The Power of Disability Part 1 — with Victoria Maxwell

Al Etmanski interviews Victoria Maxwell, the Bipolar Princess. They discuss the role of art and creativity in the process of change, the dramatic increase in antidepressant prescriptions and the fact that depression is the number one source of disability in the world today. They also speak to the need for universal mental health care. Victoria explains why we need to shift from recovery as a possibility to recovery as an expectation. The episode ends with Victoria providing the answer to her most recent Psychology Today post, “Is there Love after the Psych Ward?"

“Recovery shouldn’t be a possibility. It should be an expectation.” – Victoria Maxwell

Full episode details: https://www.sfu.ca/vancity-office-community-engagement/below-the-radar-podcast/series/the-power-of-disability/victoria-maxwell.html

Read the transcript: https://www.sfu.ca/vancity-office-community-engagement/below-the-radar-podcast/transcripts/victoria-maxwell.html

ABOUT THE SERIES
The Power of Disability is a series of Below the Radar. Host Al Etmanski brings us enlightening conversations, featuring guests with disabilities who have been influential in arts, activism, science, and more. This series is a continuation of the work Al has shared in the book, The Power of Disability: 10 Lessons for Surviving, Thriving, and Changing the World, which reveals that people with disabilities are the invisible force that has shaped history.

Hear more in this series: https://www.sfu.ca/sfuwoodwards/community-engagement/Below-the-Radar/the-power-of-disability.html

RESOURCES
— Website and free newsletter: http://victoriamaxwell.com/
— Mental Health E-Guides (free and downloadable): http://victoriamaxwell.com/free-resources/
— “Crazy for Life: Escapades of a bipolar princess” via Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/crazy-life

Bio:
Victoria Maxwell, BFA, BPP* is a sought-after international (and funny) keynote speaker, performing artist and workshop leader. She uses her personal story of recovery from mental illness to increase awareness, transform negative beliefs and ignite powerful conversations about mental health.

Blending 30 years as an actor, and 15 as a wellness warrior, Victoria inspires people to take immediate action to improve their well-being. She was named one of Canada’s top leaders in Mental Health by the National Centre for Addiction and Mental Health centre (CAMH) and honoured with the National Difference Makers award.

Her plays, keynotes and other efforts have won or been nominated for over 14 awards. They include the Entertainment Industries Council PRISM Award, SAMHSA Voice Award, best foreign stage play at the Moondance International Film Festival, and one of Top Ten Entrepreneurs with Disabilities. She has blogged for Psychology Today for the past 12 years.

Cite this episode:
Chicago Style

Etmanski, Al. “The Power of Disability Part 1 — with Victoria Maxwell” Below the Radar, SFU’s Vancity Office of Community Engagement. Podcast audio, April 22, 2021. https://www.sfu.ca/vancity-office-community-engagement/below-the-radar-podcast/series/the-power-of-disability/victoria-maxwell.html