National Shattering Silence Coalition

  • WHO WE ARE
    • ABOUT US
    • STRATEGIC ROADMAP
    • TEAM
    • BOARD OF DIRECTORS
    • STATE DIRECTORS >
      • MEET YOUR 31 DIRECTORS
      • AL: Holly Strayer
      • AK: Krista Schooley
      • AZ: Crystal Fox
      • CA: Jacqueline Janssen
      • CT: Karen Desjardins
      • CT: Melissa Valdivia
      • DE: Heidi Nasstrom Evans
      • FL: Joanne Schmitz
      • FL: Jack Wood
      • GA: Daniel White
      • HI: Chad Koyangi
      • IL: Cindy Tank-Murphy
      • IN: David Doerner
      • IA: Cathy Bullock
      • KY: Angeline Davis
      • MA: Lynda Cutrell
      • ME: John Nutting
      • MI: Carla Van Farowe
      • NH: Mara Briere
      • NJ: Chip Angell
      • NY: Marianna Vertsman
      • NC: Beth Wallace
      • OH: Darrell Herrmann
      • OR: Breanna Smith
      • PA: Marcie Sohara
      • PA: Christine Wirbick
      • RI: Ruth Scott
      • SC: Susan Lea
      • TX: Julie Plank
      • UT: Sherri Wittwer
      • VA: Mary Troy
      • WA: Leanna May Franklin
    • PARTNERS
    • NATIONAL SOLIDARITY WALL
    • SMI INTELLIGENCE FAQ
    • SOCIAL IMPACT
    • CONTACT US
  • IMPACT INITIATIVES
    • CRISIS TO CARE
    • BEYOND STIGMA
    • MOBILIZING DIRECTORS
    • SMI PEER ALLIANCE
  • MEDIA & INSIGHTS
    • TREATMENT SAVES, NEGLECT COSTS: THE EVIDENCE >
      • SEE THE EVIDENCE
      • SHARE YOUR EVIDENCE
    • FRONTLINE PERSPECTIVES
    • NATIONAL POSITION PAPERS
    • PRO & PEER TALKS
    • EVENTS & OUTREACH >
      • SYMPOSIUMS
      • CONFERENCES
    • CAMPAIGNS >
      • BEYOND STIGMA CAMPAIGN
      • STILL HERE CAMPAIGN
    • PODCASTS
    • IN THE NEWS
  • RESOURCES & ADVOCACY
    • IN JUSTICE
    • UNDERSTANDING PSYCHOSIS GUIDE
    • SMI CAREGIVERS GUIDE
    • POLITICAL ADVOCACY GUIDE
    • HELPING IN CRISIS GUIDE
    • TREATMENT TERMS GUIDE
    • QUARTERLY RESOURCE GUIDE
    • EDUCATION & ADVOCACY TOOLS
  • SUPPORT GROUPS
    • THE ANCHOR
    • THE HIDDEN SENTENCE
    • SURVIVORS OF LOSS
    • SMI CAREGIVERS
    • SUCCESS CIRCLE
    • REPLANTING LIVES
  • BLOG
  • PRESS ROOM
  • JOIN
  • DONATE
    • BUILD A SYSTEM THAT CARES
  • WHO WE ARE
    • ABOUT US
    • STRATEGIC ROADMAP
    • TEAM
    • BOARD OF DIRECTORS
    • STATE DIRECTORS >
      • MEET YOUR 31 DIRECTORS
      • AL: Holly Strayer
      • AK: Krista Schooley
      • AZ: Crystal Fox
      • CA: Jacqueline Janssen
      • CT: Karen Desjardins
      • CT: Melissa Valdivia
      • DE: Heidi Nasstrom Evans
      • FL: Joanne Schmitz
      • FL: Jack Wood
      • GA: Daniel White
      • HI: Chad Koyangi
      • IL: Cindy Tank-Murphy
      • IN: David Doerner
      • IA: Cathy Bullock
      • KY: Angeline Davis
      • MA: Lynda Cutrell
      • ME: John Nutting
      • MI: Carla Van Farowe
      • NH: Mara Briere
      • NJ: Chip Angell
      • NY: Marianna Vertsman
      • NC: Beth Wallace
      • OH: Darrell Herrmann
      • OR: Breanna Smith
      • PA: Marcie Sohara
      • PA: Christine Wirbick
      • RI: Ruth Scott
      • SC: Susan Lea
      • TX: Julie Plank
      • UT: Sherri Wittwer
      • VA: Mary Troy
      • WA: Leanna May Franklin
    • PARTNERS
    • NATIONAL SOLIDARITY WALL
    • SMI INTELLIGENCE FAQ
    • SOCIAL IMPACT
    • CONTACT US
  • IMPACT INITIATIVES
    • CRISIS TO CARE
    • BEYOND STIGMA
    • MOBILIZING DIRECTORS
    • SMI PEER ALLIANCE
  • MEDIA & INSIGHTS
    • TREATMENT SAVES, NEGLECT COSTS: THE EVIDENCE >
      • SEE THE EVIDENCE
      • SHARE YOUR EVIDENCE
    • FRONTLINE PERSPECTIVES
    • NATIONAL POSITION PAPERS
    • PRO & PEER TALKS
    • EVENTS & OUTREACH >
      • SYMPOSIUMS
      • CONFERENCES
    • CAMPAIGNS >
      • BEYOND STIGMA CAMPAIGN
      • STILL HERE CAMPAIGN
    • PODCASTS
    • IN THE NEWS
  • RESOURCES & ADVOCACY
    • IN JUSTICE
    • UNDERSTANDING PSYCHOSIS GUIDE
    • SMI CAREGIVERS GUIDE
    • POLITICAL ADVOCACY GUIDE
    • HELPING IN CRISIS GUIDE
    • TREATMENT TERMS GUIDE
    • QUARTERLY RESOURCE GUIDE
    • EDUCATION & ADVOCACY TOOLS
  • SUPPORT GROUPS
    • THE ANCHOR
    • THE HIDDEN SENTENCE
    • SURVIVORS OF LOSS
    • SMI CAREGIVERS
    • SUCCESS CIRCLE
    • REPLANTING LIVES
  • BLOG
  • PRESS ROOM
  • JOIN
  • DONATE
    • BUILD A SYSTEM THAT CARES

