Meet Tj Ruberto

We were lucky to catch up with Tj Ruberto recently and have shared our conversation below.

TJ, we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental 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.

They say there are two sides to every story. In my case, I represent both of them.

My name is TJ Ruberto and I am bipolar. I have spent my entire life riding the rollercoaster of a mental health disorder I thought I had no control over until I discovered my super power.

I learned that relying on creativity allows me a semblance of normality. I have painted, sculpted, glued, and coloured. I have hyperfixated on a multitude of creative mediums while riding a manic wave and given up in frustration when the lows became too much. But there has been one creative outlet that has been a constant in my existence and, truthfully, saved my life and that is the emotional release I experience through poetry and prose.

The first poem I remember writing a poem was in grade eight and it started me on a trajectory which has allowed me to communicate the difficult and the beautiful emotions I have experienced throughout all phases of my story. I have found inspiration in darkness and light, in the extraordinary and the mundane. I have stopped mid conversation to jot down notes and ideas. I have pulled over on the side of the road many times to send myself voice notes or texts with inspirational questions and prompts.

Do I write every day? No. I will go weeks without writing anything having found balance in my mental health. Then there are times when I feel as though my world is falling apart and I have to release those thoughts and that energy by putting pen to paper. There are times when my brain won’t shut off and the only way to quiet the chaos is to write, write, write. It’s a matter of self preservation and persevering through a mental health disorder which is often misunderstood.

What I love about poetry is the unique way in which a writer can communicate complex emotions to readers who may not be able to relate to or comprehend mental health challenges and triumphs. When I self-published my poetry book, Pieces of My Mind, in 2021 I did so as proof to myself that I could do anything I poured my heart and soul into. I did it because I wanted to share with others what living with bipolar disorder felt like. It didn’t matter to me if I sold one copy or 100,000 copies. I just wanted to share a piece of myself with the world. Reaching this goal was a dream come true. Today, I can say I have put something out into the world that I am proud of and I have a tangible representation of my emotions.

Poetry will forever remain the greatest tool in my mental health toolbox. It will continue to be my flashlight in the dark and build bridges to and fro between the spectrum of emotions I experience throughout my life and for that I will forever be grateful.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m not certain of what the future holds for my literary life. I do know writing will remain a constant outlet for me and, with any luck, perhaps another book will come to fruition.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I think poetry is accessible to anyone regardless of eduction, social class, religion, or background. It is a journey. To be successful you simply need a willingness to listen to your own heart and put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard).

I hope to one day help aspiring writers beginning their poetic exploration. I would strongly encourage them to explore some stream of consciousness writing. It is a unique experience listening to your own thoughts and jotting them down as and when they crop up. No filter, no desire for perfection, and no judgement of oneself.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

My parents have always been my biggest fans. My dad provided me with an environment of non judgment and taught me the power of listening without a need to respond. He never had to tell me he was proud of me or my creative endeavours. I just knew.

Now my mum on the other hand is my cheerleader. She has sung my praises my entire life and allowed me to grow into a strong and independent woman. Her unrelenting belief that I am a celebration worthy author and poet has allowed me to gain a confidence within myself regardless of my mental state or the reception which I receive for my written work.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @tjwhitewrites