Look Again: Mental Illness Re-Examined

Look Again is excited to present this candid conversation from our friends at Brain Stories, a documentary series that captures stories of those living with a mental illness, and the people who support them. In this episode, we hear from Xavier, who was a senior in college when he got a panicked call from his brother. This was his closest brother, his older brother whom he deeply admired, and he was telling Xavier that he had killed their dad. It would take Xavier nearly a decade to truly repair his relationship with his brother, though not for the reasons you would expect. But in the process, what he discovered would change the entire approach to schizophrenia for him, and then millions of others.  Learn more about Dr. Amador and the LEAP approach at www.LeapInstitute.org Find out more about this episode and the Brain Stories documentary series at www.BrainStoriesProductions.com. This show is a copyright of Brain Stories Productions and the SamoBé Corporation. The use of this episode or any of its content in any form or way for Artificial Intelligence, its development or training is copyright infringement, and expressly prohibited without prior written agreement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When someone is admitted to hospital for a mental health crisis, families are often told: “We can’t share patient information.” But is privacy legislation really the barrier it’s made out to be? In this episode of Look Again: Mental Illness Re-examined, we explore the tension between confidentiality and family involvement in care, and why culture, not the law, may be keeping loved ones in the dark. Host Faydra Aldridge is joined by Monica, a parent who shares her lived experience navigating the system, and psychiatrist Dr. Richard O’Reilly, who unpacks what Canadian privacy laws actually allow, and why they’re so often misunderstood. It’s a candid conversation about advocacy, accountability, and the vital role families can play in recovery.Timecodes:(01:05) Legal representation and challenges accessing medical information(02:40) Resilience, compassion, and vulnerability during mental illness(04:01) Being excluded from care during early hospitalizations(06:44) Gaps in medical records and sharing collateral information(08:10) Limits of Section 9 and Section 7 representation agreements(10:00) Family’s role in preventing adverse medication reactions(12:27) Anosognosia and early intervention challenges(14:04) Capacity assessment issues in Section 9 agreements(16:23) Recommendations for improving the mental health system(18:16) Experiences of involuntary hospitalization and need for support(21:47) Gaps between families and care teams(23:18) Expert explains privacy laws and clinician practices(29:42) Family involvement improves patient outcomes(30:11) Solutions: training, program inclusion, and fighting stigmaResources:- Full video from FASMI and Dr O'Rielly See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special introduction, host Faydra Aldridge shares what’s new in Season 6 of Look Again: Mental Illness Re-Examined.This season brings a new magazine-style format, more voices from across the mental health community, and for the first time: video episodes! Alongside firsthand stories and expert perspectives, the show will explore topics including recovery, caregiving, media representation, art therapy, and the role of artificial intelligence in mental wellness.Featuring conversations with guests such as MindAid founder Matthew Dickson, Dr. Xavier Amador and Frank Kosa of the Brain Stories podcast, CBC and UBC's Kathryn Gretsigner, and art therapist Nicole Parekh, to name a few.Be sure to subscribe to Look Again: Mental Illness Re-Examined on YouTube, or follow wherever you get your podcasts.Show Notes:- BCSS YouTube ChannelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the final episode of our World Schizophrenia Day series, we revisit a deeply personal episode of Look Again. Host Faydra Aldridge shares her family’s journey with Schizophrenia.Before her sister, Carissa Lynn, was diagnosed with Schizophrenia, Faydra thought it was something that happened to others. In this powerful episode, Faydra is joined by her mother, Linda, and they revisit the challenges and heartbreaking moments of a family living with the realities of severe mental illness.Follow Look Again to be notified when our show returns with new episodes. Until then, share your thoughts with us here. Leave a review so others can find our show.Resources:Learn more about BCSS Family Support GroupsListen to the “Look Again: Mental Illness Re-Examined” episodes touching on anosognosia:The Truth Behind Psychiatric MedicationHearing VoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this second episode of our World Schizophrenia Day series, we revisit a controversial debate.Anti-psychotics like Abilify, Risperdal, and Clozapine are 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 encourages people to accept and live with the symptoms of severe mental illness, such as delusions and hallucinations.To help us navigate this hot-button dilemma, we talk to a Look Again recurring guest, Dr. Diane McIntosh, Psychiatrist and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia.Follow Look Again to listen to insightful conversations like this one that examine the treatment of severe mental illness. Until then, share your thoughts with us here. Leave a review so others can find our show.Resources:Dr. Diane McIntosh - BioBlindsided - Dr. Diane McIntosh's podcastAntipsychotic Selection Is Important for Reduced Nonadherence in SchizophreniaLook Again Season 1, Episode 5: The Truth Behind Psychiatric MedicationAnti-Psychotic Medication - CAMHSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Navigating post-secondary education is challenging, but for students living with psychosis, it can be an uphill battle. In this episode of Look Again: Mental Illness Re-examined, host Faydra Aldridge speaks with Anne Liao, who was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder during their university years. Anne shares their journey of resilience which started roughly 10-years ago at UBC, the barriers they faced, and the changes they hope to see in campus mental health resources. The episode also briefly features Dr. Kirby Humenik, Director of Counseling Services at UBC, who highlights the current supports and services available to students with serious mental illnesses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this deeply personal episode of Look Again: Mental Illness Re-examined, author of Mad Sisters, Susan Grundy, shares the powerful story of her sister's battle with schizophrenia. As Susan recounts her experience growing up alongside her sister, she reflects on the complex dynamics of caregiving, sibling relationships, and the profound impact of mental illness on families. With raw honesty, Susan explores the challenges of navigating her sister's diagnosis, the misunderstandings that arise, and the delicate balance of love, fear, and hope. Through this moving conversation, Susan offers a rare and important perspective on schizophrenia and the often-overlooked struggles of family members.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Look Again: Mental Illness Re-Examined, host Faydra Aldridge dives into the fascinating connection between gut health and serious mental illness. Joined by Dr. Amedeo Minichino, a clinical academic psychiatrist at the University of Oxford, they explore how the trillions of bacteria in our gut, known as the microbiome, could influence brain function and play a key role in conditions like schizophrenia. Dr. Minichino discusses emerging research on how gut health might inform personalized treatments, the potential for early intervention in psychosis, and how diet could be a powerful factor in mental health care.  In addition to our primary funder BC Partners, this episode is brought to you by Castanet, the Okanagan’s trusted source for news, events, and community updates. Thank you to Castanet for supporting our show and helping us share these stories with you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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.

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.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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.