Advanced directives

Helen Nilon, who experienced mental illness herself, said that advanced directives can help provide people an idea of what people experiencing mental illness are like and want before they need help.

"It lets people know what type of treatment you want and goes on to identify the symptoms," she said. Advanced directives help those providing help know about how you are when you're not in that moment."

Prosecutor Satterberg said, though, that the directives would not result in involuntary commitment and individuals still need a mental health evaluation regardless. Legally, the advanced directives have little power.