“Sometimes it feels like no-one cares, no-one is listening, the world is just too dark to see where to walk.  I have felt these feelings so many times when it comes to caring for my special needs son.  His ADHD, Tourette’s, spacial disorder, OCD’s, social anxiety, holding breath disorders, grandmal and petitemal seizures, acid reflux, colitis,  each intimidating on their own and a lot for just me to deal with.  I cry for him so often because he has to be raised by just me because the family thinks it is all in his head and the doctors want to keep him so drugged that he cannot cope with the feeling that happens when the drugs wear off.  It felt so hopeless!

When I was doing my research and phone calls to see where I could get some help, I saw somewhere an advertisement or brochure, (sorry I can’t remember where), but I thought I would check you people out.  When I went in for my first session I came out so encouraged!  A small bright light appeared before me and I was able to see past my troubles to a place that offered hope, knowledge, encouragement and a meeting place.  I came home a different person!  My son was skeptical because the medical system has failed us so often, but that didn’t matter to me because I felt hope!

I attended several meetings where I found many who were in the same boat as me.  All struggling to keep afloat with their own enormous loads.  Each meeting we found a skill or a phrase or a hug to settle our unrest so we could go home empowered again.

I feel this program is so valuable to our community and hope it can grow into a large network influencing both our medical profession as well as our education system on how to reach out and be there for our hurting peoples.”

Thank you for this opportunity to share!

Thank you for giving me hope!

Sincerely,

Nadene Gervais

“Meeting with our local BCSS educator and other families who have a love one afflicted with schizophrenia, as our son is, has helped us learn how to advocate and care for him. Previous to attending the monthly meetings, we felt overwhelmed and isolated. Tapping in to the resources available through BCSS, and most importantly learning communications strategies from our educators, has helped us immensely!”

– Bruce and Rhea, Family Members

“I learned how to manage what I am experiencing with my loved one. Experiencing mental illness is one of the hardest things, its painful, and I don’t want to give up. It’s important to have acceptance and validation and we need each other to get through this.”

Cowichan Family Member

“This program “saved me.” It was hard walking through the invisible line that was created with non-First Nations and First Nations. I was welcomed, and now know that I am not alone. I have gained knowledge through story telling, communication and the supportive environment provided. My family is now more open, we are communicating better.” I now see my son in a better way.”

Fort St. James Family Member

“I was very satisfied.  There was so much information and it had to sink in.  We sat around and talked afterwards. I understand the connection with our street drugs and mental illness. If you get an Elder that will speak, it is good to hear stories from long ago, and sit and listen to the messages. Not only speaking our language, but hearing culturally what we did in the past. I think to continue learning about mental illness will benefit our community.”

Nak’azdli Band Family Member