Can you imagine going about your daily life while voices in your head are constantly talking to you?
They may be telling you to do destroy things, or hurt people or saying things like you’re unworthy, you’re dirty. Or they could be telling you are the most wonderful person in the world and you are going to be a great leader. This is just very small sample of what people with schizophrenia can experience.
If you have a loved one or work with people with mental illnesses you can gain a better understanding of what they are going through by attending the “Hearing Distressing Voices” workshop, Wed., Oct. 9, 1-4:30 p.m. at the Maritime Heritage Centre (MHC). Workshop participants listen to a CD of sounds and words written and performed by people with schizophrenia while trying to accomplish a variety of tasks.
The workshop is being offered in partnership with the Campbell River Beacon Club and the Columbian Centre Society from Nanaimo as part of Mental Illness Awareness Week (Oct. 6-12). Registration is $25 per person and space is limited to 25 people. Contact Robyn Ellsworth at the Beacon Club at robyn.ellsworth@shaw.ca or 250-286-8828 to register.
Later that same at day at 7 p.m. at the MHC there will be a screening of the documentary “On the Road to Find Out.” Filmmaker Paul Manly tells the story of three individuals who experienced having to leave their homes to seek psychiatric treatment in Nanaimo, including one person from Campbell River. The 32-minute film will be followed by a discussion and refreshments. Admission is free.
The Beacon Club will draw the winners for their annual Basket Raffle fundraiser Oct. 10. Tickets are $2 each and available at the club at 684 Island Hwy. There are four baskets worth $600 each to be won.