Exploring Using a Graphic Novel for Mental Health Awareness With Deaf and Hard of Hearing College Students.

This article examines the use of the graphic novel *Rock Steady: Brilliant Advice from My Bipolar Life* by Ellen Forney as a tool to enhance mental health awareness among deaf and hard of hearing college students at Gallaudet University. Through a qualitative case study involving focus groups and reflections with 20 participants, four themes emerged: Reader Engagement, Connections, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Experience, and Coping Strategies. Findings suggest that graphic novels can improve accessibility, foster emotional connection, and promote coping skills, particularly when paired with group discussions conducted in American Sign Language (ASL). The study highlights the potential of such multimodal resources to supplement counseling services and recommends their integration into broader campus wellness programs and health education, including nursing curricula, while noting the need for larger-scale research to assess effectiveness.