Lamar Mitchell is a native Oaklander who grew up in the Fruitvale Diamond District. Currently, Lamar is an aspiring screenwriter, film producer, poet and author of two books. But in 1996 when he began to hear voices his life took a turn that led him on a six-year journey of mental illness and instability.

He describes himself as hitting “rock bottom” when the voices in his head had him walking up and down the streets of Berkeley screaming. From there he spent time in Napa State Hospital where he worked with therapists and others who he called allies. They believed in him and helped him to grow optimistic about the future of his life. Diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia he credits his recovery with opening his creativity and says with pride, “writing is a creative remodeling of your consciousness. I grow when I write, it feeds my wellbeing.”

In 2016 Lamar joined the Pool of Consumer Champions (POCC) an Alameda County consumer advocacy group. He supports his mental health through proper medication, regularly speaking with a therapist, positive socializing and being active in the community. As an advocate and leader, he uses his own experiences to uplift and encourage others and describes this time in his life as repaying his karmic debt. Lamar works as a Community Expert where he supports others to maintain their mental wellness. He knows his work can be literally life-saving. Lamar advocates for mental health awareness, continually fights stigma by maintaining his own mental stability. Lamar encourages others to trust themselves, to be confident, brave and fearless. He also says, “You don’t know how powerful you can be or how a kind gesture can impact someone’s day.”