5. Why We are Warriors
We have all had to fight for our recovery
The light (hope) that has carried us through reaches
beyond ourselves
Our survival is a mark of strength
J
6. Benefits of Storysharing
Hearing about your recovery can give others hope for their own recovery or the
recovery of someone they know
Placing your experiences into a coherent narrative can help you heal
Hearing about your recovery can help policy-makers identify policies that were helpful (or not
helpful) to you and make changes
Your story can help educate others about what mental disabilities are (and are not) and how they
can help.
7. Risks of Storytelling
Stigma and social risks
Triggers and emotional risks
Having an action plan in place can help minimize risks
8. YOUR story belongs to YOU
What pieces you decide to share of your story is your choice
If you decide to share your story is your choice
How you decide to share your story is your choice
You do not have to answer any questions you don’t feel comfortable with (if you
don’t like the pitch you don’t have to swing)
You do not have to share your story for a cause you don’t believe in (you have the
right to know how your story will be used)
9. Safe Sharing Strategies
Only share personal information (name, hometown, contact information) if you
feel comfortable.
Try to focus on the positive. What worked well? People tend to respond best to positive
feedback.
Avoid using names of specific people,
professionals, medications or treatment
facilities unless you have discussed this with
them beforehand. This can cause conflict
and even legal issues if they aren’t ok with it`
10. Your Wellbeing Comes First
Our history is often traumatic, and telling one’s story
can sometimes be triggering . . .
Share a story that is safe
If you find yourself triggered as you write out your story to
share, discuss this with a mentor or therapist before taking it to
the microphone
IF NOT, check in with yourself throughout the writing process and ask whether you
have already begun to address subjects that you could not previously address.
Consider writing a safety plan for storytelling
11. Possible Elements of a
Storytelling Safety Plan
Identify ahead of time what aspects of your story you feel safe sharing and
any aspects that you do not want to share.
Mark off any aspects that will be off-limits.
Arrange for a support person to be present with you during the event
or to meet with you after.
Plan an escape route or other safe place to go if needed
Identify coping tools that you can take with you
Example: stress ball, sketchbook,
water bottle, or headphones)
12. Consider Your Purpose for Sharing
Possible purposes might include raising awareness, busting misunderstandings,
or a specific policy change
Sum up your message into a 2-5 sentence message statement
What part of your story might best support that message?
13. Exercise
Message Statement: “There is hope. Dealing with a mental health condition or
addiction can be incredibly challenging, but recovery is possible. Many people do
recover.”
What parts from your story could you share to support this message?
14. Consider Your Audience
What message do you want this audience to hear? What part from your story
would best convey that message?
Use language your audience will relate to. Not everyone knows what acronyms
like OCD, ADHD, or CRSS stand for—spell them out
Avoid medical terminology. Instead focus on describing your experiences/how
they felt. For example “when my anxiety was severe I felt like I was trapped in a
jar” says far more than “I have panic disorder with agoraphobia.
15. Exercise
Lisa is speaking to a group of high school students about her recovery from
Bipolar Disorder. She wants to show them that it is okay to reach out for help.
Which part of her story would best convey that?
A. “I was really nervous to see a therapist to get help, but after a few weeks I felt so
much better.”
B. “When I tried to hurt myself, my doctor told me that I would have to go to the
hospital-voluntarily or involuntarily.”
C. “When I was very sick, I could hear angels singing to me. I began to believe I was
on a divine mission.”
16. Storytelling Tips
Note Cards are Okay!
Try for1-2 Questions (that you ask) per 15 minute spot
Questions help people stay focused (and awake!)
If writing, ask a support person to read it first
They can help you shine your story to its best
Fantasy, Sci-Fi, etc
WHY? ___________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
17. Traditional Stories
In speech
Example: Classic Presentation, Fireside Storytelling
In Writing
Example: Magazine Article, Memoir
18. Alternative Stories
Written:
Fantastical Stories
Fiction
Other Mediums:
Poetry
Metaphors
Art Clay, Painting,
Graphic Design,
Drawing, etc.
Music
Performance/
Dance
Metaphors
20. Possible Platforms
Speaker’s Groups
Recovery Conferences
Mental Health Organizations
.
Magazines (Including academic publications
and Mental Health publications)
Art Shows
Personal Sharing
Community Events (Such as Open-Mic Nights)
22. Try a Short Story
Something about you beyond your challenges
Your Message Statement
2-5 sentences capturing the message you want to convey)
A piece of your story to support that message
