National Shattering Silence Coalition

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      • NC: Beth Wallace
      • OH: Darrell Herrmann
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  • WHO WE ARE
    • ABOUT US
    • TEAM >
      • WHY WE VOLUNTEER
    • STATE DIRECTORS >
      • 29 STATE DIRECTORS
      • AL: Holly Strayer
      • AK: Krista Schooley
      • AZ: Crystal Fox
      • CA: Jacqueline Janssen
      • CT: Melissa Valdivia
      • DE: Heidi Nasstrom Evans
      • FL: Jack Wood
      • IN: David Doerner
      • KY: Angeline Davis
      • MA: Lynda Cutrell
      • ME: John Nutting
      • NJ: Chip Angell
      • MI: Carla Van Farowe
      • NC: Beth Wallace
      • OH: Darrell Herrmann
      • PA: Marcie Sohara
      • PA: Carter Hawley
      • RI: Ruth Scott
      • SC: Susan Lea
      • TX: Julie Plank
      • UT: Sherri Wittwer
      • VA: Mary Troy
      • WA: Leanna May Franklin
    • PARTNERS
    • SHARE YOUR LOVED ONE
    • FACES FIGHTING FOR
    • SOCIAL IMPACT
    • CONTACT US
  • MEDIA & INSIGHTS
    • PRO & PEER TALKS
    • NATIONAL POSITION PAPERS
    • FRONTLINE PERSPECTIVES
    • TREATMENT SAVES NEGLECT COSTS CAMPAIGN >
      • SEE THE EVIDENCE
      • SHARE YOUR EVIDENCE
    • BEYOND STIGMA CAMPAIGN
    • STILL HERE CAMPAIGN
    • THE SANDY PRUETT PROJECT
    • BLOG
    • IN THE NEWS
    • PODCASTS
  • EVENTS & OUTREACH
    • SYMPOSIUMS
    • CONFERENCES
  • RESOURCES & ADVOCACY
    • HELPING IN CRISIS GUIDE
    • UNDERSTANDING PSYCHOSIS GUIDE
    • CAREGIVERS GUIDE
    • POLITICAL ADVOCACY GUIDE
    • EDUCATION & ADVOCACY TOOLS
    • TREATMENT TERMS GUIDE
    • EXCLUSIVE MEMBERS-ONLY QUARTERLY GUIDE
    • SHARE YOUR STORY
  • SUPPORT GROUPS
    • THE ANCHOR
    • THE HIDDEN SENTENCE
    • SURVIVORS OF LOSS
    • SMI CAREGIVERS
    • SUCCESS CIRCLE
    • REPLANTING LIVES
  • JOIN
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Defining Treatment Terms surrounding SMI/SBD

You need clarity when being introduced to the world of severe mental and brain diseases

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!
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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


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

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