In Our Own Voice

In Our Own Voice: Living with Mental Illness
What is In Our Own Voice?
In Our Own Voice (IOOV) is a unique, informational outreach program developed by NAMI that offers insight into the recovery now possible for people with severe mental illness.
In Our Own Voice shows how people with serious mental illnesses cope with the realities of their disorders while recovering and reclaiming productive lives with meaning and dignity. Additionally, the program provides a safe way for consumers to share the ups and downs of their recovery and learn from others.

History of the Program The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), with a grant from Eli Lilly and Company, produced the In Our Own Voice: Living With Mental Illness (IOOV) consumer recovery education program. NAMI, a consumer and family support and advocacy organization, is dedicated to the eradication of mental illnesses and improving the quality of life for persons affected by mental illness. In Our Own Voice: Living with Mental Illness began as an idea. NAMI was searching for ways to encourage consumers to become actively involved in education about severe mental illnesses. It seemed natural to speak about recovery and the issues surrounding it as the first step to understanding mental illnesses. Introduced in 1996 as Living with Schizophrenia the presentation soon gathered momentum. In 2002 the program’s name was changed to “In Our Own Voice: Living with Mental Illness." Since then, approximately 2,000 presenters have been trained to conduct the In Our Own Voice presentation. As of Fall 2005, the program is active in 37 states. Over 100,000 audience members have been reached.

Philosophy of the Program In Our Own Voice: Living with Mental Illness is dedicated to the support, education, and growth of consumers as presenters. The personal educational component of this program dispels many myths surrounding mental illnesses and will help reduce stigma as we openly talk about it. The mere fact that we are standing there helps reduce the myths surrounding mental illness. This reduces stigma as well. The power of IOOV is based on the sharing of our journeys- our stories about living with mental illness. We give hope, we educate, we open minds, and we change attitudes. We help eradicate the stigma surrounding mental illness. A study of IOOV has been completed by Dr. Otto Wahl and Dr. Amy Wood of George Mason University. Their research concluded with evidence that there is a significant decrease in stigma against mental illness among audience members after seeing the presentation. In Our Own Voice: Living With Mental Illness was developed to provide a dialogue on the issues related to recovery from severe mental illnesses. The program is designed to provide a safe place for consumers to share the ups and downs of their recovery and learn from others. Two trained consumer presenters lead the discussion. The program educates everyone about the ongoing recovery issues we face and the fulfilling lives that we can achieve.

Key Program Topics In Our Own Voice: Living with Mental Illness is a unique recovery education presentation that offers hope and provides insight into the recovery now possible for people with mental illness. IOOV is often a transformative experience for presenters, who are empowered by giving voice to their struggles and successes. Presenters cover issues they frequently face while living with mental illness. Dark Days – Recovery from a serious mental illness can be a long, difficult journey. During the Dark Days portion of the presentation the speakers explore feelings and experiences that occurred during the darkest moments of living with a mental illness. Acceptance – Learning to accept the reality of having a serious mental illness is quite a challenge. It can be hard for anyone to come to terms with having a serious illness, no matter what it is. Acceptance is essential to beginning recovery. While sharing the period of acceptance, each presenter explains how acceptance is achieved. Treatment – There are many methods for treating mental illness. Every person is different, and this is the reason that there are many ways to walk down the path to recovery. Presenters explain what treatment plan worked for them during this segment. Coping Strategies – Wellness can be achieved by following a treatment plan and incorporating coping skills as an integral part of that plan. Some common coping skills include: making time for leisure activities and rest, excercising, engaging in spiritual activities, developing healthy friendships, getting involved with community charities, and finding ways to keep a sense of self awareness and acceptance. During this section, presenters share their own coping skills with the audience. Successes, Hopes and Dreams - IOOV Presenters have a variety of skills and ambitions. A key component of recovery is setting goals while pursuing personal dreams. Many consumers incorporate what they’ve learned from their illness into activities and plans for their future. During this section presenters share their own successes, hopes, and dreams.

To arrange a FREE presentation contact: NAMI Mississippi 411 Briarwood Dr., Ste 401 Jackson, MS 39206-3058 (601) 899-9058 / (800) 357-0388 ioov@namicentralms.com

Veterans Resource Center

Learn about Presidential
Candidates positions on
Mental Health

Medicare Drug
Benefit Update

Congress Passes
Gun Reporting Law

NAMI Comments on
Changes to the SSA
Appeals Process

Open Enrollment for
2008 Medicare
Drug Benefit

-more at NAMI.org

[ Home ] [ What is Mental Illness ] [ Children's Services ] [ Family Services ] [ Consumer Services ] [ Provider Education ] [ Calendar ] [ Resource Links ] [ News ] [ Support NAMI ]