National Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day is celebrated every year on May 24th to raise awareness for schizophrenia and other serious mental illnesses like psychosis. Schizophrenia affects approximately 1 out of 100 people in British Columbia, and 3 out of 100 people in the province are affected by psychosis, with first onset typically in late adolescence or early adulthood.
The British Columbia Schizophrenia Society (BCSS), a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting those affected by schizophrenia and their families, is inviting businesses and organizations to show their support by lighting landmarks in purple and wearing purple shirts or accessories on May 24th. By embracing the #LightUpInPurple movement and sharing pictures on social media with hashtags like #PurpleforSZ and #BCSS, we can amplify our collective voice and promote understanding while breaking the stigma associated with schizophrenia and other serious and persistent mental illnesses.
Through the illumination of prominent landmarks across British Columbia, including BC Place, the Vancouver Convention Centre, and the BC Legislature, we aim to ignite conversations, foster empathy, and increase awareness of mental health issues. By engaging in this meaningful gesture, British Columbia demonstrates its commitment to promoting mental well-being and advocating for a society that embraces and supports individuals living with schizophrenia and other related disorders.
In addition to lighting up landmarks, individuals and organizations can further contribute to National Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day by leveraging social media to share information from BCSS platforms, organizing events, and advocating for increased resources and support for those affected by schizophrenia and related mental illnesses. Together, we can work towards a more compassionate and inclusive society where everyone receives the understanding, care, and support they deserve.
Landmarks that were lit purple on National Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day include:
- BC Place (Vancouver)
- Bloedel Conservatory (Vancouver)
- New West City Hall (New Westminister)
- Vancouver Convention Centre (Vancouver)
- BC Legislature (Victoria)
- Vancouver City Hall and Burrard Street Bridge (Vancouver)
- Surrey Civic Plaza (Surrey)
- Canada Place Sails (Vancouver)
- Lafarge Lake (Coquitlam)
- PoCo City Hall, Lafarge Lake fountain (Coquitlam)
- Victoria Street Bridge (Trail)
- White Rock Pier (White Rock)
- World’s Largest Hockey Stick & Puck (Duncan)
- Fitzsimmons Creek Bridge (Whistler)
To learn more about the BC Schizophrenia Society’s efforts and find guidance on requesting purple lights for landmarks on National Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day, please contact communications@bcss.org. Let us join forces, educate others, and stand together in solidarity to raise awareness, promote understanding, and support individuals and families affected by schizophrenia and other mental illnesses.