Recognize National Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day with us on May 24!
BC Schizophrenia Society (BCSS) is excited to announce a special event for National Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day on May 24, 2025. Join us at the Cultch Historic Theatre in Vancouver from 1:00 pm to 3:45 pm for an impactful afternoon of storytelling and compassion!
Beyond Impossible is designed to take the audience on an emotional journey—from awareness and empathy to connection and hope. The event will begin with a commentary on how we can bridge the gap between families and the resources available in their communities.
The program will feature a moving monologue written from the point of view of a mother struggling to find care for her son as he is engulfed by the symptoms of psychosis. The reading will spotlight the emotional turmoil many families endure as they realize their loved one has no insight into their illness and rejects any kind of support.
This event also includes a special recorded performance of “Impossible”, a song by Jim Cuddy that was created to support this cause.
A panel discussion on the power of family in mental health journeys and Q&A session will follow the performances. The discussion will include panellists from a range of lived experiences and perspectives, including family members and caregivers, who will discuss the effect of stigma on mental illness.
Stigma is defined by the Cambridge Dictionary as “a strong feeling of disapproval that most people in a society have about something, especially when this is unfair.” It is when a person is seen in a negative way because of a particular characteristic or circumstance. Though negative feelings about people experiencing mental illness have lessened, negative ideas do still exist.
This stigma can have several negative effects on individuals living with mental illness. It can create feelings of shame and rejection or cause a person to feel isolated and lose connection with friends and family. It can also lead to discrimination against a person with mental illness in terms of access to housing, employment, educational opportunities, social services, or other important necessities of life. All of these things can prevent a person from getting the help and treatment they need and deserve.
Beyond Impossible will conclude with a reflection activity to offer audience members the opportunity to decompress and connect with each other. Our goal is for every attendee to leave feeling that they belong, that they contributed, and that they are part of something bigger: helping to eradicate the stigma surrounding schizophrenia and psychosis.
Together, we will listen and learn, offer support for one another, and advocate for a mental health system that better serves those living with severe and persistent mental illness and the families who walk beside them. Together, we are Stronger than Stigma.
Beyond Impossible is made possible by the support of Otsuka-Lundbeck Alliance.
This is a free educational event that requires advance attendee registration. For those who are unable to attend in person, the presentations and panel discussion will be livestreamed via Zoom to our members and stakeholders across the province. The event will also be recorded to be shared later on YouTube.
Event Details
WHAT: A Monologue, Recorded Music Presentation, and Panel Discussion
WHY: To increase awareness and acknowledge National Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day
WHERE: The Cultch Historic Theatre at 1895 Venables St, Vancouver, BC
WHEN: May 24, 2025, from 1:00 – 3:45 pm
SCHEDULE:
- 12:15 pm: Doors Open; Mingling and Light Refreshments
- 1:00 pm: Welcome and Opening Remarks
- 1:15 pm: Video Presentation of “Impossible” by Jim Cuddy
- 1:20 pm: Feature Presentation – Monologue by Jill Daum
- 1:50 pm: Panel Discussion
- 2:30 pm: Closing Remarks
- 2:45 pm: Reception and Reflection Activity
- 3:45 pm: Event Ends
How to Register
NOTE: Please choose an in-person or virtual ticket depending on how you plan on attending.
If you wish to help BCSS cover the costs of this free event, please consider a donation.
Our Mission
The British Columbia Schizophrenia Society is a long-standing non-profit organization founded in 1982 by families and friends of people living with schizophrenia. BCSS provides vital front-line education and support for families across British Columbia impacted by schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and other severe and persistent mental illnesses. We are dedicated to increasing awareness and advocating for additional and more effective services for people with these neurological disorders and their family members.