophrenia, psychosis or another serious mental illness, the BC Schizophrenia Society can help. Click here for more information.

Family Resource Elist

admin — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 23:56:02 +0000

The latest edition of the family e-resource newsletter is now available. This e-newsletter comes out once a month, with the latest information and resources for families caring for a loved one with a mental illness, including updates on support groups and events. You can view the most recent edition here, or subscribe at: www.elists.bcss.org

BCSS Branches

Mind Foundation — Sat, 03 May 2008 01:37:03 +0000

A BCSS Branch is a community based association of people who volunteer their time and energy to help improve the lives of people with serious mental illness and their families.

For more information on how to connect with a branch in your region, please contact provincial office at: (lower mainland): 604.270.7841 Toll Free: 1.888.888.0029 or Email Us

Basic Facts About Schizophrenia

Mind Foundation — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:13:52 +0000

This 40-page booklet contains the most frequently asked questions about schizophrenia.

Educational Booklets For Children – Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Depression

Mind Foundation — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 17:53:02 +0000

Some printable booklet files.

Guide to the Mental Health Act

admin — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 06:52:27 +0000

This resource may be useful to people who would like to understand the rules and procedures in place in BC around mental illness, police involvement, involuntary treatment, etc

Marijuana use increases risk for psychosis by 40%

BCSS Staff — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 18:57:53 +0000

An article by Theresa H.M. Moore, MSc, from the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom, and colleagues was published in the July 28 issue of The Lancet. Moore compared the results of several research studies that followed people over a period of time (systematic review of longitudinal studies). She found that there is enough new evidence that the use of cannabis (marijuana) increases the risk for later psychotic illness by roughly 40%.