DISCRIMINATION AND STIGMA PLAGUE CANADIANS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA

“While 92% of Canadians surveyed have heard of schizophrenia, most do not understand what it is or its symptoms. In fact, the majority confuse it with split personality disorder,” said Chris Summerville, CEO, Schizophrenia Society of Canada. “Misconceptions such as these lead to negative stereotyping and stigma towards people living with schizophrenia.”

The report examines how stigma negatively impacts the lives of people living with schizophrenia. Stigma causes gradual social isolation, making it harder for them to seek the help and treatment they need to manage their illness.

The report found that people with schizophrenia also experienced discrimination within the Canadian health care system.

According to a national report released today by the Schizophrenia Societies across Canada, 60% of Canadians assume that people living with schizophrenia are likely to act violently toward others.

Schizophrenia in Canada: A National Report calls on Canadians, health care professionals and government to support a National Mental Health Strategy that addresses the disparities and inequities faced daily by those living with schizophrenia and their family members.

For the full report please click these links

• Report
• Provincial Supplement

Make your voice heard.

A review of the Saskatchewan health system is under way, to help put the focus back on the patient.

We will be asking you to share your experiences, and suggestions for change.

USE OUR INTERACTIVE GUIDE: 

The interactive guide is your way to confidentially describe your experience as a client of the Saskatchewan health system.

If you would rather fill the guide in by hand, download a PDF version of the guide.  Just print it out, fill it in, and mail to the address provided in the guide.

What’s working well?

Have your say about the way health care is delivered in Saskatchewan today, and how you think it could be improved.

What needs to change?

Use the interactive guide below that prompts you to describe your experiences with health care in Saskatchewan, and explore what works well, what gets in the way of a positive patient experience, and some possible underlying reasons.

We want to hear your ideas and suggestions! 

Share your information, and help find ways to improve the Saskatchewan health care system.

(Winnipeg, Manitoba – March 5, 2009) –

The Schizophrenia Society of Canada (SCC) extends its sympathy to both the McLean family and the Li family as they struggle to come to terms with the tragic incident around the death of Timothy McLean.

The Schizophrenia Society of Canada remains concerned about the negative or limited information that exists regarding individuals with schizophrenia and psychosis. This has been evident in the recent case of Vincent Li.

Since 1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental illness in their lifetime, and 1 in 100 people will be diagnosed with schizophrenia, it raises the issue for reflection on the nature of mental illnesses including what they are and what they are not in regards to symptoms, treatment and risks of violence.

This is especially true as such an unfortunate event as the McLean/Li tragedy surfaces the social prejudice and stigma that is still prevalent in our society. This is one reason why many with mental health problems and mental illness do not seek out help and treatment. Immigrants from other cultures often struggle with pronounced feelings of stigma regarding mental illness. Thus the SSC supports the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s proposed creation of a ten-year Anti-Stigma and Anti-Discrimination Campaign. 

According to Chris Summerville, the Chief Executive Officer of the Schizophrenia Society of Canada, the likelihood of violence by people with mental illness is exceptionally low.  In fact, people living with mental illness are more often the victims of violence.  “Fortunately, studies show that when people who were or would have been dangerous receive psychiatric treatment they are no more dangerous than people without a diagnosis. But they have to receive the treatment,” says Dr. John Gray, a board member of the British Columbia Schizophrenia Society.

Schizophrenia and psychosis are treatable! But early identification and intervention in treating mental illness are crucial as treatment options do work.  Vince Li was beginning treatment at a mental health facility in Ontario as an involuntary patient.  But he left the hospital without anyone apparently intervening. Therefore it raises the question about whether the mental health care system responded appropriately in this case.  When he returned to Winnipeg, his family and friends knew something was wrong. Unfortunately, little effort was made to help him seek treatment due to lack of awareness of the signs and symptoms of psychosis. If the warning signs were there and he did not receive help, then the question is how to educate family and friends, as well as the public about accessing mental health services.

This tragic event reinforces the urgent need for a national mental health strategy.   Despite the significant health, economic and social costs of mental illness, Canada is the only G8 nation without a national strategy on mental illness.  Summerville who is also a board member of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, says, “In many areas in Canada, there is a lack of psychiatric beds as well as lengthy wait times to access appropriate mental health care.”  He adds, “If there were not a comprehensive hospital or community services for people with cancer, heart problems or other medical conditions, we as a society would be outraged. Stigma and the lack of social and political will have resulted in Canada’s failed mental health system.” 

The Schizophrenia Society of Canada is urging the federal government to adopt a national mental health strategy that is recovery-oriented and encompasses mental health literacy, mental health promotion, early intervention, adequate treatment as well as community supports and services. 

While we understand and empathize with Timothy’s mother and the McLean family and support their concern for public safety, we do not believe that the proposed “Tim’s Law”, which would have individuals deemed Not Criminally Responsible (NCR) incarcerated for life, is the solution. Both Tim McLean and Mr. Li are victims of a complete psychotic episode, in which Mr. Li had no insight and awareness of his actions.

About the Schizophrenia Society of Canada

The Schizophrenia Society of Canada, founded in 1979, is dedicated to improving the quality of life for those affected by schizophrenia and psychosis through education, support programs, public policy and research.  The Society works with 10 provincial societies in a federation model to raise awareness and educate the public in order to reduce stigma and discrimination; support families and individuals; advocate for legislative change; and support research through the SSC Foundation and other independent efforts.

For more information please contact:

Chris Summerville, D.Min., CPRP

Chief Executive Officer

Schizophrenia Society of Canada

Office:  (204) 786-1616

Mobile: (204) 223-9158

The Regina Chapter of the Schizophrenia Society will be hosting its first support meeting of the year February 23rd.  The Caring and Sharing meetings are for families and friends of people with schizophrenia and everyone is welcome.

