I am excited to be back on stage for This is My Brave - Boise 2019. It's so important to keep the conversation going.  There is still a stereotype surrounding mental illness - images of institutions and lobotomies and straightjackets.  Mental Illness is not a topic I often bring up in conversation, but I'll gladly talk to anyone about it.  I grew up watching my mom struggle with Schizophrenia, yet I still couldn't see my own signs and symptoms as they started happening.  I am here to to show that it is possible to live successfully with a mental health diagnosis.  I work full time. I have a family. I am involved in my community.  I also happen to have Bipolar Disorder.  While it is a part of who I am, I don't let it define me.  
There should be no shame this. Hope is out there. Help is out there. It gets better.