"In Our Own Voice" • About

"In Our Own Voice" is a presentation by consumers that creates awareness about what is involved in recovery from mental illness. Audiences see and hear a powerful presentation which changes hearts, minds, and attitudes about mental illness while fighting stigma. These presentations are an opportunity for consumers to gain self-confidence, self-esteem, and income while serving as role models for the community. The presenters are living proof that recovery from mental illness is an ongoing reality.

"In Our Own Voice" • Details

• One time presentation lasting one hour
• Available in English and Spanish
• All materials are FREE to participants

"In Our Own Voice" • Audiences

The Audience:

• Consumers in day programs, inpatient settings, support groups, and other community settings who can share, learn, and find hope for successful living.
• Family and friends who may need further reassurance of the possibility of recovery for their loved ones.
• Health care providers who desire strengthened communication with their clients and improved outcomes
• Law enforcement officials to increase awareness of and sensitivity to behavior triggered by mental illness.
• Faith communities to increase responsiveness to people with mental illnesses who may first turn to their spiritual community for guidance.
• Students of various age levels, who wish to expand their knowledge of living with mental illness.
• Any community or civic organization who is interested in learning more about mental illnesses and recovery.

"In Our Own Voice" • The Presentation

The Presentation:

• 60 minute live presentation with video
• A brief video features consumers speaking about the topics of Dark Days, Acceptance, Treatment, Coping Skills, and Successes, Hopes, and Dreams.
• Hear from people who have struggled with disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other severe mental illness.
• Gain insight into how people with serious mental illnesses cope with the realities of their disorders while reclaiming productive lives.
• Ask questions from the real experts, the consumers are the ones who "have been there."
• Helpful NAMI literature is distributed to attendees, which includes information and an opportunity to evaluate the program.

"In Our Own Voice" presents the real face of mental illness while raising awareness and providing a forum for open discussion about mental illness.

"In Our Own Voice" • Participant Comments

• Very well done! Great speaking skills, good use of transitional time between the video and the individual topics. Good use of humor. I would not change a thing.
• The presentation was great. All of it was inspirational and realistic. The speakers did not mince words - they told the truth about their struggles and their successes.
• I was spellbound and thrilled with your stories and so impressed with how you turned your lives around. More people need to hear your stories. You are wonderful, beautiful and brave. What an inspiration you are for all people.
• Great presentation. I appreciate the honesty, openness and broad knowledge of subject. (mental illness) by both of the brave speakers. The question and answer dialogue was extremely helpful to my practice. Thank you.
• It was good to hear firsthand the true experience in recognizing their illness, how they engaged in treatment and what actually and honestly helps people recover.
• It was valuable to me to hear about actual experiences. I can read about them until I am blue in the face, but hearing the presentation firsthand helps me to understand mental illness.