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FAQ's
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is being done about removing the stigma of mental illness?
The primary way to reduce stigma is education. One of the goals of the VOCAL Network is to educate
consumers and the public about what it is like to have a mental illness. There are many myths about
mental illness.
MYTH: People with mental illness are violent.FACT: People with mental illness are not more violent than the rest of the population. In fact,
they are more likely to be the victims of violence.MYTH: There is no recovery from mental illness.FACT: There are much research and many personal stories to show that recovery from mental illness
is possible. Mental illness is not always a chronic degenerative disease with no hope of recovery.
Many people with mental illness, including members of the VOCAL Network, recover and are able to
live satisfying and fulfilling lives.
These are just a few of the misconceptions about mental illness. By educating consumers and the
public, the VOCAL Network hopes to remove stigma and show that consumers are normal people who
have the same hopes and dreams as others such as housing, employment, and family.
How do I locate other consumers in my town or region?
The goal of the VOCAL Network is to serve as a conduit that will connect consumers to each
other and consumer organizations. Due to confidentiality issues, the network will not be able
to give you the names of consumers in your area. However, the network can refer you to consumer
organizations such as clubhouses, drop-in centers, and support groups where you can find other consumers.
What can I do to help?
The best thing that you can do to help is join the Network and get connected. Every individual
member of the Network is equally important to the success and survival of the Network. The Network
will present many opportunities for you to get involved in your region. Signing up to the Network
just to receive the monthly newsletter and stay informed on issues is a big help, because you can
use that information to educate yourself and others in your local communities. If you want to help,
join the Network and get involved.
What do you mean by recovery?
Recovery is a way of looking at people with mental illness as the unique individuals they are and
not just a diagnosis. Recovery does not necessarily mean cure. Indeed, it is possible to be experiencing
symptoms and be in "recovery". Recovery is the journey that each individual with a mental illness makes
to become the individuals that they are. There are many key facets of the recovery process such as hope,
personal responsibility, advocacy, and peer support.
Why would I want to let others know that I have a mental illness?
It is definitely a personal decision to reveal that you have a mental illness. However, revealing this
information can be a helpful experience for you and the person that you choose to disclose to. Disclosure
can help educate people by letting them know that individuals with mental illness are
people with the same hopes and desires that they have.
What can you do for me that my therapist can't do?
Studies have shown that one of the biggest contributors to successfully recovery from mental illness
is peer support. Peer support is based on the idea that individuals who have the same health problem
can help each other cope and recover. The Network is literally a vehicle that consumers throughout
Virginia can use to engage in peer support to help and encourage each other by sharing stories and
knowledge.
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| VOCAL CO-OP |
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This program provides free technical assistance to consumer mental health programs throughout Virginia.
Training and consultation are offered to drop-in centers, employment programs, warm lines, and consumer
groups interested in starting new programs.
Visit:
vocalsupportcenter.org
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| VOCAL REACH |
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REACH (Recovery Education and Creative Healing) teaches consumers throughout Virginia how to take charge of their own recovery. The Wellness Recovery Action
Plan (WRAP) of Mary Ellen Copeland is used.
Contact: John Otenasek, Director P.O. Box 630, Harrisonburg 22803 Toll
Free: 866-647-9500 Office: 757-618-1650 john@vocalvirginia.org
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