Quesnel’s footbridge over the Fraser River was lit purple Friday, May 24 as a show of solidarity for those affected by schizophrenia-spectrum disorders.
On May 24 landmarks across the province, including Quesnel’s footbridge, were lit up with purple for National Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day.
The lighting of landmarks, organized by the BC Schizophrenia Society (BCSS) was a show of solidarity with the approximately 97,000 people who are affected by schizophrenia-spectrum disorders and to help end stigma against those disorders.
“However, it is challenging to understand the true prevalence because of the overwhelming stigma that prevents folks from sharing their diagnosis or families from accessing help. We must lead with ‘truth’ to #StandAgainstStigma,” BCSS said in a news release.
Part of the goal of the campaign is to educate people about the truth of schizophrenia, the BCSS says. This includes teaching people that those who have schizophrenia are not more likely than any other population to be violent and explaining that people living with schizophrenia can receive treatment and live healthy lives.
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You likely have someone in your network who lives with or is affected by someone living with schizophrenia whether or not you know it, the BCSS said.
Schizophrenia affects more than just those who have it, with loved ones and caregivers also being affected by the disorder.
B.C. landmarks lit purple included Science World in Vancouver, the World’s Largest Hockey Stick in Duncan and the Fraser River footbridge in Quesnel.