Karen Gerson TALKS Mental Health Journey + ‘I Should Not Be Here’ | JTWJE EP #415

Author’s Note: Because Karen B. Gerson and I discussed serious topics related to mental health on the podcast, if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please visit the Mental Health Hotline website or call 9-8-8.

It is a thrill to welcome my longtime mentor, Karen B. Gerson, to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.

Karen is a writer, advocate, and survivor who uses her lived experience with mental illness to break stigma and inspire understanding. Her debut memoir, I Should Not Be Here, explores the ripple effects of OCD, PTSD, and depression—not only on those who live with them, but on the families and communities who love and support them. Through honesty, vulnerability, and hope, Karen’s work reminds readers that survival itself is an act of courage. A lifelong educator and community leader, Karen has dedicated over twenty years to program development and youth engagement within the Jewish community. She has also worked extensively with First Call, an organization that reduces the impact of substance use disorder, where she serves on the Board of Directors.

Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Karen earned her Bachelor of Science in K–8 Education from The Ohio State University and her Executive Master of Public Administration from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. She has lived in Leawood, Kansas, for more than 25 years with her husband, Jeffry, their two sons, Gilli and Eitan, their dog Skeye, and Stuart the "big" bunny. When she's not writing, Karen can be found watching her boys play soccer, cheering for Sporting Kansas City, practicing yoga, traveling to her favorite places like Israel and Costa Rica, and celebrating life's moments with friends and family.

On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Karen B. Gerson spoke about incorporating the voices of her loved ones into her memoir and shared tips to support loved ones’ mental health journeys!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.