Who is IAM?
IAM, the Institute for Advancements in Mental Health, has evolved out of four decades of work through the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario and its focus on complex mental illnesses. We support individuals, families and communities living with the challenges of mental illness. We also support people affected by schizophrenia and psychosis.
What is this toolkit for?
This toolkit was created in collaboration with our clients, caregivers, and frontline staff and closely aligns with principles of human-centred design.
This toolkit is designed to support people who:
Need access to resources outside of doctor appointments
Have trouble recalling the issues they want to discuss during these appointments
Experience some type of anxiety leading up to, or the day of the appointment
For individuals who have experience with schizophrenia or other psychotic illnesses
This toolkit is grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and aims to support you to:
Take greater ownership of ongoing appointments with healthcare professionals
Identify and focus on what you need
Ask the right questions
At your own pace
The toolkit can be worked through at your own pace, and revisited as you see fit. CBT takes practice to see results. Using the resources in this toolkit on a regular basis will produce the best results. You may find it useful to use this toolkit with the support of a caregiver or other family member.
