[lilypup]

I am a member of a bipolar support group through NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). This morning I was called by the group leader to see if I would be interested in being a speaker to spread knowledge about MI to different audiences such as nursing students, police officers, education students, church groups, etc. The idea is to educate people by having them hear from people who actually have a mental illness.
I would need to first fill out an application, then go for an interview, then have training. I think you go out in pairs to do this.
I'm not scared to speak in front of people as I did that in my prior career. I am a little nervous as I'm not sure what I feel comfortable in disclosing. My friends and family all know, but am wondering how it would feel to tell total strangers.
On the positive side, I have really been looking for a way to "give back". I think this might be a good opportunity.
Thoughts?

[kaliope]

is that the in your own voice program? I think I am going to do that but I didn't realize there was and application process and interview and all that. nobody told me that. I just thought I would go to training and start sharing. I already share my story at the name family to family groups. it doesn't seem like that big of a deal. I figure they would be strangers I would never see again. when I first joined nami the guy in charge wanted me to disclose on his cable tv program. that I had a problem with. who knows who watches that and how it may come back to haunt me. I have found some of his shows on youtube. I don't need to be there talking about my psychotic break...lol....

[Skitz13]

Wow, that's great. I would love to do something like that. Ya you're going to be nervous but you're also getting some training as well.

I think it's great that you're contributing to the cause. Education is key. Way to go!!!!!

[Secretum]

You should definitely go for it. I shared my story with depression and sui feelings with a group of college students a few years ago. I think the experience helped me better process what I had gone through, in addition to educating the others.

[lilypup]

Originally Posted by kaliope

is that the in your own voice program? I think I am going to do that but I didn't realize there was and application process and interview and all that. nobody told me that. I just thought I would go to training and start sharing. I already share my story at the name family to family groups. it doesn't seem like that big of a deal. I figure they would be strangers I would never see again. when I first joined nami the guy in charge wanted me to disclose on his cable tv program. that I had a problem with. who knows who watches that and how it may come back to haunt me. I have found some of his shows on youtube. I don't need to be there talking about my psychotic break...lol....

Yes, I think that is the program. Maybe in your area you don't have to do the interview and application. I have never shared in the family groups. If you're already doing that, I would say you are way ahead on the game.

[winter4me]

Sounds like a great opportunity!!!!!!

[~Christina]

I say go for it

[Dix888]

Congratulations! This is a wonderful way to "pay it forward" & to help others. Just share as much as you want to share. You don't have to go into detail about anything you feel is "too much sharing." But go for it!

Originally Posted by lilypup

I am a member of a bipolar support group through NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). This morning I was called by the group leader to see if I would be interested in being a speaker to spread knowledge about MI to different audiences such as nursing students, police officers, education students, church groups, etc. The idea is to educate people by having them hear from people who actually have a mental illness.
I would need to first fill out an application, then go for an interview, then have training. I think you go out in pairs to do this.
I'm not scared to speak in front of people as I did that in my prior career. I am a little nervous as I'm not sure what I feel comfortable in disclosing. My friends and family all know, but am wondering how it would feel to tell total strangers.
On the positive side, I have really been looking for a way to "give back". I think this might be a good opportunity.
Thoughts?

[Bpfroggy]

It sounds like others would really benefit from your knowledge, and like others have said, you don't have to share more than you feel comfortable with .