Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gina Capobianco. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Gina, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I think I struggled to find my purpose in life, but I have finally figured it out. My purpose is to share my story of overcoming illness and using writing as a healing tool. I was 14 when depression first entered my life. The illness of depression has been with me for over 36 years. When I was faced with stigma because of my depression and accompanying anxiety several years ago, it not only hurt, but it angered me to the point that I decided to start advocating for better care in mental illness. Up to that point I viewed my writing as literary. I transformed my thinking and decided that my writing served a purpose. I could use my writing to share my story of living with mental illness and help others. The books I’ve written and the talks I’ve given since then have all served to connect with others about living with mental illness. I have also given talks on using writing as a healing tool. I started a blog about living with depression. It helps me to write the posts and others are helped by reading my posts. Little did I know that this would become even more important to me a month after starting the blog when I was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. I write every day. On chemotherapy days I write even more. It helps me process my illness. I have been able to share my journey to help others. That gives me a purpose. It allows my suffering with illness, now both physical and mental, to have meaning. I am determined to use my story to help others. I plan to keep writing and sharing my story.
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?
First and foremost, I am a mental health advocate. I use my writing and speaking abilities to share hope in the struggle with both mental and physical illness. I have written five books and given numerous talks. Four of my books are poetry books about living with depression and anxiety. My most recent book, “Traveling the Healing Journey: Finding the Light in Mental Illness” is my memoir of a life with mental illness. My books are available in bookstores and on Amazon. For 26 years I was a special education teacher. My cancer diagnosis is taking that part of my life away. I see it as an opportunity to advocate for mental health and provide writing as a healing tool workshops more often. Once I reach more healing with my cancer diagnosis, I intend to get back out there and speak at different events and for different groups. Writing has always been healing for me. From the early days of my depression as a teenager writing poems to now as a middle-aged woman running a depression blog and writing books, writing has always been healing for me. I intend to share that power with others. I also plan to write another book this spring. My hope is to capture the journey I have been on battling both cancer and depression. I want my journey to give hope to others.
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?
This is a difficult question because I am just learning to see my strengths. I think writing is the strength that has most impacted my life. I am able to transform my thoughts into the written word in a way that is healing for me and helpful to others. This has impacted my journey because writing allows me to release all that becomes pent up in my mind. By releasing them, I am able to process what I am going through. Another quality is the ability to accept help. I have an incredible mental health team and amazing health care providers. I have learned that it is okay to lean on them. At times I have had to rely on their hope for me to get through my illnesses. That is not easy to do. It is a skill I have developed. Another quality I possess is the willingness to share my story. I believe that by sharing our stories we help each other. We are able to connect with others, which is vital to healing. It is knowing that we are not alone that we are able to heal. My advice to others who are early in their journeys is to remember that it is okay not to be okay. We all go through difficult times. We all benefit from the support of others. Seek out help and be willing to accept the support of others.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
The biggest challenge I am facing is illness. Cancer and depression have made life a struggle. I had become accustomed to fighting the depression. Cancer was a diagnosis I wasn’t expecting. It has been a fight to get better. My doctor has explained that it is a battle I will face throughout the rest of my life. Her optimism has allowed me to fight with a positive attitude. My health care providers, both mental and physical, and some of my family and friends have given me the courage to fight this challenge. They have shown me that I can have hope. I can still be productive despite my illnesses. I can use my experiences to help others who are facing illness. Some days I get down and wonder if I really can make a difference, but my team lifts me up and encourages me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ginacapobianco.com
- Instagram: @capobiancoauthor
- Facebook: @GCapobiancoauthor
- Twitter: @gina_capobianco
- Youtube: @ginacapobianco3898
- Other: Blog: https://depressionbentnotbroken.blogspot.com/?m=1
Image Credits
Author Head Shot: ZsuZsi Photography
