Meet Lauren Gann | Bipolar Community Leader
We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Gann and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Lauren, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I went through a very traumatic process to be diagnosed with a Serious Mental Illness (Bipolar 1). I am interested in spreading awareness, teaching the world what I have learned, and improving the mental health of those affected by mental illness and beyond. I think that pharmaceuticals are necessary for me, but they do not magically give you perfect mental health. Given the growing mental health issues in America, I feel this is the perfect time to promote improvements in the community’s mental health. I plan to do this by supporting and creating non-pharmaceutical “remedies” shown to improve mental health. These non-pharmaceutical “remedies” will be founded on community; they are not meant to replace medical advice and needed intervention. Proposed “remedies” will include art, yoga, meditation, movement, among others. I plan to impact any person who is empowered to improve their mental health through connection, movement and hope while providing information regarding known medical interventions and programs.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I work professionally as a project manager in the IT department of UTMB in Galveston. I started my journey out of college after getting my Chemistry degree when I was recruited by Epic Systems Corporation in Verona, WI – an electronic medical record software company. I had no real world experience, but my resume, with 5 concurrent jobs, led them to hiring me as a project manager for implementation services. I traveled 80% of the time, and it affected my moods and mental health. I decided to quit and move to San Diego where I worked many jobs including but not limited to: Project Manager, Business Analyst, Juicer at a juice bar, yoga receptionist, cannabis consultant, night club cocktail waitress, CEO of a candle business, and door to door sales. I fundamentally believe every job I have had (many) gave me transferable skills. I had many jobs because of my manic episodes interrupting my work life, and because of my constant search for a palatable career. My life path and jobs allowed me to do diverse work such as managing an FDA recall, building workflows for the hospital software, submitting a capital IT portfolio for a large hospital, create a program to onboard and train 15 non IT individuals, and selling candles every Sunday at the La Jolla farmers market. I learned soft skills but I have a foundation in technical and analytical thinking. I learned that every experience gives you a new tool for the next obstacle, if you are intentional with your experiences. I overcame my challenges with pure grit and perseverance. I want all young adults to understand that they need to have as many novel experiences as possible – work related and not – to grow your personality, your skill set, and thus your future impact. Success is not just talent, it’s not just hard work, it’s about people and collaboration. The most important thing for success is for someone to learn how they learn and never stop learning. Be intentional with your decisions and never give up!
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in The Woodlands currently, and honestly, I need to get out more. My favorite spots are Zanti Italian restaurant and Moonshine Ice House – either a fancy and laid back vibe. I also frequent the WaterWay and Market Street going to Cru Wine Bar and Sixty Vines. I enjoy the trails and trees all around me, walking them with my dog, Charlie. I enjoy the Natural History Museum and Herman Park when I go into the city. My brother and his wife, who I am very close to, live in the Heights, thus you will find me there every so often.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My current state of life, which is very blessed, would not be made possible without my family and thousands of super smart scientists and doctors. When I was very sick and recovering from my manic episodes, my family stood by me. My family understood that I have a medical disability. The nights when I was in very dark places, I could feel the prayers from my family coming through. With their support, I was able to stay hopeful. I internalized that every moment and emotion is temporary. Even in the darkest of time, I could see a future where I had conquered my disorder. If there is one thing I have learned, it is that a strong support network and community is a key to stability and grit. With the help of my support network, the medications that have been developed for my disorder are life savers. Mental illness treatment is not perfect, but it had advanced dramatically in the last 50 years. While it is overwhelming to take medications until one works, I am blessed that there are so many options to assist with mood stability and psychosis management. Support and medications has allowed me to overcome many days and years that could have ended my story. I hope to provide a structure to help others who need support – the type of support that has helped me.
Instagram: @i_Am_CrazyGood
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gann/
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