-
Michelle Yang, Writer
Having worked with professional copywriters in the creative industry for over 4 years and with gifted writers in the nonprofit sector for 6 years before that, I faced significant trepidation calling myself a “writer.” I was the organized one with the business sense: a marketer, a producer, a project manager. Not a professional “creative.” As someone who’s suffered from imposter syndrome my whole life, this is no easy barrier to overcome. Still, I started writing because I was dedicated to a mission. To convince those newly diagnosed with mental health conditions that it is not a life sentence because a happy full like is still well within reach. This was…
-
Courage is not the absence of fear
“Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear.” -Franklin D. Roosevelt Over four months have passed since I began writing and talking about my mental health condition opening. Still, fear creeps in every day, haunting me. Mostly, I’m fearful about how my…
-
“Coming Out”
On Wednesday, May 1, 2019, I “came out” to the world about my mental health. My story, “My Mental Illness Did Not Prevent Me From Suceeding, But The Stigma Nearly Did” was published on a major outlet. I had pitched my story in early February and was over the moon when the editor responded later that month. I had been eagerly anticipating its publication ever since. There would be no turning back after this “Coming Out.” Sure, I had already told my story to my own social circles, but this was a national, even international, stage. I set out to tell my story to make myself an example, an advocate.…
-
memoir in progress
Not too long ago, I went to a book store and put my hand where my future book will be. It was a powerful feeling to put my energy there. It took me a while to admit that I’m writing a memoir. I wrote a mission statement for my book first. I had to overcome knowing how arrogant (and douchey) it sounded to be in my late thirties writing a memoir. But I’m doing it. I needed this story when I was first starting out in my mental health recovery journey and almost twenty years later and there’s still a void where a book like this should be – an…
-
guilt, shame, and stereotypes
“...you can't advocate for yourself if you won't admit what you are.” -Lindy West
-
Dear Potential Employers
Unfortunately, I soon found myself mysteriously passed over for jobs for which I was well-qualified. Repeatedly ghosted on opportunities where the recruiter initially sought me out, for which my skills and experience seemed perfectly aligned. Hiring managers were suddenly silent after successful rounds of interviews and much momentum.
- Bipolar, Career, Feminism, Happiness, Health, Parenthood, psychosis, Race and Culture, Uncategorized
My first podcast interview is live!
Listen here! How High Achievers Can Mask Mental Health Issues (s3e07) Michelle Yang was a very successful teenager on paper. Michelle was outgoing, earned excellent grades, and worked hard at her immigrant family’s small restaurant. Her constant battle with depression, anxiety and insomnia was less obvious to the world. The stigma against mental health conditions, especially within her family, prevented her from accessing proper help for years. Finally, while studying abroad during college, she suffered from a serious episode that led to her being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Michelle now wants to break that stigma and encourage others by sharing her own story of how a successful career, a happy…
-
Just say hi
Photo by Zac Durant on Unsplash I drove by a homeless man today sitting in front of a drug store entrance with a cardboard sign. When two people walked out, he smiled brightly and greeted them. They in return averted their eyes, pretended not to see him, and shuffled quickly away. What would it be like to have your presence invalidated all the time? For people to not see you? I live in a city where many complain of a “homeless problem.” “Some people just don’t want to be helped,” they say. I have heard kindhearted people dehumanize the homeless. Making jokes, even taking photos of them while they’re sleeping, without consent, and…
-
12 things I do for everyday wellness
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years living with bipolar disorder, it’s that everyone’s different in how we struggle and cope. Every person responds to medications differently and can have greatly varied symptoms. As a peer living with bipolar disorder (I’m not a professional), here are some things that have helped me find everyday wellness: Seek treatment. See medical providers. Is it a psychiatrist for medication, therapist, or just a primary healthcare doctor? Often a team is needed, but however you feel supported, it is so important to seek ongoing care. I’ve learned this the hard way. If I neglect making appointments when I’m well and busy,…
-
Before Me
