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Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Powerful anti-stigma tools to change hearts, minds, and attitudes about mental illness


Unfortunately there is a strong stigma still associated with mental illness, and if you would like more information, tools and tips on dealing with the stigma of Mental Illness, IOVV is something you should read and check into.
There needs to be more emphasis on getting rid of the stigma to mental illness once and for all. We need to speak out and challenge stereotypes and to educate society about the reality of mental illness and the courageous struggles faced by consumers and families every day. The goal is to break down the barriers of ignorance, prejudice, or unfair discrimination by promoting education, understanding, and respect.

And what is IOOV? In Our Own Voice (IOOV) is a unique public education program developed by NAMI in which two trained consumer speakers share compelling personal stories about living with mental illness and achieving recovery.
IOOV is an opportunity for those who have struggled with mental illness to gain confidence and to share their individual experiences of recovery and transformation. Throughout the IOOV presentation audience members are encouraged to offer feedback and ask questions. Audience participation is an important aspect of IOOV because the more audience members become involved, the closer they come to understanding what it is like to live with a mental illness and stay in recovery.
IOOV presentations are given to consumer groups, students, law enforcement officials, educators, providers, faith community members, politicians, professionals, inmates, and interested civic groups. All presentations are offered free of charge. Groups or organizations interested in seeing a presentation may request that one be given in their area through their state or local affiliate.
The goals of IOOV are to meet the need for consumer- run initiatives, to set a standard for quality education about mental illness from those who have been there, to offer genuine work opportunities, to encourage self confidence and self esteem in presenters, and to focus on recovery and the message of hope.
IOOV was started with a grant from Eli Lily and Company.

To learn more about fighting stigma you may visit the National Anti-Stigma Campaign sponsored by SAMHSA and the U.S. Ad Council

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