Storytelling Warriors

SHARING YOUR STORY TO SPARK CHANGE AND SHARE HOPE

JENNIFER GERLACH & SABRINNA WERNER

A Snapshot of Jen’s Story

A Snapshot of Sabrinna’s Story

What is a Warrior?

S

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

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.

Risks of Storytelling Stigma and social risks

Triggers and emotional risks

Having an action plan in place can help minimize risks

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)

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`

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

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)

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?

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?

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.

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.”

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? ___________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

Traditional Stories

In speech Example: Classic Presentation, Fireside Storytelling

In Writing Example: Magazine Article, Memoir

Alternative Stories

Written: Fantastical

Stories

Fiction

Other Mediums: Poetry

Metaphors

Art Clay, Painting,

Graphic Design,

Drawing, etc.

Music

Performance/

Dance

Metaphors

OUR NEW STORIES

SABRINNA

JENNIFER

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)

Let’s Practice

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

References

Mirrormask