bipolar disorder. I've seen some dark times, especially with the depressive phase of the

illness. Bipolar depression really got my life off track, but today I'm proud to say

I'm living proof that someone can live, love and be well with the bipolar disorder when

they get the education, support, and treatment they need. Through my music tours, you've

seen me speak out against the shame and silence around mental illness. Now I've started to

bring my mental health advocacy to a new level. Through the Mental Health Listening and Engagement

Tour, I will be learning from some of the most amazing mental health advocats while

sharing my own story so that I can hopefully be a source of inspiration to others. I want

to shine a light on the people out there who, like me, are learning to live well with mental

illness by getting the right diagnosis and finding the right treatment plan. I want to

be the most informed and powerful advocate I can be, and to help people find the courage

to seek help. People living with mental illness often have low expectations because they've

been hurt or disappointed in the past. I want to change that. Our society tends to shame

or ignore those with mental illness, and I want to change that, too. I want people to

expect more from our society and for their futures. The Mental Health Listening and Engagement

Tour kicked off at the JED Foundation, an organization dedicated to emotional health

and preventing suicide. The work they do really matters and is changing the way young people,

their schools and families think about what it means to be healthy. This is all so important

to me and I can't wait to tell you more as I learn more along this tour. In the meantime,

if you or someone you care about could use help, reach out for support. Asking for help

when you're struggling is a sign of strength. You can be your own advocate, and you have

the power to help advocate for the people in your life, too.