Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Simonet.
Hi Kate, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
As a senior in high school, I had what many would call an “All-American Life.” I was varsity captain in three sports, was named the most athletic female in my high school, and was an academic honors student; in seven short months, I would be on my way to a Division II college to pursue my education and compete on the cross country and track team. My parents are supportive and married. I have a loving sister. I was thrilled and thankful for my life and all the hard work I had put in to get me to where I was.
Despite this “All-American” background, nothing had prepared me for the downward spiral that led me to two two-week-long psychiatric hospitalization stays and a suicide attempt before those seven months were up. In the next two years, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and, with time, learned to overcome stigma, and eventually find peace and learn to live a successful and meaningful life. If I had a better understanding of what mental illnesses looked like and had the correct resources and language to ask for help, things would not have been so difficult for my younger self. I believe that if my parents and friends had known more about mental health issues, I would not have had to go through what I did. I wish there were more awareness and education on how mental health issues can affect even a successful, driven, loved, and supportive kid. I don’t want what happened to me to happen to anyone else. By sharing that in my story, I hope to bring awareness to mental health and give the reader hope. If people do not share their experiences, how do we learn from and help each other along the way?
I published my memoir, Out of the Darkness, in July 2022. I only had a few expectations when I initially published. If I could help one other person, that would be a success. Since publishing, I have sold over 1400 copies of my book. I travel to high schools, colleges, and conferences to share my story with the hope of breaking the stigma of dealing with mental health issues. My goal is to normalize the conversation around dealing with mental health struggles and prove that asking for help is a brave and good thing! I want others to know that having a mental health diagnosis does not define who they are. It is simply a part of their story, and it is more than possible to live a happy and successful life regardless of a mental health diagnosis.
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When I was initially diagnosed in 2015, I felt a lot of shame for having a mental illness. I didn’t want others to know, and I lost self-confidence. I had a hard time believing I would ever have a successful career or find someone to marry one day who would accept me for all that I was and all I’d been through. I lived in a lot of fear. I started doing therapy regularly in the spring of 2018 and have been going bi-weekly ever since. Through therapy, I have learned to work through all of my trauma, release the shame of having a bipolar diagnosis, and truly love who I am. Finding my confidence again is what allows me to help other people!
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder. I can feel moods more significantly than the average person. This means when I am unstable, I can experience major depression or, on the other side, mania. Mania includes an elation and euphoric mood. This includes more risk-taking, higher confidence, which is out of character, and sometimes excessive spending habits.
Bipolar disorder is not curable, but it is definitely treatable. I have learned great self-care tools such as staying on a schedule, not abusing drugs or alcohol, having a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. I also see a therapist and psychiatrist and take medication regularly. I know a lot of people can go backward if they quit taking their meds, and I make sure I never miss a dose as it keeps me healthy. There are times when I experience a bit of instability. But I use my coping tools to get me through. I have an excellent support team, including my friends, family, therapist, psychiatrist, and husband. I have not needed inpatient care since I was 20 years old. I am now 29. I am proud of the way I can cope with having bipolar disorder.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I started my business, Choosing Happiness, LLC, when I published my book. I named my LLC after my grandfather. He taught me that we can’t control everything that happens to us in life, but we can control how we respond to it. Like him, I do my best to be resilient and choose happiness daily. I worked in Corporate America for about 5 years after leaving college. Since publishing and sharing my story, I have had difficulty finding purpose in my regular job. Fortunately, I found a position at Thumbs Up as an Operations and Program Manager. I started in November of 2023. It is so fulfilling to work for an organization whose mission is to bring awareness to mental health and provide support and resources to all. Katie is excellent, and I am passionate about my work and what Thumbs Up stands for. Now, I get to do what I love to do every day! The Executive Director, Katie Shatusky, is also great because she allows me to be flexible with my time and speak on the side of working full-time at Thumbs Up!
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Living with a mental health diagnosis is nothing to be ashamed of. I don’t like to call it a “mental illness.” I prefer “mental health injury.” Because that is indeed what it is. In high school and college, I thought I was being “strong” by trying to figure out everything by myself and not knowing anyone else I was struggling. But it is not a matter of being strong or weak. People who experience mental health injuries are sick or injured and need care just as someone needs care for diabetes or a physical injury. No one says to “suck it up” to their cancer or any other health diagnosis. When people used these phrases, it was hurtful even though they thought they were giving me advice. I have learned that it is brave to ask for help and people do not need to suffer alone. Since publishing my book, I have learned that mental health struggles are way more common than I ever knew. People don’t talk about it. Mental illness runs in my family, and I had no idea. I believe if I had known this, things would have been less painful and confusing for me and my family when I went through my mental health crisis. We can break the pattern of suffering and even suicide if we normalize talking about it.
Pricing:
- My book is $17.99 on Amazon and Barnes and Noble online
Contact Info:
- Instagram: choosing_happiness_llc
- Facebook: Choosing Happiness
