Sask. woman shares her journey with schizophrenia on Bell Let’s Talk Day

On Bell Let’s Talk Day, emphasis is placed on reducing the stigma surrounding mental illnesses, and that’s what he Schizophrenia Society of Saskatchewan aims to do in their work.

Linda Wood was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2015 after a suicide attempt. With the help of programs through the Schizophrenia Society she’s now managing her illness.

“It really gave me a chance at recovery,” Wood told CTV News.

She found support groups with others who faced similar struggles, which helped her maintain a healthy life despite being diagnosed with serious conditions, including major depressive disorder and psychosis.

Wood now helps others overcome their struggles with mental illness by speaking at schools, libraries, and hospitals about twice a week as a presenter for the society. “I also share my story with young people and adults,” she says. “If I’m helping even one person, I’m doing my job.”

Curtis Harman, the Saskatoon coordinator of the Schizophrenia Society of Saskatchewan, says getting people talking about schizophrenia and associated illnesses like bipolar disorder and depression is what they work towards.

“Schizophrenia affects 1 out of every 100 Canadians. It’s a thought disorder that can affect mood, and people with it can have hallucinations which can affect all five of your senses,” he said.

According to Harman, the number of people affected by mental health issues has increased in Canada since the pandemic, which he attributes to various factors, including economic and social issues.

“There are easily 300,000 people affected by some mental health issue or addiction issue in Saskatchewan today, and many of those are youth,” he said.

This year, Bell Let’s Talk Day is focusing on youth mental health, something Harman sees huge benefit in.

“If they get help sooner, they will have a better quality of life. It reduces suicide attempts and hospitalization.”

Helping people access the help they need is another goal of the provincial program and they have many resources for treatment and services available, including an anti-suicide program.

“In that anti-suicide program, we train people to help and assist those dealing with that difficult issue,” Harman said.

The society encourages anyone struggling with mental health issues or seeking information to reach out for help or call the helpline. They want to reassure people that there is always hope.

“Our free support groups can offer people access to other groups that exist in the community. We also make people aware of the warning signs and triggers that can trigger mental illness,” he said.

The tools offered by the Schizophrenia Society have helped Wood in her recovery, and she hopes others can benefit from the program as well.