We recently connected with Susan Johnson and have shared our conversation below.

Susan, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

My mission is to help break stigma of those living with mental illness and educate those who are not. I had trauma in the past as a woman diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1995. It kept creeping up and haunting me through dreams , songs and memories. Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder. It is a chemical imbalance in your brain which causes mood disorder. Mania is a part of having the illness. It is a feeling of euphoria, extreme highs that you never want to end. There are also devasting lows to the point of suicide. The problem is you can’t control your thoughts, moods, words or actions. Bipolar disorder is genetic. To escape from the past I began to write my healing story. I didn’t know where to begin so living in Vegas I went to a how to write a memoir workshop at the Gold Coast Casino. I began to write, but like many authors I needed more structure. I signed up for a non credit class at the local junior college. I met an 80 year old man who became my mentor. He believed in me and was instrumental in my writing journey. After years writing handwritten papers “Some Dreams Are Worth Keeping ” was born. I felt ashamed for many years of living with a mental illness. Going public with my memoir was terrifying and liberating at the same time.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My book was published in 2015. That opened many doors. The next big thing that happened was when I joined Toastmaster’s International and learned to overcome my fear of public speaking. Toastmaster’s is a safe place to learn how to speak along with building leadership and to become a competent communicator. My bipolar disorder set off high amount of anxiety. I was the girl who had to hide my shaking knees under long skirts. I had to make a run to the bathroom because my stomach was so tied up. With time and the help of special mentors and the entire group I overcame my fear. Soon I was speaking at every opportunity in my community. I spoke a bible studies, author events, and book clubs. I began being a guest on many podcasts. Then came an opportunity to blog for a mental health magazine which I did for a number of years. I had a TEDx talk on my bucket list. If you don’t know what that is it’s an opportunity to get on a big stage and spread an idea worth sharing. Soon my dream came to life when a past president of my Toastmaster’s group brought a TEDx to Las Vegas. That began my 2 year preparation journey of hard work during the pandemic. I am writing a second book on my secrets to great mental health. More details of my Tedx journey will be found there. I am proud of many things including having a college degree in Sociology from Drake University. I am proud of my book and overcoming my fears. I feel blessed to also have a day job working with students with learning disabilities in an elementary school. This is something I have always wanted. What matters to me most is my family. I have been married to an amazing man Gary for 17 years. I am a cat mom to a mouthy and sweet Siberian cat Sterling. I am close to my mom and dad. I have a beautiful goddaughter who is 14. I love spending time with her.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Going to college along with a new diagnosis of bipolar in 1995 was rough. I wanted to be an elementary school teacher. I was born and raised in CA. My dad got a job in Iowa. I was going to a community college at the time, but had to trade my flip-flops for snow boots. God sent me a special young psychologist to help me navigate the rough and treacherous waters after I moved. I then went to another community college. I was not happy without any friends and school was hard. I ended up dropping out of a math class because I couldn’t handle it. I was taking Lithium at the time to help control my moods, but it didn’t work. I took the ACT and transferred to a 4 year school Central College in a Dutch town in Iowa. I just wanted to be a normal college kid. School was too hard. Stress sets off bipolar and I was completely stressed out. My grades were not high enough to enter the elementary teaching program. I had a boyfriend that had to help write my papers. I was beyond devastated. My mom came down and made a fuss ,but it didn’t work. So I transferred yet again.to another small school In Oskaloosa, Iowa William Penn. My dad was so excited because it was his home town. My health continued to decline. I ended up on a Halter monitor with anxiety attacks. I joined the soccer team and was told if my chest hurt I had to stop playing because my Lithium levels were off. I had pain while playing ,but didn’t stop. My psychologist told me I could have had a massive heart attack. I dropped out of school I worked as a preschool teacher and that got old fast. I had previously applied to Drake University and decided that I wanted to go back to school. My heart was broken because I had to face the fact that I could not handle the stress of being an elementary teacher. My psychologist always told me there were many other things I could do in an elementary school. It was quite miraculous . School was hard. I remember rolling around my parent’s house screaming I can’t do this anymore. I fought a lot with my mom and dad. I tried to memorize things, but nothing stuck. I met a nice group of friends which was helpful. I had to accept that my C’s in my classes were my A’s. I had to only take a few classes at a time. I didn’t give up and finally on Dec 17th 1999. I graduated. These days I smile as I dust the frame off my diploma and look at a picture of the younger me. I smile because I know I never gave up. I held on to my Catholic faith.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect about being an author is the impact it has on people. I have heard from countless people living with bipolar disorder, anxiety and depression. They share my story has brought them laughter, hope and inspiration. Many family members have reached out as well. People have thanked me for sharing my story because now they understand their loved one more who live with a mental illness. When I blogged I was overwhelmed how my blogs filled with stories and personal experienced touched people around the world. I am honored and humbled when I see a book sale through Amazon from a person buying and reading my book half way around the world. Giving my TEDx is my legacy and I am so grateful for that opportunity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wwww.sjohnsonauthor.com
• Instagram: @ sjohnsonbooks
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sjohnsonbooks
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgeURPOQ8Ig
• Other: My book “Some Dreams Are Worth Keeping” A Memoir of My Bipolar Journey is sold on Amazon.
  Above in You Tube is my TEDx link .

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