4 Years Without an Episode

I'M ON LITHIUM in Austin Nov 16th

PLEASE COME OUT + SPREAD THE WORD if you live or know anybody in Austin!!! I’ll be performing “I’M ON LITHIUM: A Comedic Journey About Bipolar Disorder” on Saturday, November 16th at 7pm at the Fallout Theater. You can reserve tickets here or by clicking the photo above. Discount code: LITHIUM

I’m also very excited to be performing at the Altercation Comedy Festival. My showcase set is Thursday, November 14th at 9:15pm at the Kick Butt Cafe. The festival is full of amazing comedians. You can get a pass for the entire 4 day fest or tickets for individual nights. Click here or the photo above.

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November marks FOUR YEARS since I’ve had a manic or depressed episode. I don’t even know what to say. I don’t even know how to express my gratitude for being in a prolonged recovery from such a serious mood disorder. This is really cool. I’m optimistic that I can stay well for the long haul if I stay the course and continue to make my mental health central to my life. If I do have another episode, I know that I have enough of a support system in place to hopefully nip it in the bud quickly and minimize any fallout. Again, though, I am optimistic that I’m done with this mania bullshit. My psychiatrist is also optimistic. People can be in recovery from Bipolar Disorder for many years, even for the rest of their lives, if they get a handle on it. I’m hoping that can be me.

Now I want to continue to be helpful to others. It took me way too long to get with the program and stop trying to outrun Bipolar Disorder. I’ve created many setbacks and undermined my life over the years. I’ve caused lots of heartache for others. I still have lingering regrets and shame because of this. I do find redemption, though, in trying to be helpful. I’ve been volunteering with NAMI-NYC (National Alliance on Mental Illness-New York City) as an ‘In Our Own Voice’ presenter. I go to inpatient units, outpatient programs and other locations, and I tell my story of mental health recovery to provide living proof that somebody can come out the other end of experiencing mental illness. It’s not a death sentence.

I also pride myself on using comedy to destigmatize Bipolar Disorder. I think this is what I can uniquely contribute as a mental health advocate who has been performing stand up comedy for over 20 years. In the name of honest self-expression, I’ve been forced to dig deep to make very painful and personal things funny. Getting groups of people to laugh with me about those things has had the effect of helping to heal my vulnerability and shame. It’s also had the effect of making other people feel less alone about something they or one of their loved ones may be going through. That means a whole lot to me.

The truth is there’s a mental illness epidemic in our country. I really believe that it is all hands on deck to help each other out however we can. I’m happy to play my part.

Love,

JFOD