Defining Treatment Terms surrounding Severe mental illness

You need clarity when being introduced to the world of severe mental illness and no-fault brain disease

NSSC has created a comprehensive guide designed to help caregivers and those affected by Severe Mental/Brain Illnesses (SMI/SBDs) become familiar with and understand phrases and terms related to these conditions.

Inside, terms are defined and made easy to understand in plain language.

This guide is available in flipbook, PDF, and trifold download. 
"Understanding the language of mental health empowers families and caregivers to navigate care, advocate effectively, and support recovery. Clear terms can save time, reduce confusion, and make a real difference in someone’s treatment journey."
~Ann Corcoran, RN MSN, NSSC Executive Director
​If you need answers, download your free PDF guide now or view the online flip book — no sign-up required. If this resource helps you on your journey, please share your experience with us using the form below!
Picture
View ONLINE Flip Book
DOWNLOAD FREE TRIFOLD PDF
Download Free FULL PAGE PDF

​Your voice is a catalyst for change: share your story

Whether you are a family member, an individual with lived experience, or a caring ally, we want to hear your truth.

​For too long, severe mental illness has been hidden in the shadows of stigma and shame. But isolation ends when we speak. When you share your experience, you are not just telling a story—you are joining a movement. You are validating someone else’s pain, empowering policymakers, and helping us build a world where immediate, compassionate care is the standard, not the exception.

Every voice contributes to the collective roar for change.

How your story helps:
  • It Educates: Your experience helps policymakers understand the real-world impact of current laws.
  • It Connects: It helps another family member or individual feel seen and understood.
  • It Powers Our Advocacy: Your words are the undeniable proof we use to demand action.
  • It Verifies Impact, Securing the Future: Your testimonials serve as vital proof of our social impact.

Ready to find your voice? Follow the steps below to submit your story or testimonial. 
Submit My Catalyst for Change Story


​make a donation

DONATE


JOIN our coalition

JOIN


​follow us 


NSSC IS A 501(C)3 TAX-EXEMPT NONPROFIT [EIN# 41-3720272]

Disclaimer: NSSC is not liable for any information, service or product obtained from this site. No legal or medical advice is provided. Information on site is not a substitute for professional healthcare. Please consult your healthcare provider for medical advice. Support groups are confidential and for educational and supportive purposes only. All views expressed in media posts and perspectives are those of the contributing authors and not necessarily NSSC or its affiliates.

© 2017–2026, National Shattering Silence Coalition. All Rights Reserved.