Page 3 - Vision Manual

Talking about Mental Illness
It is very important to become comfortable talking about mental illness. Research clearly suggests that, without support and communication with providers and caregivers, mental illness gets worse. Talking about mental health can be difficult, especially considering that many people are uncomfortable or might otherwise struggle with hearing about mental health. This unit is designed specifically with several goals that hopefully will help with communication about mental health. These goals include:
 Gaining understanding about mental health diagnoses.
 Learning how doctors and professionals talk about mental health so that you can
communicate with them.
 Identifying symptoms that you are experiencing so that you can communicate
your needs to others.
 Learning about stigma and the ways in which you can help others to be more
accepting of mental illness.
 Learn about laws and rights that you have to protect you and ensure you are
treated well.
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