National Alliance on Mental Illness’ In Our Own Voice is a free presentation designed to shatter negative stereotypes of people with mental illness. Two trained speakers share their compelling personal stories of living with mental health challenges, from the dark days of a mental health crisis to the successes, hopes and dreams they are now experiencing in recovery. Depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder and other brain disorders are discussed. While audiences benefit from the inspirational stories of the speakers, presenters increase their confidence and develop leadership skills while helping to inspire and motivate others.
NAMI In Our Own Voice demonstrates that recovery is possible. It allows audience members to connect on a personal level with the presenters via question and answer sessions and provides an opportunity for audience members to gain insight into the experience of life with mental illness, while encouraged to share their own experiences. This exchange helps combat the stigma and misinformation which surrounds these illnesses. The presentation also features a DVD with eight other individuals from diverse backgrounds sharing the impact of and recovery from the trials of mental illness.
NAMI California is a grassroots organization of families and individuals whose lives have been affected by serious mental illness. They advocate for lives of quality and respect, without discrimination and stigma, for all constituents. They provide leadership in advocacy, legislation, policy development, education and support throughout California. Presenter Emily Wu Truong is an award-winning advocate for mental health awareness and alumna of the San Marino Unified School District. She serves on the Board of Directors of National Alliance on Mental Illness San Gabriel Valley and is Chair of the Asian Coalition & spokesperson for the California Mental Health Movement, Each Mind Matters. While sharing her own journey from depression to self-actualization, Emily encourages others to find meaning in their own life struggles.
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Don’t miss this important opportunity to learn about mental illness from those who have recovered, Tuesday September 13th at 6:30 p.m. in the Library’s Barth Community Room.
Crowell Public Library, 1890 Huntington Drive, San Marino, (626) 300-0777, or visit www.CrowellPublicLibrary.org, or their Facebook and Twitter pages.
