In Our Own Voice:
Living with Mental Illness

Who is this program for?

In Our Own Voice (IOOV) is a unique education program that offers insight into the recovery that is now possible for people with severe mental illness.  Target audiences include:

• people with mental illnesses and their families
• mental health service providers
• educators, students
• law enforcement personnel
• mental health professionals
• faith communities
• all people wanting to learn about mental illness

As of last year, the program was active in 37 states and over 100,000 audience members had been reached. 

Who designed the program?

NAMI National produced this program with a grant from Eli Lilly and Company to encourage mental health consumers to become actively involved in education about severe mental illnesses. It was introduced in 1996 and has evolved since then into the current program.  

Who are the presenters?

Two trained presenters give personal testimony about their own journeys with mental illness. IOOV is dedicated to the support, education, and growth of consumers as presenters. The program dispels many myths surrounding mental illnesses and helps reduce stigma as we openly talk about it.

Presentation content

IOOV shows how people with serious mental illnesses cope with the realities of their disorders while recovering and reclaiming productive lives with meaning and dignity. The program provides a safe way for people to share the ups and downs of their recovery and learn from others.  IOOV is often a transformative experience for presenters, who are empowered by giving voice to their struggles and successes. 

See the list of the key program topics at right.

For more detail about this program, visit NAMI National's web site.

Become a speaker or request a presentation

If you would like to train as a presenter or if you would like to have an In Our Own Voice presentation for your organization, contact Joe Teixeira at joe.teixeira@comcast.net or (916) 425-9855.