Tuesday, September
13, 6:30 pm
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.
