In this episode, we delve into the mental illness journey of former NHL goalie, Corey Hirsch. Renowned for his stellar career with the New York Rangers and Vancouver Canucks, Corey's life story extends beyond the ice, unveiling a silent battle with mental illness. From the pinnacle of professional hockey to the darkest corners of despair, Corey shares the struggles he faced, including contemplations of suicide at the age of 21. In a candid conversation, Corey discusses his experiences with intrusive thoughts, mental illness stigma, and seeking support while navigating his career as a high-prof ..read more

In this episode, we address the troubling reality of suicide rates among individuals grappling with schizophrenia. Studies reveal a staggering statistic, up to 15% of those with schizophrenia tragically take their own lives. This alarming figure, particularly affecting young people in the early stages of their illness, underscores the urgency of our conversation. Join us as we delve into this topic with Dr. William Honer, Jack Bell Chair in Schizophrenia Research, and a professor at the University of British Columbia's Department of Psychiatry. Together, we'll explore the complex factors cont ..read more

Being a caregiver to a person grappling with a serious mental illness like schizophrenia isn't easy. Schizophrenia is a complex and often misunderstood illness that affects those living with the illness as well as those who love and care for them. A caregiver's responsibility goes beyond mere physical care. Caregiving can take on many forms. On this episode of Look Again: Mental Illness Re-Examined, Paula Bomer shares her story about the complex realities some families face when a loved one has a serious mental illness. Paula's journey with her father's schizophrenia sheds light on the challen ..read more

In this episode, our discussion revolves around a controversial question: Can mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, be cured? We tackle that question and more with a distinguished guest, Dr. Daniel Weinberger, the director and CEO of the Lieber Institute for Brain Development. Together, we discuss the complexities of researching the sources of mental illness and the age-old nurture versus nature discussion. Driven by the pursuit of answers, we navigate the nuanced concept of 'curing mental illness,' covering genetic studies, cutting-edge research, and unexpected connections, like the intrig ..read more

Psychotic disorders are amongst the most severe and disabling of all mental disorders. In this episode, discover the ground-breaking world of Virtual Reality (VR) therapy for psychosis. Join Dr. Mar Rus-Calafell, a clinical psychologist and professor in Germany, as she explains how VR complements traditional therapies. Participants can explore immersive scenarios to learn skills to cope with auditory hallucinations, social difficulties, or cognitive challenges. Uncover the evolution of VR technology, its impact, and the hope it brings for mainstream healthcare integration. Dive into this episo ..read more

In this episode, we explore the critical theme of impaired insight in severe and persistent mental illness, known as anosognosia. Dr. Nicole DeTore, Director of Research at Massachusetts General Hospital, guides us through her groundbreaking research on early intervention services, particularly the NAVIGATE program, which offers hope for individuals experiencing first episode psychosis (FEP). Dr. DeTore reveals the program's principles, its international reach, and the indispensable role of family support. The episode delves into the symptoms of schizophrenia, and the nuanced concept of recove ..read more

In the season 4 premiere of Look Again, our hosts delve into the relationship between mental health, mental illness, and social media with Kody Green, also known online as @SchizophrenicHippie. Kody shares his personal journey of being diagnosed with schizophrenia and the unanticipated role of becoming a 'Mental Illness Social Media Influencer' when he went viral on TikTok. The conversation touches on coping mechanisms, medications, and the power of humour. Join us for an insightful discussion about the link between digital platforms and mental illness.  See omnystudio.com/listener for pr ..read more

Get ready for Season 4 of Look Again: Mental Illness Re-Examined. This season, we're diving deep into the 'big questions' that families can face during different stages of the mental illness journey. From recognizing initial symptoms to the pursuit of a diagnosis, navigating the complexities of symptoms to the search for effective treatment, and addressing the daunting task of dealing with serious mental illness.  Host Faydra Aldridge, CEO of the BC Schizophrenia Society (BCSS) along with co-host Melissa McKenna, Marketing and Communications Manager at BCSS, bring you personal stories of ..read more

Does a person's race affect the treatment they may receive for a serious and chronic mental illness? As we have heard through our discussions with experts, people living with schizophrenia, and family members—conscious and unconscious biases can play a huge role in how a person is treated within the health care system. Multiple studies and reports have also illustrated that systemic racism influences access to, and the experience of, mental health care for racialized Canadians. The treatment of serious mental illness for racialized Canadians is a huge topic—not something that can be covered in ..read more

Like any prescription medication, Abilify, Risperdal, Clozapine, and other anti-psychotics have side effects. And like any medication, they are prescribed to help a person manage an illness. Anti-psychotics can help with a number of different illnesses, but often used to help manage a person's symptoms of schizophrenia, including paranoia, delusions and hallucinations. However, there’s a movement that wants to shift mainstream thinking away from using medication to manage the symptoms of a serious mental illness. It's encouraging people to accept and live with the symptoms of serious mental il ..read more