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Mental Wellness: BC society helping kids cope virtually

The BC Schizophrenia Society (BCSS) has released a new series of videos to help children cope during stressful times.
BC Schizophrenia Society
The BC Schizophrenia Society has released a series of videos, titled "Caring for You," to help children cope during stressful times, such as the pandemic. Photo: BC Schizophrenia Society Video/ Screenshot

The BC Schizophrenia Society (BCSS) has released a new series of videos to help children cope during stressful times.

The 10-video series, geared towards children aged eight to 12, aims to explain to youth what mental illness is, healthy ways to express feelings and take of themselves, and coping strategies for kids of parents, who struggle with mental illness.

"During this time of physical distancing, we at BCSS are always looking for different ways to get tools and information into the hands of family members," said the society's CEO Faydra Aldrige.

"These videos are one way we are adjusting our Kids in Control program to reach children and youth with parents or siblings who live with mental illness."

Each video highlights different topics, including how to make a self-care toolbox and what "caring for you" means.

"So many of us are experiencing mental health challenges during these unprecedented and unpredictable times, and when one person in a family is struggling, everyone -- including children -- can be affect," said Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.

"These videos are a great way to empower young people to express how they are feeling, learn how to care for themselves, and ask for help when they need it now and throughout their lives."

The society's Kids in Control program was created to help children and youth to better understand their family members' mental illness, and that they are not the cause of it.

Founded in 1982, BCSS is a non-profit organization supporting families and providing education to the public about schizophrenia and other mental illnesses.