About Erin.

Where I Stand is not about me. It's about so much more than me. It's about all of us standing up for something good, no something great.

But upon hearing about Where I Stand most people ask me these questions:

1) Why did you create Where I Stand?

This is always a weird question for me to answer, because the creation and development of Where I Stand happened itself, as I began to enter recovery. As I began to understand my own mental illness, causes, triggers, tools to handle these things - my passion to reach out to others, erase the stigma and share my experience and passion for recovery and the process of self-discovery began. And Where I Stand was one of the very first fruit of that passion.

2) What inspires you to keep going when things get hard?

My friends and my family. The incredible people I've been in treatment with, the amazing treatment providers  that have worked so hard with me. The thought that I can pursue my dreams and pursue health. Knowing I don't have to be perfect (and having my friends remind me of that). But most of all my faith - nothing kept me going more than my faith in God.

3) Do you believe in recovery?

Yes. Yes. Yes. Recovery is a lifestyle. I have two difficult to treat mental illnesses - and I must practice recovery every. single. day. And because I choose to get support, use my skills and practice taking care of myself. I believe in recovery every. single. day. - and when I don't want to - I have a bunch of people to remind me that it's still there!

4) What are you passionate about?

Spreading hope. I believe light is stronger than darkness. I believe that people should encourage others. I believe that we should use our lives to lift others up so they can do the same for other people. I'm passionate about erasing the stigma associated with mental illness - because my name is Erin Casey, not my illness.

5) What do you want to do in the future?

I want to advocate for people with mental illnesses, in policy, education and spread awareness. I want to help people get access to treatment that is effective, and cost-efficient. I want to use my experience, my education and my passion to help the mental and behavioral health community around the United States.

Ask Erin to come speak at your school, event, or to a group near you! Email caseyee90@gmail.com