The meeting will start 7pm at the North East Community Ctr. - 106 Broad Street in Regina. 

For more information please call the office at 584-2620

On October the 7th in Ottawa Oshoowa Doorn, from Regina, was presented with Bill Jefferies Family Member Award.

 As the original founder of the Schizophrenia Society of Canada (SSC), Bill Jefferies has made an immeasurable contribution towards the support of caregiving families who have relatives with schizophrenia.  

This award was established to recognize and encourage those family members of persons with schizophrenia who, in spite of the discrimination associated with the illness and the personal difficulty endured by their role as caregivers, have made outstanding voluntary contributions towards the SSC’s mission: To improve the quality of life for those affected by schizophrenia and psychosis through education, support programs, public policy, and research.

A very enthusiastic young man came to the SSS office in the fall of 2005.The young man was ten year old Oshoowa Doorn, whose grandmother had schizophrenia. She had passed away a few months before, and at that time he decided that he wanted to do something in her memory. Ron, his father, thought the idea would pass as time went on but instead the plan was developing.

        Oshoowa’s grandmother was doing quite well when she passed away from a heart attack, but he had known her when she was very ill, so he knew the signs and symptoms of schizophrenia. He wanted other people to know about schizophrenia and that help is available.

        His plan was to have a  fund raiser in the form of a walk, or as he put it, “ just moving on a skateboard, biking or running”. He had created a logo that was a brain with arms, legs and a face that was named “Brian the brain”. This logo appeared on all the promotional material and on a T-shirt that was worn by participants. The event was called Steps and Strides for Schizophrenia Walk.

 Oshoowa was not only creative, he was concerned that the money used to fund the walk was used wisely and only when needed. He had thought through many of the obstacles and problems that would arise. He knew it would take allot of planning and work. Even at ten he was showing integrity, honesty and a strong sense of being responsible. He wanted all money raised to go towards awareness and education about schizophrenia. He said it best as he outlined the goals for the walk at the First Annual Walk, “we are here for three reason,1) to raise awareness and educate about schizophrenia, 2) to raise funds and 3) to have fun.”

         The walk was Oshoowa’s idea so he was involved with the planning and organizing. He did several interviews on TV, radio and for the local newspaper to promote the walk. The support of his parents and family was evident in many of the things he was involved with. He represented and promoted the walk in a positive and upbeat way. Education and awareness had already begun.

         The walk was a success because the objectives were met. About $12,000.00 were raised, education and awareness were taking place and yes, we had fun. But more than that, it pulled people together for a common goal. The staff at the SSS office, the Board, family members, people living with schizophrenia and volunteers worked together in a new way. Contacts and friendships were made.  Since then 2 more walks have been completed with Osh’s help and vision. 

Both have been extreamly successfull and we look forward to doing it again next year.

Congratulations Oshoowa for receiving this tremendous award!

The new sessions for Strengthening Families Together are now under way.  SFT is a FREE 10-session group for families and friends.  It provides information, skill building and support for families and caregivers of people suffering from a serious mental illness. 

If you are interested in attending these sessions, or would like more information, please contact the Provincial Office of the Schizophrenia Society for sessions in your area.   times-and-locations-of-sessions-2008

Phone: 306-584-2620 or Toll free 1-877-584-2620

The next session in Regina will be held Tuesday October 14th, 2008 at the United Way office.  1440 Scarth Street.  Please call to register in advance.
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Click here to download the February edition of the InFocus newsletter.
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The Schizophrenia Society of Saskatchewan has joined forces with 25 other organizations that represent people with disabilities to form the Disability Income Support Coalition – DISC, for more information on DISC please go to www.saskdisc.ca

What is DISC?
The Saskatchewan Disability Income Support Coalition (DISC) was formed by a large cross section of disability advocates, consumers and organizations across Saskatchewan who are committed to advocating for a respectful, dignified and adequate income support system. DISC members have joined together to speak as one voice, working towards a distinct (or separate) income system for people with disabilities that will be built on our common vision and principles.

Our Vision
Our primary vision is to see an income system that offers both an adequate baseline income for people with disabilities and a user-friendly mechanism to address individual financial needs based on the impact of disability.

As such, we see developing a distinct income program for people with disabilities as a truly joint venture between all stakeholders, each contributing equally to the process. DISC comes with one voice and we propose that the Government of Saskatchewan let us bring our rich experience and contribute our expertise to the development of a new income policy for people with disabilities.

Please contact one of the DISC contact people if you have any questions or comments.

Dave Nelson (306) 525-5601
Cindy Leggott (306) 584-0101
Judy Hannah (306) 955-3344

As we look towards our vision of developing a distinct income system, one thing is clear –
no one can create a better system alone.

DISC members believe strongly that the only way to move forward is as one voice and in a collaborative, full partnership with the Government of Saskatchewan and the Department of Community Resources.

We believe that a program designed without the collaboration of community experts will lack credibility and be unsatisfactory in meeting the income support needs of people with disabilities.

Making sense of your world and the people in it!

Just over one year ago, the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology released its final report on mental health, mental illness and addictions, Out of the Shadows at Last. One of the key recommendations in that report was to create a national mental health commission to help ensure that mental health issues were never again driven back into the shadows.

In its March 2007 budget the Government of Canada provided funding for the creation of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, as recommended in our report. The Government also named the former Chair of our Committee, the Honourable Michael Kirby, as the first Chair of the Commission.

The Mental Health Commission of Canada is launching a temporary website. The website will provide information about the Commission as it begins its activities.

For more information please follow the link below.

www.mentalhealthcommission.ca