Thriving with A Mental Health Diagnosis - With Kate Simonet *FOR TEENS*

I am excited to have a special guest, Kate Simonet, on the show today to discuss her eye-opening and inspiring journey she's been on since her mental health hit an all time low during her senior year at high school. What followed was a two-weeklong psychiatric hospitalization stays and a suicide attempt, before being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Once thinking that was going to limit her in life, Kate is now an author, inspirational speaker and Program Manager at the amazing youth mental health organization, Thumbs Up. Tune in to hear Kate's inspiring story of rising above her struggles to prove that a diagnosis doesn't have to define you or confine your life. There's also helpful advice on what to do if someone you love is diagnosed with a mental health condition and how to better support them. Check out Kate's book, Out of the Darkness, on Amazon here. Here's more from Kate about her journey & why she wrote such an honest and brave book: "As a senior in high school, I had what many would call an "All-American Life." I was varsity captain in three sports, was named the most athletic female in my highschool, an academic honors student, and, in seven short months, I would be on my way to a Division II college to pursue my education and compete on the cross country and track team. My parents are supportive and married. I have a loving sister. I was truly happy and thankful for the life I had and all the hard work I had put in to get me to where I was. Despite this "All-American" background, nothing had prepared me for the downward spiral that led me to two, two-weeklong psychiatric hospitalization stays and a suicide attempt before those seven months were up. I would later be diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and, with time, learn to overcome stigma, and eventually find peace and learn to live a successful and meaningful life. If I had a better understanding of what mental illnesses looked like and had the correct resources and language to ask for help, things would not have been so difficult for my younger self. I believe that if my parents and friends had known more about mental health issues I would not have had to go through what I did. I wish there were more awareness and education of how mental health issues can affect even a successful, driven, loved, and supportive kid. I don't want what happened to me to happen to anyone else. I hope by sharing my story I can bring awareness to mental health and give the reader a sense of hope. If people do not share their experiences, how do we learn from one another and help each other along the way?"