TRIGGER WARNING: suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, incarceration
The learning we can imbue from the experiences of others is invaluable. And this episode with Kristy Towson is nothing short of an inspirational master class.
I hope you get as much out of her story as I did!! I'm so very grateful we can all learn together from amazing people like Kristy!
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Kristy Towson is a mental health advocate, writer, and award-winning entrepreneur whose personal story of transformation has inspired countless women around the world. Diagnosed with ADHD, ASD, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder, Kristy knows firsthand the complexity and stigma of living with mental illness. But instead of letting her diagnosis define her, she’s built a movement around healing, hope, and the power of storytelling.
Eight years ago, at her lowest point, Kristy tried to end her life by setting fire to her home. Arrested, denied bail, and incarcerated, she thought her story was over. But a simple act of kindness changed her outlook when a prison guard handed her a pen and paper, which lit the spark that changed everything. Writing became her lifeline. She found freedom, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose through words.
Today, Kristy is the founder of Written Hope Publishing, where she helps women share their lived mental health experiences through collaborative books and writing workshops. Her annual anthology series, Speak Up Against Stigma, features courageous, unfiltered stories that empower others to speak their truth and heal out loud.
In May 2025, Kristy will release her highly anticipated memoir, After the Fire, a raw and redemptive story of survival and strength. That same month, she’ll graduate with her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and Publishing from the University of Baltimore, where she was chosen as the student commencement speaker. Her selection is a powerful testament to the impact of her voice and message.
Kristy was honored with the 2024 Resilience Award by Restoration International Worship Center, nominated hands down by her peers for her courageous work in mental health advocacy.She lives in Baltimore, Maryland, with her loving husband, Ronald, and is affectionately known as “Mimi” to her granddaughters, Hazel and Milani. When she's not writing or advocating, Kristy finds joy in interior decorating, playing soulful notes on her singing bowls, enjoying Maryland crabs, and getting competitive during family UNO nights.
