Guidance For Individuals, Families, Communities
Use the best resources to help you find answers about serious mental illness.Real Story: The Positive Impact of Clozapine
Learn how clozapine changed one family’s experience with SMI. They talk about the decision to try clozapine and how they found answers to some of their initial questions. Hear about how it impacted function, social life, family relationships, and more.
What Is Serious Mental Illness (SMI)? Why Is My Diagnosis “Serious” When Others Are Not?
The term SMI is often used when talking about serious mental illness. SMI refers to mental health conditions that can last a long time and impair function. Three of the most common SMI diagnoses are schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder. They can make it difficult for an adult to carry out one or more major life activities
Fact Sheet: Bipolar Disorder (English and Spanish)
Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness (SMI) that…
Fact Sheet: Major Depressive Disorder (English and Spanish)
Major depressive disorder is much more than feeling sad…
Fact Sheet: Schizophrenia (English and Spanish)
Schizophrenia interferes with a person’s ability to think clearly,…
Are You Born With It? (Video)
Although mental health conditions are biological, they are caused…
The Biology of Mental Health Conditions (Video)
We have learned a lot from decades of scientific…
When It Comes To Serious Mental Illness… Words Matter
People often identify with roles and words that help…
Personal Perspectives on Bipolar Disorder (The Medical Mind Podcast)
This special series is co-presented by SMI Adviser, a…
Personal Perspectives on Early Psychosis (The Medical Mind Podcast)
This special series is co-presented by SMI Adviser, a…
Personal Perspectives on Major Depressive Disorder (The Medical Mind Podcast)
This special series is co-presented by SMI Adviser, a…
Do I Have To Take Medication? What Else Do I Have To Do?
An Overview of Treatment Options
Being diagnosed with a serious mental illness (SMI) can…
How Psychotropic Medications Work (Video)
Medication can be an important part of treatment for…
Our Experience with Health Care (Video)
Watch this panel discussion of individuals with lived experience…
Our Advice to Health Care Professionals (Video)
Watch this panel discussion of individuals with lived experience…
The Science and Experience of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis (The Medical Mind Podcast)
This episode is hosted by John Moe, an author…
The Science and Experience of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (The Medical Mind Podcast)
This special series is co-presented by SMI Adviser, a…
Fact Sheet: Crisis Preparation (English and Spanish)
A crisis is any situation in which a person’s…
Fact Sheet: Suicide Prevention (English and Spanish)
Suicide is one of the most devastating outcomes of…
First-Generation (typical) Antipsychotics – Medication Fact Sheets
These medication fact sheets were created by SMI Adviser content…
Second-Generation (atypical) Antipsychotics – Medication Fact Sheets
These medication fact sheets were created by SMI Adviser content…
Antidepressants – Medication Fact Sheets
These medication fact sheets were created by SMI Adviser content…
Mood Stabilizers – Medication Fact Sheets
These medication fact sheets were created by SMI Adviser content…
Anticonvulsants – Medication Fact Sheets
These medication fact sheets were created by SMI Adviser content…
Will Things Get Worse If I Do Not Do Anything About This?
What to Know About a New Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder, Major Depression, or Schizophrenia
Just like having a serious physical health condition, experiencing…
What To Know About A New Diagnosis (Video)
Being diagnosed with a serious mental illness is not…
First Episode Psychosis – Fact Sheets
Early or first-episode psychosis (FEP) refers to when a person…
Navigating a Mental Health Crisis: Resource Guide and Infographics
These resources were created by the National Alliance on Mental…
How to Manage Suicidal Thoughts and Find Support
Every year, more than 300,000 people in the United…
How Can I Talk To Other People About This? Is There Anyone I Need To Tell?
Taking Control of Your Mental Health: Tips for Talking With Your Health Care Provider
This tip sheet highlights five strategies to help prepare…
Our Support Systems (Video)
Watch this panel discussion of individuals with lived experience…
Mental Health Care and Cultural Competence (Video)
Watch this video to learn about mental health care…
How Culture Impacts Mental Health and Treatment (Video)
Watch this video to learn about how culture impacts…
Becoming a Culturally Competent Provider (Video)
Watch this video to learn about becoming a culturally…
Circle of Care: A Guidebook for Mental Health Caregivers
NAMI has partnered with the National Alliance for Caregiving…
Do individuals with serious mental illness want their families involved in their care?
There are so many ways your family or close personal…
Demystifying Psychosis: A Primer for Families
A web-based course for family members to help them…
Important Information for Parents and Friends of Young People Experiencing Psychosis
It’s important for family and friends to understand what…
What is Shared Decision Making and what are its benefits?
A 2001 report of the Institute of Medicine defined patient…
How to Access Mental Health Support in Rural and Remote Communities
Access to mental health services can be complex for…
When Will I Start To Feel Better? Will I Ever Feel Normal Again?
closely with your treatment team. Together, you can explore what works best for your specific needs.
Living With Serious Mental Illness (Video)
Watch this panel discussion of individuals with lived experience…
How Serious Mental Illness Shapes Our Lives (Video)
Watch this panel discussion of individuals with lived experience…
Where Can You Turn During a Mental Health Crisis?
Access free resources and guidance that help you plan ahead for a crisis, find support and answers to questions, and know where to turn when you need help.
988 Fact Sheet
View answers to common consumer questions on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Learn MoreCrisis Resources
Access free SAMHSA-funded resources to locate treatment and find support for individuals and families.
View Crisis ResourceThe My Mental Health Crisis Plan app
Empowering individuals who have serious mental illness (SMI) to help guide their treatment preferences during a mental health crisis.
Get The App