ForLikeMinds

04/24/2026

The less I know, the better I’ll be? No. Ignoring it doesn’t make it disappear. It makes it stronger. Face it. Learn it. Understand it—with the help of people who care and professionals who know. Knowledge is power. Power is how you fight. And win. Stop denying. Start accepting. Denial delays treatment. Acceptance drives it. Acceptance isn’t weakness. It’s courage.

04/21/2026

Living with bipolar! And thriving.

We build loving, long-term relationships, succeed in our careers, and lead in our communities. People living with bipolar can have it all.

We want everyone with bipolar to experience recovery: a full, meaningful life as they define it. Our strongest weapon against stigma is lived experience—proof that recovery is possible.

Lived experience belongs on the treatment team, alongside psychiatrists and therapists. That’s why I created Bipolar Thriving: Bipolar Recovery Coaching. We help people living with bipolar-and those who love them-live their best lives. We don’t replace clinicians; we complement them.

I was inspired by peer specialists. Evidence shows they increase hope, empowerment, and quality of life; strengthen engagement and self-efficacy; improve relationships with providers; and reduce hospitalizations.

That’s the power of lived experience.

Bipolar Thriving is built on compassion, credible guidance, and fair pay. Together with Recovery Coaches Grossman and Marshall, we can help people move toward recovery more quickly and confidently.

If you meet someone who is struggling, share this with them. Let them know you’ve seen hope-send them our way.

04/13/2026

Free Workbook – Sharing is Caring. The endorsements were strong. Sales were solid. But I still wasn’t reaching as many people as I hoped—especially those who could truly benefit from what I’ve learned on my journey. So I made a decision: I’m making my workbook available for free to reach more people, more widely. My greatest joy is seeing others living with serious mental illness find recovery, just as I have. Helping others do the same isn’t just important to me—it’s my life’s mission. You can access the workbook here: https://bit.ly/4tNhmSe . Please feel free to share it with anyone who might benefit—especially someone who may be struggling. And if you do, send them a hug from me.
Xo, Katherine

04/11/2026

Happy beautiful weekend (finally). I'm hoping for a little lady bug action ❤️

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04/05/2026

Psych Ward Greeting Cards – An Easter Story

Barb is extraordinary. She lives in the hearts of so many—including mine. Since nearly the very beginning of our program, she has contributed hundreds of cards. But she didn’t stop there—she went on to create her own affiliate program at her local Buffalo psych ward and still continues to donate cards to our other hospitals. Barb shows up fully, with generosity, creativity, and heart.

This Easter, she gave us an especially meaningful gift: cards made by patients, for patients. The first 15 or so cards featured here are theirs. I was deeply moved to receive them.

I asked Barb to share a bit about her experience working with patients. Her enthusiasm, compassion, and dedication shine through in every word.

“My visit went well. First group was adults....I gave my little talk about you and why you started the program...to let psych pts know they are not alone, donors care and are thinking of them and sending uplifting messages. They all chose a card, sometimes asking if they can have 2 (of course!). Then I spread out the card making supplies. I like to give lots of choices because they don't get any choices (breakfast time now, meds now, meet with therapist, art therapy time, etc)...so lots of colored card stock, lots of stickers, stamp pads in Easter colors, and lots of bunny and egg stencils, which was a big hit. Not easy using a blending brush (something new for them!) and most made a couple of cards. It surprised me when several handed me a card they had made, saying "I'd like to donate this one to the program". They kept one for a friend, a mom, a roommate, and 2 made cards for their young daughters at home that they missed so much. Same thing at next group of teenager patients. So, a great colorful creative day!”

Can you imagine how special she made those patients feel? Truly seen. Truly cared for.

Every single card has that power. One card can make one can make a patient feel remembered and valued. The impact is hard to put into words, but you can feel it.

And you can be part of it—simply by donating a card.

Thank you, Barb, for this beautiful gift. And heartfelt thanks to all of our March/April card donors (over 500 cards donated and chocolate too) and financial contributors—you are making a difference in ways that matter deeply.

April card donors/financial contributors: Amanda of NY, Amber of NY, Barb of NY, Bry Lin Patients of NY, Chris of NY, Janis of WA, Jann of NY, Joan, Joanne of WI, Karen, Karlie of Rewind of NY, Kiana of Toronto, Canada, Linda, Lola Barb of NY, Mandy of NY, Marge of NY, Nicole of NY, Olzvza of SC, Ramya of NC and Sophie of WI.

Affiliates: If you’re interested in launching a Psych Ward Greeting Cards affiliate in your community, I’d love to support you. I’ll help in any way I can. My dream is to see this program reach patients in hospitals all across the country.

Psych Ward Greeting Cards est. 2019. Over 25,000 psych patients reached. You can donate to our program too. www.psychwardgreetingcards.org

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!

04/01/2026

Happy Passover to all those who celebrate.

03/30/2026

HAPPY WORLD BIPOLAR DAY! to all those who celebrate and we all should

03/19/2026

Psych Ward Greeting Cards - I love youth. They are our future. Kiana gives me hope. She brought her friends together to create a powerful donation full of laughter, compassion, and empathy, thoughtfulness, and wisdom – over 200 lovingly made cards!! Kiana is a Grade 11 student and founder of Sunday Steps 4 Mental Health (https://www.sundaysteps4mentalhealth.ca/). It is a youth-led nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking the stigma around youth mental health while raising funds for mental health initiatives and supporting young patients. They achieve this through a variety of activities, including events, arts and crafts programs, fundraisers, walks, and more. I love this donation so much.

03/15/2026

I 💕💕💕 butterflies. Have a great night. Miss u.

03/12/2026

For 16 years, I thought this was just “how it is.”- A five-minute diagnosis. A doctor who fell asleep. Another who told me I would only get worse. Care without hope. Care without care. The day I found a psychiatrist who held hope for me was the day things began to change. I haven’t had a manic episode in 12 years. Good mental health care exists. And you deserve it. You deserve a doctor who listens, who believes you, and who believes your life can get better. If your care feels dismissive, hopeless, or harmful—please don’t settle. Starting over is hard – I know. Advocating for yourself is hard – it’s intimidating. But staying stuck is harder. Expect and demand good care. Your life is worth it.

03/08/2026

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY - Today I am remembering the contributions of Dorothea Dix (1802–1887) to our community - a pioneering 19th-century American activist who revolutionized mental health care by exposing the inhumane, caged conditions of the mentally ill in jails and almshouses. She championed the creation of state-run mental hospitals, establishing or expanding over 30 institutions to provide compassionate, therapeutic treatment. I am also celebrating the brave and courageous women in this community.

Today marks the 218th birthday of Dorothea Lynde Dix, one of the America’s most eminent reformers of the living conditions and treatment of the mentally ill.

03/04/2026

People with mental illness are strong and resilient, brave and courageous. Living with mental illness takes stamina, it takes grit. We’re doing it. Join us on our page.