Mental illness has always had a negative stigma in our society. Yet, many of us have family and friends who suffer from the complexities of mental illness. Why is that we tend to dismiss mental illness as something “weird” that we just don’t talk about? The reality is that every year, about 42.5 million American adults (or 18.2 percent of the total adult population in the United States) suffers from some mental illness, enduring conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Perhaps the stigma is the result of not understanding that mental illness, is just like any other physical illness. If left untreated a physical illness can get worse and cause a myriad of problems. But, if the physical illness is treated the chances of feeling better and being able to live a normal life is increased. The same is true with mental illness. Mental illness can be treated, and those with mental illness can go on to live productive and happy lives.

Linda Baron-Katz understands this concept. She has gone through a life dealing with mental illness and thus is an advocate for mental illness awareness. Linda wants to help bridge the gap of understanding regarding mental illness and how to overcome the stigma attached to mental illness. In Linda’s award winning book, “My Story”, Linda shares how she survived a history of family mental illness and her own mental illness. As Linda shares in this interview, her hope is that those suffering from mental illness will find a way to heal and the inspiration to preservers. Linda also hopes to educate society and to decrease the stigma that surrounds mental illness. Through surviving mental illness, you’ll find that recovery and living a thriving life is possible

Through the years Linda Baron-Katz was faced with challenges that were difficult to overcome, but worked hard to achieve recovery. As part of her recovery from mental illness, she became active and volunteered for a variety of mental health organizations. Linda became a member of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness or formerly called National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) and published articles about her life in New York City Voices, a newspaper for people with mental illness to share their personal recovery stories. Both of these agencies helped fight against stigma and other issues pertaining to mental illness. Soon after, Linda found employment working for agencies that help others with mental illness reach their goals and dreams. Today, Linda is happily married, an author who has published two books.  “My Story” which won a Silver Medal Award by Readers Favorite for best non-fiction/autobiography and came in First Place and won the Life Journeys Award for best memoir/biography from Readers Views.

For Further Insight:
Linda's Website: http://www.survivingmentalillness.net/
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Book on Amazon, Peter and Lisa: A Mental Illness Children's Story
Book on Amazon, Surviving Mental Illness: My Story