If you don’t know where to turn and are at a loss of what to do next to help someone you love who lives with schizophrenia or another serious mental illness.
Talk to a BC Schizophrenia Society Regional Educator. They can help you figure out next steps and help you learn about what you can do to help yourself and your loved one.
A list of resources and information from partner organizations and other schizophrenia societies across Canada that are useful for anyone affected by schizophrenia or other serious mental illness.
Is Your Loved One Experiencing Symptoms of Schizophrenia?
If your loved one may be experiencing symptoms of schizophrenia, and they are not in an immediate crisis, take look through this list of tips and resources.
Schizophrenia is a devastating mental illness that touches the lives of 1 in 100; that’s approximately than 51,000 British Columbians, and about 377,500 people in Canada.
Unfortunately, there are still a lot of misinformation and myths that exist about schizophrenia.
Established by family members in 1982, BC Schizophrenia Society (BCSS) has grown to become a network of Regional Educators and Branches and located across the province providing programs, services, and outreach.
Core services and programs are available in every region, and some select programs are only available upon request and in particular service areas.
BCSS works to help families affected by schizophrenia and other serious mental illness feel less alone, learn about the disease, and find out what services and resources are available to them to access.
It can be a scary and harrowing experience for people who are experiencing symptoms of schizophrenia.
Some people may think it’s normal, while others will seek to self-medicate.
If you or a loved one thinks you are experiencing symptoms of schizophrenia, reach out and talk to a medical professional. By getting help and support immediately, there is an increased probability for better longterm outcomes when it comes to the management of the mental illness.
BCSS does not always work with people with lived experience directly, but we can help you get connected to the resources you need.
BC Schizophrenia Society (BCSS) offers a range of resource materials developed over the years providing information and helping people better understand the illness and understand the illness.
Take a look through our Resource Library to see what information is currently available. We’ll be adding to this list regularly for the next little, so you’ll find many additions as time goes on.
If there is information you are seeking, but can’t find, email info@bcss.org with your request, and we can see what we can do to help.
Every two weeks, listen to a new episode of “Look Again: Mental Illness Re-Examined.” We’re sitting down with family members, people with lived experience, and professionals to explore the intricacies of schizophrenia and other serious mental illness.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, BCSS has adapted how we offer direct support, family support groups, and programs to meet with current Provincial Health Office Orders. Some offerings will be virtual, while others will be in-person with physical distancing criteria in place.
Please check in with the Regional Educator who is offering the program to get details.
May19
Trail BCSS: Family Support Group – 1st & 3rd Wednesdays
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Trail Fair SocietyTrail, BC
Organizer: BCSS Nelson Regional Educator
View Event Details
May19
Williams Lake BCSS: Family Support Group – 1st and 3rd Wednesday
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
BCSS Williams LakeWilliams Lake, BC
Organizer: BCSS Cariboo Regional Educator
View Event Details
May19
Burns Lake BCSS: Family Support Group – 3rd Wednesdays
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Lakes District Hospital & Health CentreBurns Lake, BC
Organizer: Heather Megchelsen
View Event Details
May20
Oliver BCSS: Weekly Mental Illness Family Support Group – Thursdays
10:30 am – 1:00 pm
Park Drive Church – OliverOliver, BC
Organizer: BCSS Penticton Branch
View Event Details
May20
Smithers BCSS: Family Support Groups – 1st Wednesdays & 3rd Thursdays
Add your voice to BC Schizophrenia Society family members working towards building a better world for people living with schizophrenia and other serious mental illness.
Wear Purple on May 24 to Support Schizophrenia Awareness
Once again, people and places across BC will be donning purple on May 24 (World Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day) to show the that they support people affected by schizophrenia.
Help Us Spread the Love on May 24
Wear purple and take a selfie
Take a selfie with one (or more) of the landmarks below that is lighting up in purple
Share a fact about schizophrenia on social media
And don’t forget to tag us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and use the following hashtags: #worldschizophreniaday2021 #schizophrenia #smashstigma
A huge thank you to the following…
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My name is Shelley Braun, I am a mother, a daughter, an aunt, a sister, a friend, and am the brand new Regional Educator on Haida Gwaii. I am new…
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We are EXTREMELY happy to announce that we have been able to expand our BCSS team to provide family support and education across the Lower…
