Look Again: Mental Illness Re-Examined

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 episode of Look Again: Mental Illness Re-examined, we explore recovery beyond medical definitions and diagnoses. Host Faydra Aldridge introduces a new era of the podcast which now available in both audio and video by bringing listeners face-to-face with two powerful stories. Matthew shares his decades-long journey to remission, the role medication and reflective self-work have played in his life, and how purpose fuels his advocacy through Mind Aid. Abigail offers a different path, one that includes sobriety, shifting diagnoses, daily self-care, and learning to live well while still managing symptoms. Together, their stories challenge stigma and remind us that recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s personal, evolving, and deeply human.Timecodes:(01:05) What recovery really means (not what you think)(03:08) The moment schizophrenia hit(05:20) The medication that changed everything(07:30) The day Matthew's symptoms suddenly stopped(08:40) Recovery vs cure (10:10) Why Matthew refuses to stop medication(12:49) “You still get to write your story”(14:03) Breaking the stigma around schizophrenia(15:20) What recovery really looks like(16:14) 27 months sober: Abigail’s story(17:30) Years of misdiagnosis(18:45) What schizophrenia actually feels like(20:00) The daily habits that keep Abigail stable(21:34) Why recovery is still possibleSee 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 Season 6 of Look Again: Mental Illness Re-examined, host Faydra Aldridge goes beyond the stereotypes, the headlines, and the stigma surrounding serious mental illness. This season explores a host of topics that include what recovery really means, the realities of caregiving, pressures within the mental health system, the role media plays in the portrayal of serious mental illness, and how artificial intelligence is impacting wellness.Through firsthand stories and expert insight, each episode challenges listeners to reconsider long-held assumptions about living well with mental illness. Honest, thoughtful, and community-focused, Season 6 also introduces a new video format, with episodes available on YouTube.Follow Look Again: Mental Illness Re-Examined and join us for the new season which starts March 25th.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 third episode of our World Schizophrenia Day series, we revisit eye-opening discussion about how our misconceptions of schizophrenia and other severe mental illnesses can fuel the misunderstanding and stigma that people living with psychosis face.While there's no way to predict whether a person with a mental illness will become violent, depictions in media, TV, and movies sometimes perpetuate a conception that they are unpredictably violent. But how accurate is this belief, and how does it affect those living with mental health conditions?Dr. Rakesh Lamba, Medical Director at BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services and Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of British Columbia, discusses how family and caretakers can assess risk factors.Follow Look Agan to hear more informed discussions like this one that break down misconceptions and paint a more compassionate portrait of living with mental illness. Until then, share your thoughts with us here. Leave a review so others can find our show.Resources:Schizophrenia - Warning Signs of ViolenceDr. Rakesh Lamba’s bioPHSA Forensic Psychiatric ServicesSee 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.

Today is World Schizophrenia Day. Look Again is revisiting four of our most popular episodes. The first one in this revisited series is a conversation with former NHL goalie Corey Hirsch.At 21, Corey Hirsch was living the dream: goalie for the silver-medal-winning Team Canada at the Olympics and Stanley Cup-winning New York Rangers. So, why was he contemplating suicide?In this unfiltered conversation, Corey talks about his silent battle with mental illness, which included experiencing intrusive thoughts and severe depression. His story is a must-listen for understanding that mental illness struggles often go unseen, even for those in the spotlight. And that it is possible to emerge out of the dark corners of despair.Follow Look Again to hear stories like this one that sheds light on the often-overlooked struggles of those living with mental illnesses. Until then, share your thoughts with us here. Leave a review so others can find our show.Resources:Suicide Crisis HotlineCoreyHirsch.comSee 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.

SPECIAL FEATURE. This week, Look Again is excited to present this candid conversation from PSYCHEDUP, a new show that focuses on one mental illness each episode. In the premiere episode, host Dr. Diane McIntosh sits down with Olympic legend Silken Laumann, who captured the hearts of Canadians with her incredible resilience, rowing to a bronze medal in single sculls despite a devastating injury. But after the cheers faded, she realized she was facing a new challenge: depression.Hear about Silken's journey through the symptoms, causes, and path to understanding her mental illness. Dr. McIntosh is later joined by her colleague and friend, Dr. Randy Mackoff, for an honest and insightful conversation about effective treatments for depression.It doesn't matter who you are, what you've done, whether or not you're an Olympic superstar, depression can affect anyone. Listen to this episode of PSYCHEDUP to get educated and inspired.ResourcesPSYCHEDUP PodcastSilken Laumann's Podcast: Inflection TimeSee 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.

This is a re-release of the season four premiere of Look Again, “Beyond the Selfies: Social media's influence on mental illness stigma.” Kody Green is a motivational speaker, content creator, and author who was diagnosed with Undifferentiated Schizophrenia at 28 years old.In this episode, Kody talks with Faydra about becoming a 'Mental Illness Social Media Influencer.’ The conversation touches on coping mechanisms, medications, and the power of humour. Revisit this insightful discussion about the link between digital platforms and mental illness.Kody Green’s book Mind Over Meetings can be ordered through his website. You can also follow him @SchizophrenicHippie on Instagram and TikTok.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 episode of Look Again: Mental Illness Re-Examined, host Faydra Aldridge speaks with Dr. André McDonald, an epidemiologist and lead author of a groundbreaking study on cannabis use and psychotic disorders. They explore the alarming connection between cannabis use in teens and the risk of developing psychosis, particularly as THC potency has dramatically increased. Dr. McDonald breaks down key findings, including the heightened risk for teens, why early cannabis use is especially dangerous, and how public health messaging needs to evolve in the era of legalization.“Be sure to listen to this important discussion on cannabis and strong links to mental illness, especially with teenagers.  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.

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.See 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 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.

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.

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.