This year’s National Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day was nothing short of extraordinary—thanks to the collective efforts of our BCSS community across the province. The theme, “Stronger Than Stigma,” deeply resonated with families, advocates, and mental health professionals alike. Whether online or in person, community members united to raise awareness, share lived experiences, and remind others that no one should have to navigate schizophrenia or serious mental illness alone.
Here’s a look at some of the powerful ways we stood together to raise awareness, support families, and spark meaningful conversations across the province:
📍 Beyond Impossible at The Cultch
Beyond Impossible, our signature event, brought together over 150 attendees—both in person and online—for an inspiring afternoon of storytelling, music, and reflection. Highlights included:
🎭 A moving monologue by actress and playwright Jill Daum
🎶 A heartfelt recorded performance of Impossible by Jim Cuddy
🧠 A thought-provoking panel discussion on the role of loved ones in mental health recovery and the impact of stigma, moderated by Dr. Brenda Sawatzky-Girling and featuring:
➡️ Dr. Randall F. White, clinical expert
➡️ Anita Smith, person with lived experience
➡️ Sylvia LeRoy, family member of a person with lived experience
➡️ Jennifer Kastelein, BCSS educator & family member of a person with lived experience
We were honoured to welcome Minister Josie Osborne, whose presence underscored the importance of raising awareness, challenging stigma, and advocating for improved mental health care across B.C. Thank you, Minister Osborne, for standing with our community.
The recording of Beyond Impossible is now available to view! Please note that due to acting union regulations, Jill Daum’s performance is not included in the replay.
This event was made possible through the generous support of the Otsuka-Lundbeck Alliance.
👕 Stronger Than Stigma Shirts Worn Across B.C.
We were thrilled to see our limited-edition Stronger Than Stigma shirts worn proudly across communities. Each shirt became more than just apparel—it became a conversation starter, a symbol of solidarity, and a bold step toward breaking down misconceptions surrounding schizophrenia and serious mental illness. Thank you to everyone who wore their support so visibly and meaningfully.
🏛️ Community Outreach Efforts Across The Province
📍Victoria
Members from our Vancouver Island regional team tabled at the Uptown Mall plaza, reaching new audiences with resources and engaging in conversations. A small but mighty step forward—with goals to expand further in the coming years!
📍Bulkley Valley
Members from our Vancouver Island regional team tabled at the Uptown Mall plaza, reaching new audiences with resources and engaging in conversations. A small but mighty step forward—with goals to expand further in the coming years!
📍Smithers
A full front window dedicated to schizophrenia awareness is on display until May 30. The ongoing support from the staff at Mills Interior demonstrates the profound impact community partners can have when they rally behind mental illness education and advocacy.
📍Northwest Region
Community members in the Northwest region held a photo shoot in the local park, engaging community members in a visible and vibrant campaign. Thank you to everyone who gave their consent to share their photos and participate in this awareness campaign publicly.
📍The Garage Community
Our Northwest regional educators were part of a community gathering at The Garage, a welcoming and inclusive local space that helped set the tone for open conversations and connection.
📍Terrace
A visually engaging display was set up at the Terrace Public Library to raise awareness and share information about schizophrenia and psychosis. The display sparked conversations among visitors.
🎥 Stephen Lathrop Shares His Story & Message
As part of this year’s awareness campaign, we featured an honest and moving video from Stephen Lathrop, who lives with childhood-onset schizophrenia. In his video, Stephen opens up about the silent stigma he often encounters—not just in conversations but in how schizophrenia is portrayed in media.
His words served as a potent reminder that stigma doesn’t always shout—but it always silences. And that silence can be just as harmful.
💜 Purple Lights
In honour of National Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day, many monuments across the province lit up purple to show support and awareness for schizophrenia, psychosis, and serious mental illness. This includes:
- BC Place
- New West City Hall
- BC Legislature
- Vancouver City Hall and Burrard St Bridge
- Surrey Civic Plaza
- Lafarge Lake Subway Sttion Pillars
- Science World
- Victoria St Bridge – Trail
- Fitzsimmons Creek Bridge
- Bastion Nanaimo
At BC Schizophrenia Society, we remain committed to supporting individuals and families, educating the public, and challenging the stigma that continues to surround serious mental illness. But we can’t do it alone. Thank you to everyone who showed up, spoke out, and helped make this year’s National Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day so meaningful. Whether you shared a post, hosted an event, or simply took the time to listen—you are part of this movement.