EMERALD
forcier
WRITER
SPEAKER
MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE
I write and speak about the things we're often afraid to say out loud: mental illness, failure, trauma, and the complicated business of being human.
Real stories. Honest conversations. A different perspective on resilience.
I challenge audiences to rethink resilience, identity, and the expectations we place on ourselves. Through candid storytelling, humor, and hard-won perspective, I explore the intersection of mental illness, achievement, trauma, and the pursuit of a meaningful life.
SPEAKING
Whether you are looking for a keynote address, panelist, conference presenter, podcast guest, or something else, I would love to discuss your needs and develop a custom presentation for you and your group.
topics
The Conversations We're Not Having
Mental illness is often invisible, misunderstood, and surrounded by shame. Through personal storytelling and humor, I challenge audiences to rethink stigma and the ways we support one another.
When Your Identity Becomes Your Prison
What happens when the thing that defines you is no longer serving you?
An exploration of identity, achievement, failure, and the freedom that comes from letting go of expectations.
The Cost of Being an Overachiever
What happens when the very qualities that make us successful begin to undermine our well-being?
A candid exploration of achievement, identity, perfectionism, burnout, and learning to recognize when success comes at too high a price.
Resilience Isn't What You Think It Is
We often celebrate people for pushing through adversity. But what happens when pushing through is exactly what hurts us?
A fresh perspective on resilience, vulnerability, failure, and the courage to change direction.
CORPORATE & Healthcare
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Understanding the relationship between achievement, identity, and mental health
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Awareness of the hidden costs of perfectionism and chronic overachievement
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A more compassionate approach to colleagues experiencing mental health challenges
TEACHERS & COACHES
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The power of mentorship: motivation to continue your meaningful work
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Seeing beyond success: warning signs to look for in youth
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Ways to ensure your youth feel supported as a whole person
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Leading by example: supporting yourself
STUDENTS & athletes
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Feeling seen & understood
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Reduced shame & fear
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Motivation to reach out for help
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Motivation to live a purpose-driven life
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Decreased pressure to achieve at the expense of health
MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
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Honest, unfiltered look at what it's like to navigate mental illness beyond the clinical symptoms
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Insights into what makes patients feel heard, understood, and empowered
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Ask-Me-Anything opportunities
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Renewed optimism that severe & complex cases can improve
TAKEAWAYS
SOCIAL MEDia
MY JOURNEY
1985-2004
MAINE
Born & raised in Maine, I was a spunky kid with a knack for sports, and a mind full of undiagnosed, and unspoken, mental health challenges.
2004-2009
AFRICA
I dedicated myself to medical advocacy for children in Tanzania and Uganda, spearheading inspiring, life-saving, and lasting projects. I also experienced numerous traumatic experiences, from an armed robbery to the death of a child in my care.
2009-2013
MAINE
Returning to the United States, I became the director of my childhood summer camp and tried to settle down.
2013-2015
BALI
I ran away from an abusive relationship, landing in Bali, Indonesia. While here, I dove head-first into healing, and ended my time in tropical paradise dangerously suicidal.
2015
ARIZONA
2015-2025
Psychiatric care at a residential treatment program in Arizona introduced a new class of medications, erasing suicidal ideations.
MAINE
I married my dream man, had two beautiful children, and built a successful business. Ten years of mental stability made it all possible, until that timer ran out.
2025
ARIZONA
2026
After suicidality and self-harm returned with a vengeance, I readmitted myself to the same treatment program. Receiving a new diagnosis and new medication was a new lease on life.
AUTHORING A MEMOIR
My completed manuscript is currently searching for the ideal agent to bring my story, and its message of hope, into the world.
CONTACT
I'd love to hear from you!
If you have any inquiries about speaking engagements or writing opportunities, feel free to reach out.
emerald.russell@gmail.com
Tel: 1-207-669-2296