Episodes
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In this emotional episode, host Faydra Aldridge speaks with Stephen and his parents about Stephen’s experience with childhood-onset schizophrenia. Diagnosed at age 12, Stephen recounts the onset of symptoms, from debilitating headaches to delusions and memory lapses, and his eventual hospitalization. His parents share their perspectives on watching their son fall into psychosis, the difficulties in finding a diagnosis, and the emotional toll on their family. The episode explores the challenges of navigating a severe mental illness at a young age, the impact on family dynamics, and the importance of early intervention and support in mental health care.
Resources:
Stephen's YouTube Channel: Surviving SchizophreniaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Misdiagnosing epilepsy as schizophrenia can lead to devastating consequences, with patients receiving ineffective treatments for years. In this episode, Dr. Gibson Anugwom, resident psychiatrist from the Baylor College of Medicine, discusses the dangers of over-reliance on symptom-based diagnoses without thorough evaluations. We explore the need for better diagnostic tools, awareness in medical education, and collaboration between neurologists and psychiatrists. By understanding how epilepsy can present as psychosis, healthcare professionals can prevent misdiagnoses and provide more effective care. Listen in to learn how curiousity and a deeper understanding of symptoms can help avoid the life-altering consequences of a wrong diagnosis.
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Missing episodes?
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In this episode of Look Again: Mental Illness Re-examined, host Faydra Aldridge dives into the complex world of treatment-resistant schizophrenia—a condition where standard antipsychotic medications fail to alleviate symptoms like delusions and hallucinations. Joined by psychiatrist Dr. Diane McIntosh, they discuss why over 30% of those diagnosed with schizophrenia don't respond to typical treatments and explore alternative options available. From long-acting injectables to combinations of medications to ECT, Dr. McIntosh offers insights into promising strategies for people living with treatment resistant schizophrenia and the importance of comprehensive care, including social support. Learn more about current research, the challenges, and the hope for better treatment options for those living with this difficult condition.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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In Season 5 of Look Again: Mental Illness Re-examined, host Faydra Aldridge is back to challenge what many of us think about serious mental illness. This season, she's discussing the potential links between diet, gut health, and mental illness, misdiagnoses and some new treatments being explored.
She’ll explore stories of living with mental illness—from navigating relationships to managing student life while experiencing psychosis. With a mix of expert insights and personal experiences, each episode will push you to "look again" at what lies beneath the surface of conditions like schizophrenia.
Get ready for thought-provoking conversations that explore new angles, challenge assumptions, and uncover answers in unexpected places. Whether you’re just starting to learn or are well on your way, this season offers fresh perspectives for everyone.
Follow Look Again: Mental Illness Re-Examined to stay up to date on our episodes and join us on this journey!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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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 Hotline
CoreyHirsch.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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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 HotlineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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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.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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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.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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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.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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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 privacy information.
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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 individuals living ‘close’ to schizophrenia or other serious mental illnesses—providing a unique and personal perspective. That's not all – we talk to experienced researchers and medical professionals across the globe who will shed light on the latest developments in the field.
As we unravel these narratives, we'll start to see how they're intertwined with broader questions about the social impact of mental illness and the role it plays in all our lives. The journey begins in the New Year on January 3rd. We invite you to join us. Stay tuned and hit subscribe so you don't miss an episode!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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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 only one episode—but we’re going to start the conversation today with Dr. Amy Gajaria, a clinician and Associate Director, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto.
Resources:
Dr. Amy Gajaria - Bio
What’s race got to do with it? A proposed framework to address racism’s impacts on child and adolescent mental health in CanadaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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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 illness, symptoms like voices, hallucinations, and other symptoms. It’s a controversial topic and we’ve brought back a familiar voice from our first season – Dr. Diane McIntosh, Psychiatrist and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia. In this episode, we talk about the use of medications in treating serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia.
Resources:
Dr. Diane McIntosh - Bio
Blindsided - Dr. Diane McIntosh's podcast
Antipsychotic Selection Is Important for Reduced Nonadherence in Schizophrenia
Look Again Season 1, Episode 5: The Truth Behind Psychiatric Medication
Anti-Psychotic Medication - CAMHSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Television and film like to portray people with schizophrenia as young, white men. And yet, in real life, schizophrenia is not as seen on TV — especially for women. Scientists are now seeing how illnesses like schizophrenia can impact men and women differently, which means more research needs to be done around women and serious mental illnesses. Does this affect women getting an accurate diagnosis or accessing care? And what additional stigma or discrimination might a woman experience?
