What is mental illness? Who is susceptible to mental illness? What causes mental illness Is recovery possible? How will I know if someone is developing a mental illness? If I develop psychotic symptoms, do I have a mental illness or substance induced psychosis? What are the more common mental illnesses? Includes brief descriptions.

Describes effective means of communication with mental health professionals generally and the Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team. It also details the process of an effective complaint mechanism.

Describes signs and indicators of mental illness and suggests strategies to aid communication in acute psychotic states. It also details an action plan for these times.

Describes how mental illness affects a person and a number of ways friends and family can help. Tips include seeking out educational information, developing effective communication skills, understanding various stages of illness, acknowledging the emotional impact of mental illness on everyone involved, and the principles of safety first and self-care.

Details the family support services that are available including Mutual Support and Self Help, Mental Health Carer Resource Workers, Carer Consultants, Respite Services and Carers Victoria. It also details the financial supports that are available to families including the Carer Payment, Carer Allowance, the Carer Support Brokerage Fund and the Carer Mental Health Program.

Explores guilt and mental illness, what is guilt, what can guilt do to you, what irrational beliefs or negative self scripts are involved in guilt and overcoming guilt.

Describes what worry is, what it can do, how to change your thoughts and behaviours.

Discusses barriers to effective communication, basic communication skills, verbal and non-verbal communication, and saying 'no' - a guide to limit setting.