For World Schizophrenia & Psychosis Awareness Day, BC Schizophrenia Society hosted “Schizophrenia Revealed: The Untold Stories of Schizophrenia.”

Schizophrenia. It’s a complex mental illness that is still shrouded in mystery. It is what people worry about and think about when they hear of someone in mental health distress, and the mental illness itself is seen as rare. But with 1 in 100 people living with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder, it is all around us. And together we can reveal the untold stories of schizophrenia.

Hosted by BC Schizophrenia Society, this virtual event aimed to unravel the stigma around schizophrenia, and bring forward the many untold stories from people impacted by this mental illness.

The event will feature intimate conversations that reveal the stories of a 26-year-old man living with schizophrenia and a mother who is supporting her son who lives with schizoaffective disorder. We’ll learn about their journey with schizophrenia – from symptoms, to diagnosis, to where they are today. We’ll talk about the stigma surrounding this disease, the pros and cons of using the word schizophrenia, key parts of their journey, and what they want others to know.

Together we can build a better understanding of how schizophrenia impacts us all.

***Content Warning: Please note that some of the subjects discussed may be triggering for some family members and people living with serious mental illness.***

• Introduction & Housekeeping
• Opening Remarks by Minister Sheila Malcolmson (BC Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions)
• A Word from Our Sponsors
• Conversations with People Impacted by Schizophrenia
  Michele – Has a Son Living with Schizoaffective Disorder
  Jon – A Person Living with Schizophrenia
• Live Q & A with speakers
• Thank You & Conclusion

Faydra Aldridge, CEO, BC Schizophrenia Society

Faydra’s career has spanned over twenty years in the fields of corporate communications and project management in both the private and public sectors. Before joining BCSS, she held a leadership role with one of the largest health research institutes in Canada – Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute – where she oversaw the Stakeholder Relations portfolio. She has also held executive positions with local, national and international community health organizations, and has experience as a CBC Morning Show Producer.

Michele

Michele is a mother of two sons with mental illness. One of whom passed away at the age of 22 before he was diagnosed, the other is currently living with schizoaffective disorder. Michele has been connected with BCSS for many years and volunteers her time helping families learn about mental illness and how to navigate the mental health system – ensuring that families know that they are not alone in their journey.

Jon

Diagnosed with schizophrenia at the at of 19, Jon currently works two jobs and is a musician and author. His goal is to share his story to help people understand how people with schizophrenia are more than their illness and to help challenge the idea that you can tell who has schizophrenia or not because of their actions and behaviours. Jon’s book, “Voices in My Head,” is a self-help book written for people who are both beginning and in their journey with serious mental illness; illuminating the fact that they are not alone.

Voices in My Head is available by donation to Jon through this link.

This event is made possible with the generous support of AA Pharma.