While the holidays are supposed to be a time of celebration and festivities, it can also take its toll on those who struggle with mental illness.

Did you know that 64% of folks with mental illness report that the holidays make their conditions worse? While it’s a time filled with gatherings, the holidays can leave folks feeling isolated and hopeless due to various reasons, including financial strain and increased social pressure.

This holiday season, the BC Schizophrenia Society (BCSS) is launching a fundraising campaign and calling upon folks to donate to help continue BCSS’s mission of providing support and being a beacon of hope for caregivers and families of those with severe and persistent mental illnesses like schizophrenia. BCSS serves families across the province, from the Okanagan to the Kootenays and beyond.

To launch this campaign, BCSS has created a video featuring BCSS’ CEO, Faydra Aldridge and Chris Sandy, former BCSS Foundation Board Director and longtime donor.

Those who wish to help advance BCSS’ mission can donate to BCSS to support programs and services for families and caregivers of those with severe and persistent mental illnesses or through the BCSS Foundation, which is focused on improving the quality of life of individuals living with schizophrenia and their family members through research.

“Mental illnesses like schizophrenia can touch anyone and it is difficult to know where to turn when navigating this challenging road. Folks living with mental illnesses matter. Families matter. The work that the BC Schizophrenia Society and the BC Schizophrenia Society Foundation drive saves lives. I will match any donations made from now until December 31, up to a total of $10,000. Together, let’s give the gift of compassion, hope, and support. Your donations can be life saving,” said Chris Sandy, Former BCSS Foundation Board Director.

Facts:

• Schizophrenia is more common than you think. In 2023, BCSS released a paper that determined that the prevalence rate for the illness is closer to 1.8%  rather than 1% or 1 in 100. This means that you likely have someone in your social network living with a schizophrenia-spectrum illness.
• Stigma is prevalent and dangerous. Despite a common myth that folks with schizophrenia are dangerous, they are actually 14 times more likely to be the victims of violence than the perpetrators. When treated, folks with schizophrenia are no more likely to be violent than someone without the condition.
• Mental illness care is critical. Schizophrenia is one of the leading mental health reasons for hospitalization, accounting for 19.9% of general hospital stays and 30.9% of psychiatric hospital stays. Tragically, people with schizophrenia are also 2 to 3 times more likely to die earlier than the general population.
• Approximately 40-60% of individuals with schizophrenia attempt suicide, a risk significantly higher with patients who receive poor or inadequate treatment.
• There is hope. While there isn’t a ‘cure for schizophrenia’, with timely and effective care and medical treatment, people with schizophrenia can have improved symptoms and live healthy and fulfilling lives. Approximately 50 percent of people with schizophrenia improve to the point that they can live and work on their own.

BC Schizophrenia Society

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