About Lauren Dow, Author, Podcast Host, & Advocate

Over the last ten years, travel became my way of life. I backpacked Europe and South America for almost a year, learning about new cultures and stepping beyond my comfort zone. I drove around the United States for months on end camping every night, rain or shine.

Yet, despite where I ended up in this world, there was one thing that I couldn’t escape: myself.

In 2018, I was diagnosed with an eating disorder and have been navigating a world of major depression and anxiety for over a decade. In 2020, my mental health hit rock bottom when I attempted to take my own life. I felt alone in this world. I believed my life wasn’t worth living, I would never change, and worst of all, I hated the person I saw in the mirror. But when I faced the darkest parts of myself, I had to make one incredibly important decision: I had to choose to live.

Since then, I’ve been on the road to recovery and in 2021 was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. My work is dedicated towards helping others by sharing stories of grief, healing, and growth while continuing the conversation about mental health through writing, speaking, and connecting. I’m here to share my personal journey of recovery (read the full story here) and help to break down the stigma and shame associated with mental illness.

It’s time to join in on the conversation, to advocate for those who feel alone, and be a voice for those that can’t find their own.

Together, let’s feel what we need to feel, grow from the obstacles in our way, and never forget that we are not alone. Thank you for trusting me and becoming a part of this community. I’m so happy you’re here.