We were lucky to catch up with Lauren Bonham recently and have shared our conversation below.
Lauren, we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hops that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
This is a question that most people would shy away from answering. It’s vulnerable. But this is also a question that needs to be talked about more, especially the time we are living in. Smart phones, social media, prescription drugs.. mental health…it’s everywhere.
I can speak to this topic from some of my own experiences. Experiences that I had no idea were coming.. About 5 years ago, I got diagnosed with bipolar I. It was scary as hell and the last thing I expected. I had encountered substance-induced, manic episodes lasting about 7 days. Coming out of these episodes, I didn’t remember a thing. Who I was with, where I was at, or what had taken place. Just complete darkness. I remember the first time, after coming to and realizing I was in a psych ward. Immediately thinking “what the fuck is happening. No, this is not me, I don’t belong here, I’m ‘normal”. Well, little did I know that was only the beginning. My brain had been lit on fire.
Fast forward 2 years later. In and out of 6 different “loony bins” (as my dad and I like to joke about it now), I began to get a handle on things. Well, I booked a one way ticket and moved to Maui. I deleted social media (that didn’t last long), and lived aloha. -Maui truly has healing energy, if you have not been, I highly recommend- Life was amazing there. Along with the gorgeous views and incredible sunsets, the vibe and the people were what made it special.
I wanted to stay on the island forever but I knew I had to get back to my life and continue to work towards the goals and dreams I have. After a year and a half, I moved back to California. Coming back to the mainland (especially California) brought back old ways. Drinking, partying, straying away from who I was in Maui. After a few months being back, I checked into a rehabilitation center for 45 days treating my bipolar diagnosis and substance abuse. Coming out of rehab, I continued to stay sober for 45 days, then another 45 days, and another 45 after that. No episodes, no bipolar thoughts, life began to change.
Making the decision to remain sober, I started to re-define and re-build my life. I found a whole sober community of friends, I fell in love with the activities I once loved -without needing a substance in me- I started taking acting classes, signed with a modeling agency, got certified in teaching yoga, rebuilt my friendships and met an amazing guy. I began to get my life back.
Looking back at the difficult times and the battle between me and my brain, I now see that I had to be put through all of it. Hitting my rock bottom, was what it took for my perspective on things to shift. I wouldn’t be where I am, or who I am, if it weren’t for my mental health. ..The knowledge and experience I have gained, is what drives me to inspire and help others. I now look at mental health issues as a part of each person’s journey. We cannot control it; however, it is something we can overcome and grow stronger from. I no longer look at my bipolar as a “disorder” or a “disease” but I like to think of it as a superpower that I have been blessed with. I can’t wait to one day share that power and share my story to help those who need it.

Professionally, my goal is to be a working film and television actor in the entertainment industry. Right now, I model part time, as well as teach yoga, though acting is where my heart is and what I truly want to pursue.
What do I love about it? It enables me to dive into my creative and artistic side-my bipolar side ironically. I get to draw from my real life experiences and paint stories with real human emotion. I get to be lost in my own imagination and drop any vail of insecurity or self-doubt. I get to meet and collaborate with other creatives as well as travel to new locations. The work is also continuously changing and the schedule, well…there is no consistent schedule…which is perfect for me. My spontaneous personality and unique mind fit right into the art and make me feel as if I fit in somewhere. I get to not be normal and just be me.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
-faith
-belief
-perseverance
I would say, to those who are early in your journey, to first surround yourself with people who believe in you and support you. It is of course, extremely important to believe in ourselves, but having a strong belief system and people to help you back up when you fall, is so important.
Next, have faith. Just believe and trust things are happening for a reason. Everything will turn out exactly how it is supposed to. Don’t question, just stay the course. -and always trust your gut.
Lastly, Grit. You have to have grit. The best things in life do not come easy, so that is where persevering and showing up comes in. No matter how hard it is, just show up and do the work. This is where the real growth and change is. This is also what separates you from others. Lil acronym for grit. G- Get back up when you fall. R- Remember to be patient. I- It’s not going to be easy, but it will be worth it. T- Take risks, the best things in life are on the other side of fear (Will Smith).
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
My dad. Growing up my dad was pretty hard on my brothers and I. He set the bar high and pushed us to be the best we could be. He has taught me the value of a dollar and how important it is to always show up and work hard for what we want. Love ya Dad!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm14957446?ref_=accset_nv_sublvl_nv_usr_profile
- Instagram: lolo.bonham
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-bonham-77b504175/
- Other: https://app.castingnetworks.com/talent/public-profile/1d90ae5c-9a1d-11ed-81ec-65bbac67db7b
Image Credits
Yoko Morimoto, Christian Crook, Kierron Molet, Melinda Roth, Alex Feggi, Max Newhan, Sean McDannold
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.