A reason to hope and the means to cope

BCSS helps families affected by severe and persistent mental illnesses like schizophrenia.

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Need support? Find a support group near you.

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What is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a severe and persistent mental illness that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It is classified as a psychotic disorder, meaning it involves a significant distortion of reality.

The exact cause of schizophrenia is not known, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurochemical factors. With appropriate treatment and support, many individuals with schizophrenia can manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.

Learn more

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Get help today

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Find Support Near You

BCSS has educators, resources, and support groups operating throughout BC, both in-person and virtually.

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Educational Resources

Learn about psychosis, treatments, how to communicate with someone experiencing delusions, and more.

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Programs & Services

BCSS offers a variety of programs and services, including family support groups, one-on-one support, and more.

Events & programs

Programs and services to support and educate individuals who have a loved one impacted by severe and persistent mental illness.

SEE EVENTS

Upcoming events

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Living with schizophrenia

BCSS offers resources for caregivers, friends and family members of people living with schizophrenia. We do not currently provide services for individuals living with schizophrenia, but we can help you get connected to the resources you need.

Resources

Empower yourself with knowledge

LOOK AGAIN PODCAST

Listen to the 'Look Again' podcast to learn about living with schizophrenia from people with valuable experience and expertise.

Listen now

Donations make a difference

Donations to the BC Schizophrenia Society help ensure that our vital programs and services can continue to support families affected by severe and persistent mental illness.

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Stay informed

Education

“Look Again” Season 5 Episode 6 Recap: Push/Pull: Caring for a Sibling with Schizophrenia

It’s estimated that a million people in Canada are family caregivers, and about 20% of those caregivers are…

Advocacy & Public Policy

OPINION: Failure to provide information to family caregivers is catastrophic for many Canadians suffering from psychotic illnesses (Dr. Richard O’Reilly)

Dr. Richard O’Reilly recently wrote an article for FASMI on the importance of info-sharing with family caregivers, and…

Advocacy & Public Policy, BCSS News

B.C. Improving Care for People with Mental Health, Substance-Use Challenges

The Province is taking action to improve care for people who suffer from severe, overlapping mental health and…

BC Partners for Mental Health and Substance Use Information

We acknowledge that the various land on which BCSS operates and supports families is the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of British Columbia’s Indigenous Peoples. We are honoured and privileged to share this land, and are committed to reconciliation, decolonization, and building relationships in our communities.