Hi, I’m Jenn.

Mental illness stole everything from me at one point in my life. But what once felt like the end has since given way to more joy than I could have ever imagined.

In 2005, after a week of barely sleeping, I experienced my first manic episode at the age of 26 and was hospitalized. Two weeks later, it happened again and within a few months was diagnosed with Type 1 Bipolar Disorder. Over the past nineteen years I’ve learned how to successfully manage my mental health condition so that it doesn’t manage me. Talking openly about my mental health is just one element of what I call my Mental Health Mindset, and it led me to create something I’m extremely proud of: This Is My Brave - the nonprofit I founded in 2013 which brings personal stories about mental health into the spotlight through creative expression, live on stage.

Over the years, whenever I experienced a setback with my bipolar disorder, I always wished there were someone I could talk to who was diagnosed with the same condition I had, someone who had gone through something similar. Someone who knew the feeling of the buzzy rush of mania, the dark and lonely pit of depression, and the delicate balance of maintaining a middle ground. I wanted someone to help me find solid recovery, which is why I am working to create a program that will foster long-term stability for individuals living with bipolar disorder. I want to create the thing I wished had existed when I was first diagnosed. My Mental Health Mindset coaching program paves the path to stability and I can’t wait to share it with you.

I firmly believe that with the right support, anyone can overcome mental illness. I’d like to use my experience to help others who are learning to live with this life-long condition, which is why I’m currently in school to become a certified Wellness Coach through Dr. Kim Foster’s Wellness Coach Academy. Soon I will launch a coaching business for those living with bipolar disorder. Sign up to be the first to hear when I launch!

How I Live Well with Bipolar

Since being diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder Type 1 nineteen years ago, I’ve learned quite a bit about how to live well despite a mental health diagnosis. My Mental Health Mindset is my framework for a healthy life no matter what life throws your way. I’m blogging about the Mindset over on Substack where you can subscribe to receive each post in your inbox. I also publish paid-subscriber only posts where I share more intimate details about my journey. If you’re interested in supporting my writing you can sign up for as little as $6/month.