🎙️ Episode Title: From Silence to Expression: Jacquese Armstrong's Story of Liberation

Episode Summary

In this episode, Jacquese Armstrong—award-winning poet, mental health advocate, and expressive arts facilitator—shares her powerful journey of healing and liberation through creativity. From the challenges of navigating mental health issues during her college years to the decades-long stigma she faced, Jacquese speaks candidly about what it means to struggle, persevere, and ultimately thrive.

Through her poetry, she gives voice to experiences often left in silence. Jacquese reads several of her moving poems, offering listeners a glimpse into her story of resilience, advocacy, and transformation. She discusses the healing power of creative expression, particularly in marginalized communities, and the ways storytelling builds connection and understanding.

Jacquese also opens up about her courageous decision to transition off medication after 40 years, describing its impact on her life and recovery. The conversation concludes with a reflection on gratitude as an anchor in her healing journey, alongside a reading of her gratitude-themed poem.

Key Takeaways

Creativity and storytelling can be powerful tools for healing.
Stigma often silences people living with mental health challenges—expression breaks that silence.
Poetry and art are vital for advocacy, especially in marginalized communities.
Recovery can take many forms, including bold decisions about treatment and self-care.
Gratitude can be a grounding force in both healing and daily life.

Related Links

Jacquese Armstrong’s work featured in MAD in America
TMI Project
NAMI New Jersey
Women’s eNews
LOLWE (publication featuring Jacquese’s memoir piece)

Calls to Action

Explore Jacquese Armstrong’s poetry and essays for insight into lived mental health experiences.
Engage in creative arts or workshops as a form of healing and self-expression.
Consider gratitude as part of your own healing or wellness journey.
Support mental health advocacy organizations, especially those serving marginalized communities.

Promotional Quotes

✨ “Wow, that is powerful. Your words are so powerful. It's a little bit emotional.” (08:42)

✨ “That really was. And that is a reason why I think I never healed very well because I always kept running. I kept running. I was running into brick walls and I get up and I kept running and I get up and I kept running.” (12:43)

✨ “Sharing it, Jacquese, that can stop somebody else from going through that for 40 years like you did.” (35:38)

✨ “People always say writers should always write and they should always have a discipline practice. And I write when it strikes me, get an idea because it's the idea with me.” (37:19)

✨ “I love that so much. And it's so true, and I am thankful for you for joining me today, Jacquese, for sharing your story and for breaking the mold and for being an advocate for so many.” (50:16)