Coping Together

Support for children and youth who have a loved one with a mental illness

Programs
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Mental illness affects the whole family - not just the individual diagnosed.

Reducing the mystery and confusion of mental illness can help foster more compassion and empathy towards others and reduce stigma. By providing youth with information about mental illness, we can equip them with the necessary language to talk about it with others. This creates opportunities to express needs, access resources, and process experiences. A better understanding of mental illness and overall mental health provides security and empowerment. 

about us
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Our programs

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Raising a generation that silences mental illness stigma.

You can’t cause it.
You can’t change it.
But you can care for yourself.

BCSS Youth offers free education and support programs for children and youth (8-18 years) who have a family member with mental illness (e.g. schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, etc.). These programs aim to foster resilience and increase understanding of severe and persistent mental illnesses.

Education

Creating a thriving community for mental health awareness and support

When given the tools to talk about mental illness, children and youth are able to express compassion for their loved ones and, in turn, better express needs, access resources, and process experiences.

News & Stories

Education

Mental health education matters

Mental illness and mental health are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference. Mental health affects everyone and is defined by how we feel, think, solve problems, handle stress, maintain relationships, and interact with the world. And while mental illness isn’t the opposite of mental health, the two can be connected.

Education
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Helpful videos

More videos
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Listen now

Look Again: Mental Illness
Re-Examined

‘Look Again’ is a ground-breaking new podcast that highlights the humanity of people living with mental illness by sharing the voices of medical experts, family members, and people with lived experience.

“She was in a safe place and could be herself.

This program was very valuable. My daughter came out of her shell and talked about things. This was a unique program like no other. She said she was in a safe place and could be herself.

PARENT OF KIDS IN CONTROL PARTICIPANT

“I didn’t feel alone anymore.

In Teens in Control, I learned about how to communicate with my family a lot better. I loved the classes and talking to the other girls. I didn’t feel alone anymore. I could finally talk about what was going on at home, and everyone understood and listened. I thought the class was amazing!

TEENS IN CONTROL PARTICIPANT

“I really enjoyed realizing that I’m not alone.

There [are] many people my age going through the same thing, and I didn’t realize. … I realized that so many people in the world are going through something the same or something close.

TWEENS IN CONTROL PARTICIPANT

“Every aspect of the program was beneficial to my daughter.

[My daughter] has become less anxious and is a lot more aware of dealing with her emotions. Knowing that she’s not the only one dealing with a family member with an illness has been huge for her.

Kirk, parent of a KIC participant

“I used to feel really alone and confused about my parent’s mental illness.

But ever since I joined the support group, I've found friends who get what I'm going through. We talk, share, and learn together. It's like having a second family that understands me.

E, 12 years old

Stay Informed