Lizabeth D. Schuch, Author of More Than Bipolar: A Memoir of Acceptance and Hope will speak candidly about her journey with bipolar disorder and how she has been able to live well with an illness that can be so devastating at times. Diagnosed at age 17, Lizabeth offers 30 years’ experience with this mood disorder and insight into its management. Along with a brief reading from her memoir, she will share the wisdom attained to break the hold of the stigma, shame, and fear surrounding this illness as well as the life lessons of acceptance, understanding, and maturity necessary to not only live well with bipolar, but to also move beyond limitations when we identify ourselves as the illness. By sharing her experiences openly, she equips others who are directly affected by this misunderstood illness, as well as those who love and care about them. Her message is one of hope and that a healthy, happy, and productive life with bipolar may indeed be a part of the diagnostic picture.
Lizabeth D. Schuch earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. Formerly a pharmaceutical sales representative, she is pursuing her passion to support others with mental health and substance use issues as the Wellness and Recovery Manager for a community behavioral healthcare agency. She is on the Board of Directors of the National Capital Area Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA). Her publishing credits include “bp Magazine” and guest blogs on www.bipolarhappens.com. She is a requested speaker and panelist, and her memoir received the Editor’s Choice and Rising Star awards from iUniverse. Lizabeth lives with her husband in the Washington, DC area.