National Alliance on Mental Illness
page printed from http://www2.nami.org/
(800) 950-NAMI; email@example.com
Key Presentation Topics
In Our Own Voice 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 as they delve into the following topics:
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 personal 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.