https://thisismybrave.org/ is a national organization that brings stories of mental illness and addiction out of the shadows and into the spotlight. Our guests are Erin Gallagher; the new executive director and Amy Tee; a comedian from Boston who explores bi-polar disorder, alcoholism and recovery in her life and work on stage. TIMB puts on amazing shows and events all over the world, with comedians, entertainers, writers, music, all kinds of diverse people, ages and colors who bravely tell their stories in different ways in front of live and virtual audiences. Erin says that recently, they had a mime on a show. I don’t immediately think about the darkness in a mime’s life, but I think that when it comes to feelings and thoughts, I’m an emotional mime. The isolation and self abuse that comes from not feeling like it’s ok to talk about all kinds of issues, this is now a public health issue. When I first reached out to Erin, we talked about her wor and the org, it wasn’t until after that I saw a video of her talking about losing her own son to suicide. When she started to speak out about her son, she connected with TIMB and co-founder Jennifer Marshall. https://www.jennifermarshall.me/ Jennifer was a mom who struggled with bi-polar disorder, and started writing about it under a pen name. It was then she realized the only way to get these issues out, was to start using her real name, and that led to co-founding this amazing organization that has helped so many people. An inspiring exmaple of big creative solutions born from life challenges. The surgeon general actually says that one of the biggest public health problems is loneliness and isolation. I did one of the shows at The Comedy Store in LA; a variety show produced by my friend writer, comic, mental health advocate and mom Mara Shapshay @mshapshaycomicbaker. The shows are healing, emotional, funny and electric! Follow Amy Tee’s work here http://www.experimentalcomedy.com/, Erin Gallagher, now Executive Director, shared her story here https://thisismybrave.org/stories/erin-gallagher-shares-her-essay-about-suicide-loss/ Find Jennifer’s great work here https://connectedparenting.com/ One in five American adults face mental health issues (National Institute of Mental Health), yet the topic continues to carry shame. This national mental health nonprofit organization is dedicated to ending this stigma and silence by celebrating the stories of real people living successful lives, with mental health challenges. #storytellingsaveslives, #lookforthegood
