{"id":9570,"date":"2016-04-13T13:19:41","date_gmt":"2016-04-13T17:19:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.canadahelps.org\/?p=9570"},"modified":"2024-11-01T10:37:36","modified_gmt":"2024-11-01T14:37:36","slug":"sweating-for-mental-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.canadahelps.org\/en\/giving-life\/connecting-with-charities\/sweating-for-mental-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Sweating for Mental Health"},"content":{"rendered":"

Charity Spotlight:<\/strong> The blog post was provided by Jessica Vestergaard, Fundraising and Events Coordinator at the British Columbia Schizophrenia Society, as part of our ongoing charity spotlight series.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\"British<\/p>\n

Schizophrenia affects one in 100 people, with the predominant onset age being between 15 and 25 years old.<\/strong> If treated early, schizophrenia can be managed effectively and allow for a reasonable quality of life, but if not diagnosed and treated, this disease can cause continued psychotic episodes that reduce an individual\u2019s quality of life. Schizophrenia often results in extended hospital stays, homelessness, and revolving periods in jail. 80 percent of Canada\u2019s homeless are mentally ill, while 9.5 percent of Canadian inmates have schizophrenia. In addition, 50 percent of all people with schizophrenia attempt suicide, and between 10 and 15 percent will succeed.<\/p>\n

Our Story<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Families and friends of people with schizophrenia founded the British Columbia Schizophrenia Society (BCSS) in 1982 and since then, BCSS has continued to bring compassion and hope to those affected by serious mental illness. We provide education, support and empowerment for families affected by this brain disease, while also working to increase public awareness and understanding, advocating for better legislation and services, and funding research for the cause and treatment of schizophrenia.<\/p>\n