Get Help

Supporting a loved one with a serious mental illness can be challenging. BCSS is here to help.

bcss british columbia schizophrenia society people holding hands for support

Find the information and support you need

If you’re trying to get help for a loved one with schizophrenia, psychosis or another serious mental illness, the BC Schizophrenia Society can help.

Because services and procedures vary widely from region to region, it’s helpful to speak to someone familiar with the local situation and resources available locally. BCSS has staff throughout British Columbia who are here to help you.

Find Local Support

What can I expect?

  • Find an educator in your region

  • Connect with an educator

  • Discuss resources, programs, and next steps

  • Join a support group or program near you

  • Educate yourself and stay connected

find a local educator

What is an educator?

BCSS Regional Educators are dedicated professionals who impart knowledge, support, and resources to families in the form of one-on-one support, educational presentations, workshops, and support groups.

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

Lower Mainland Family Support Group (Virtual)

BCSS Youth: Kids In Control (Online / Virtual)

East Kootenay Virtual Family Support Group

bcss british columbia schizophrenia society people in support group helping each other

Strengthening Families Together (SFT)

SFT is a six-session program that provides knowledge, support, and tools for families to better cope and understand mental illness. Participating families learn about the impacts of stigma as well as information about psychosis, schizophrenia, mood disorders, and other severe and persistent mental illnesses.

learn more

Treatments for schizophrenia

Many people with schizophrenia can lead full and meaningful lives. Navigating and understanding what treatments are available can be confusing, difficult, and scary. But you are not alone.

treatment options

  • Frequently asked questions

    • A severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) isn’t a specific diagnosis; it is a term used to describe when a mental illness significantly impairs and interferes with major life activities. Often, “severe and persistent mental illness” and “serious mental illness” are used interchangeably.

      All mental illnesses have the potential to interfere with quality of life. Many instances of mental illness may broadly qualify as “serious” or “severe and persistent,” depending on the interpretation and use of the term.

      A severe and persistent mental illness typically describes diagnoses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and substance use disorders. These are considered SPMI due to their profound effects on all aspects of life, such as employment, family relations, interpersonal relationships, and education over a lifetime.

    • BCSS Regional Educators provide resources and support for family members and friends who have a loved one with schizophrenia or psychosis. They act as liaisons between the family members and the mental health systems. BCSS educators organize and facilitate family support groups, education programs, and public education presentations to reduce stigma and increase the understanding of schizophrenia.

    • Schizophrenia is a complex and multifactorial mental disorder, and its exact causes are not fully understood. However, several factors are associated with an increased risk of developing schizophrenia, including genetics, brain development, brain chemistry, age, and environmental factors. Just over 1% of the population is diagnosed with a schizophrenia-spectrum disorder.

    • When someone is experiencing psychosis symptoms, it is important to intervene early to help reduce the length of time they are in psychosis. This can result in better overall outcomes in their recovery process. For more information, visit the Early Psychosis Intervention website.

    • A common symptom of schizophrenia-spectrum disorders is anosognosia (pronounced ahh-no-sog-noh-zee-uh). This symptom defines the common concern many family members and loved ones of people with mental illness have – “they don’t recognize that they are ill.”

      Anosognosia is often misinterpreted as stubbornness, denial, or refusal of treatment. This symptom can be frustrating for the families and friends trying to support their loved one and the individual with the mental illness. Would you go to the doctor if you didn’t think you were sick?