We will cover all of these questions and more with this episode's guest, Dr. Araba Chintoh, associate professor in the University of Toronto's psychiatry department and a Clinician Scientist at the Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute in the Schizophrenia Division at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). She's a researcher and clinician committed to exploring the knowledge gaps around treatment resistant schizophrenia, and assessing the differences in the diagnosis, prognosis, adherence, and treatment of psychosis and serious mental illness for women.
Resources:
Dr. Araba Chintoh's bio
Why is schizophrenia different in women - Discover Magazine
Women and psychosis - CAMHSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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It’s not easy to talk about the effect schizophrenia can have on one’s family members, especially a sibling. It can have a significant emotional, psychological, and physical impact on loved ones, as they balance their love for their family member and the sharme around this disease. In this episode, we have a very honest, frank, and vulnerable conversation with Yusuf Faqiri about his brother Soleiman who lived with schizophrenia until 2016, when he died in an Ontario jail. Yusuf shares his own journey coming to terms with his brother's schizophrenia, the important role his mother played in their family, and how leading with compassion can show us that people are more than their illness.
Resources:
Family Support Groups- BC Schizophrenia Society
Sibling Support Group - BC Schizophrenia Society
Yusuf Faqiri - Twitter
Yusuf Faqiri Op-ed - The Globe and Mail
Family Toolkit - HeretoHelp
The Story of a Family Forever Changed
A Brother's View - Rethink Mental IllnessSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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If you’re the child of a parent who lives with mental illness, you can be faced with a lot of tough challenges. You may feel overwhelmed, sad, scared or even angry. You may resent your parent for not being like the other parents. Or you could also wind up as a caregiver and try to fix everything. In her lifetime, Dr. Grace Cho, author of her memoir Tastes Like War, says she has had three mothers. The mother of her childhood, before schizophrenia. The mother of her adolescence, a woman who is visibly deteriorating mentally. And the mother now, a woman trapped by schizophrenia and the voices and delusions that it brings. In this episode, Dr. Cho reflects on her journey from teenager to adulthood and how her mother’s schizophrenia shaped the direction of her life and her work. She talks about the social factors that left her mother feeling vulnerable and the stigma that prevented her from getting treatment. And how she found a way to build a loving relationship and connect with her mother.
Resources:
Grace Cho's Book: Tastes Like War
KIC Children's Booklet
Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre
Supporting Children of Parents with Mental Illness in the Classroom (Heretohelp)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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While there's no way to predict whether a person with a mental illness will become violent, there's still a common understanding that those diagnosed with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, are unpredictably aggressive. This can be seen in how people living with mental illness, substance use, and violence are portrayed through the news, TV, or movies. But these misconceptions can fuel the stigma towards people living with severe and persistent mental illness. How do we address the role that violence plays in the lives of people living with a mental illness and everybody else around them? In this episode, we speak with Dr. Rakesh Lamba, who is the medical director with BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services, a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of British Columbia, and someone with a wealth of experience conducting risk assessments with Correctional Services Canada and the Parole Board of Canada.
Resources:Schizophrenia - Warning Signs of Voilence
Dr. Rakesh Lamba’s bio
PHSA Forensic Psychiatric ServicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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It is not an easy decision to call the police or an ambulance to take a loved one to a psychiatric facility - all in the hopes that they get the treatment they need and deserve. But sometimes people with an untreated mental illness lose insight into the fact they are ill and will not accept voluntary treatment, even when their illness may be causing harm to themselves or others. The BC Mental Health Act allows people experiencing a serious mental health crisis to get help through involuntary treatment. But what's the impact of that decision on a family member? And what happens to someone once they are admitted to a psychiatric facility? In this episode, you'll meet Vanessa Nelson. Vanessa’s daughter, Mira, was diagnosed with schizophrenia at 18 and is now 22. In these few years, Mira has been involuntarily detained under the BC Mental Health Act many times. This is Vanessa's journey through the twists and turns of her daughter's mental illness and the role involuntary treatment has played in keeping her daughter alive.
Resources:
BC Mental Health Act in Plain Language
What does it mean to be certified - Here2help
Demystifying the Mental Health Act - Webinar by BCMHSUSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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In its third season "Look Again: Mental Illness Re-examined" wades into some controversial territory. Launching Oct. 12th, join us every two weeks as we dive into some hot topics -- involuntary treatment, the consequences of refusing medication, how race and gender impacts diagnosis and treatment, just to name a few. Host Faydra Aldridge, CEO of the BC Schizophrenia Society (BCSS), challenges you to "look again" and reconsider your beliefs, perceptions and understanding of serious mental illnesses such as Schizophrenia. Expect candid conversations with people living with mental illness and leading experts about the harmful stigma that is still attached to mental illness. No topic is off-limits this season. This podcast is for anyone who wants to keep these discussions alive, and shining a light on how we are all touched by the effects of mental illness—whether we know it or not.
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