A reason to hope and the means to cope

BCSS helps families affected by severe and persistent mental illnesses like schizophrenia.

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Support and educational programs for people with a loved-one impacted by severe mental illness.

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What is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a severe and persistent mental illness that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It is classified as a psychotic disorder, meaning it involves a significant distortion of reality.

The exact cause of schizophrenia is not known, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurochemical factors. With appropriate treatment and support, many individuals with schizophrenia can manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.

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Get help today

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Find Support Near You

BCSS has educators, resources, and support groups operating throughout BC, both in-person and virtually.

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Educational Resources

Learn about psychosis, treatments, how to communicate with someone experiencing delusions, and more.

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Programs & Services

BCSS offers a variety of programs and services, including family support groups, one-on-one support, and more.

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

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Living with schizophrenia

BCSS offers resources for caregivers, friends and family members of people living with schizophrenia. We do not currently provide services for individuals living with schizophrenia, but we can help you get connected to the resources you need.

Resources

Empower yourself with knowledge

LOOK AGAIN PODCAST

Listen to the 'Look Again' podcast to learn about living with schizophrenia from people with valuable experience and expertise.

Listen now

Donations make a difference

Donations to the BC Schizophrenia Society help ensure that our vital programs and services can continue to support families affected by severe and persistent mental illness.

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Stay informed

BCSS Foundation, Research

Advancing Understanding and Treatment of Schizophrenia

Research update from Dr. Todd Woodward and UBC Team Schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders affect up to 3%…

BCSS News

Healing in Harmony: How Music Brings Us Together on Schizophrenia & Psychosis Awareness Day

Across cultures and throughout history, music has been a universal language that almost everyone can connect with. It’s one that allows people…

Events

Voices of Hope: From Expression to Understanding

Join us in recognizing Schizophrenia & Psychosis Awareness Day 💜 Schizophrenia & Psychosis Awareness Day invites communities to come together in solidarity to acknowledge the progress of our…

BC Partners for Mental Health and Substance Use Information

We acknowledge that the lands on which BCSS operates and supports families are the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Peoples. We are honoured and privileged to live and work on this land we all share. We are committed to reconciliation, decolonization, learning from and with Indigenous peoples, and building relationships within our communities.