Look Again: Mental Illness Re-Examined BC Schizophrenia Society

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-profile athlete. Join us as we cover the highs and lows of Corey's life, shedding light on the often unseen battles faced by athletes beyond the spotlight.Resources:Suicide Crisis HotlineCoreyHirsch.com
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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 contributing to this, aiming to foster understanding, address stigma, and advocate for comprehensive support systems.Resources:Suicide Crisis Hotline
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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 challenges, stigma, and the profound impact that serious mental illness can have on the whole family. 
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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 intriguing role of the placenta. Brace yourselves for a journey into the unknown terrains of mental illness.Resources:Lieber Institute For Brain Development: https://www.libd.org/
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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 episode to learn more about the potential VR has to help and empower those with psychosis.
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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 recovery. Join us in the conversation with Dr. DeTore as she shares her expertise around early psychosis intervention programs.

Resources:Navigate: https://navigateconsultants.org 
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