Ellen Forney: Finding Balance in Bipolar

Overview

• Speaker: Ellen Forney
• Event: TEDxSeattle, November 2019
• Main Topic: Balancing creativity and mental health while managing bipolar disorder

Key Points

Ellen Forney’s Background

• Ellen is a storyteller, artist, and mental health advocate.
• Diagnosed with bipolar disorder, she uses her experience as a platform for hope.
• Author of two notable books:
  • Marbles: Mania, Depression, Michelangelo, & Me (A graphic memoir about her diagnosis and journey)
  • Rock Steady: Brilliant Advice from My Bipolar Life (A guide to maintaining mental health)
• Rock Steady was recognized in JAMA’s Best of Graphic Medicine 2018.

Main Themes

Creativity and Mental Health

• Ellen shares her journey of maintaining creativity while managing her bipolar disorder.
• Utilizes her own comics to communicate her experiences and strategies.
• Developed a personal system for achieving and maintaining balance.

Advocacy and Contributions

• Ellen is active in mental health advocacy through her art and speaking engagements.
• Curated a traveling exhibition on Graphic Medicine for the National Library of Medicine.
• Her self-care framework is used by therapists and clinicians.

TEDxSeattle and TEDx

• TEDxSeattle: A local, independently organized TED event.
• TEDx events aim to spark discussion and connection within communities.
• TEDx is part of the global TED initiative, "ideas worth spreading,"

Additional Resources

• Visit TEDxSeattle for more talks and community activities.
• Learn more about TEDx events and how to organize one in your community.

Related Content

• Explore other TED talks related to mental health and bipolar disorder.
• Suggested talks include those by Vikram Patel, Sangu Delle, and Helen M. Farrell.

Conclusion

• Ellen Forney uses her personal experiences to inspire and guide others facing similar mental health challenges.
• Her work bridges the gap between creativity and mental health management, advocating for balance and self-care.