Mental Health Storytelling Event THIS IS MY BRAVE Comes To New York City

This Is My Brave, Inc. (TIMB), the national nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the stigma surrounding mental illness through storytelling, returns to New York City Monday, September 24, 7pm at Mason Hall at Baruch College. This one-night-only performance features NYC-area community members sharing true stories about their personal challenges with mental illness and health. These stories open a dialogue and create new opportunities for participants and audiences to thoughtfully engage around the topic of mental health.

One in five American adults face mental health issues (National Institute of Mental Health). Yet, the conversation around mental illness continues to carry shame, and many people who deal with mental health challenges remain silent. This Is My Brave aims to break that silence by celebrating and honoring the stories of people who are dealing with mental illness, and the stories of their loved ones. Since its first show in 2014 in Arlington, Virginia, This Is My Brave: The Show has featured over 650 people sharing their stories in 45 performances across the United States and in Australia.

Each performance is hosted and produced by a local producer or partner organization, with support from TIMB. Local teens and adults audition to be part of each event and performance submissions encompass struggles and perspectives on any form of mental illness including depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, suicide attempts, anorexia or bulimia, schizophrenia, PTSD, and more. Stories can be shared via comedy, spoken word essay, original poetry, or original song; caregivers and loved ones are also encouraged to participate. The resulting live one- or two-night-only events are open to all ages and regularly sell out.

"I continue to be blown away at what the This Is My Brave community is able to accomplish, together," stated Co-Founder and Executive Director Jennifer Marshall. "Each year we've grown and offered more and more storytelling performances. Our storytellers use the hashtag "#StorytellingSavesLives" because it's true. I've heard countless stories from people around the country who say that our show inspired them to keep fighting and to have the courage to share their own struggles. This show marks our second time in New York City, and I'm so proud that this momentous occasion is also during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. I know our New York storytellers will offer hope and courage to all who attend."

The New York City Producer is Amy Wasserman, comedian, blogger, and pharmaceutical representative; Julie Stark, a NY State Licensed Psychotherapist, serves as mental health advocate for the production; and Dennis Kenney, Creative Director and stylist, directs the show. Kenney, a Carnegie Mellon University Drama Program alumnus will serve as Creative Director and emcee for this production; he has performed professionally across in the U.S. in touring productions of 42nd Street, Mamma Mia, Mame, and more.

"Julie, Dennis, and I are so excited to present this New York This Is My Brave performance, especially during Suicide Awareness Month" commented Wasserman. "I heard Jennifer Marshall speak at a conference, was blown away, and knew that I needed to get involved. We all have connections to mental illness and health, whether it's something we deal with personally, through friends and family, or through professional connections. Our storytellers have diverse backgrounds and life experiences and our Creative Director Dennis is weaving together their courageous stories into a beautiful evening of stories, music, and community."

Tickets go on sale July 24: $25 general admission; $20 students
https://thisismybrave.org/events/timb-the-show-nyc

Mental health professionals will be on hand for any audience members who need support during the performance.