From Chaos to Clarity
My Journey to Stability and Success
At the age of 20, I dropped out of college, drank a lot, had many unhealthy, brief relationships, My moods went from very high to very low all within seconds. I lost friends and jobs and drifted from my family.
At 27, knowing something was wrong with my behavior and my life in general, I went to a doctor to address my issues and was diagnosed manic-depressive, now known as bipolar. Through medication, al little therapy, and extensive self -help through research, I was able to understand and manage my mental health and became stable, stopped drinking, and had a long -term relationship. Though I chose not to go back to school, I was able to find a steady job with a livable income. Eventually I opened a successful business as well as performed stand up comedy.
By sharing my personal journey, I have been able to educate people facing mental health issues as well as those who have loved ones that are affected. Navigating through stigma and the ongoing process of staying mentally healthy can be difficult, but finding the right resources and building resiliency can be accomplished. With my sense of humor I am able to make this palpable and take the sting out of a subject that can be hard to handle.
Laughter is truly the best medicine!
“Laughter is truly the best medicine.”
What People Are Saying
I have known Sue Ryerson for many years now, having first come to meet her at a Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser event. Sue has an amazing sense of humor, and is able to meet the needs of whatever audience she is in front of. When she did her own event “I’m Not Crazy”, she used not only her softer side with empathy and sincerity, but uses that light heartedness to make a real difference and impact.
“I’m Not Crazy” was well received by an audience of people from all walks of life, along with mentors and speakers from the Mental Health Awareness field. The Q & A was very open and at ease, and filled with people who had questions and concerns. and was sparked initially by the issues at hand being brought to attention and into the light. People left enlightened, educated and some on their way to finding peace within themselves.
Sue is a force within herself and using her own knowledge, her personality, sense of humor and her ability to speak freely, is someone who should be a vocal mentor / spokesperson for what she believes in. We received positive responses from the audience and participants, with requests for her to return and do additional, even more extensive talks.
Ms. Ryerson came to my university to speak to a group of students and local community members. She came with a group of women. They spoke of their experience with mental illness, and each made a profound impact on all of us. They spoke truth, and we all recognized it. The event was a big success! I highly recommend Ms. Ryerson and her presentation. She will not disappoint!
Sue Ryerson was the featured comedian at our fundraiser for The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Fredericksburg and was asked to speak to our members at service the following morning regarding mental health.
With her sense of humor and willingness to speak openly about her personal experiences with bipolar disorder, she reached our members in a meaningful and impactful way. Her sincerity and comfort level with the subject encouraged several members to approach Sue after the service and ask questions regarding getting help for themselves as well as family members that have been affected by mental health issues.
Sue’s ability to break through the stigma and bring people to a better understanding of mental health makes her a value for any audience.
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Join Susan Ryerson's Journey
Discover the transformative power of resilience and humor with Susan Ryerson. Attend her speaking events, join her workshops, or connect with her for mental health advocacy. Together, we can break the stigma and build a supportive community.
Ramona Charles, featured in “I’m Not Crazy” and now a licensed therapist joins me for zoom workshops and can also be added as an in person co-speaker.
Ramona can also be contacted directly for one- on- one therapy sessions through zoom.
Ramona Charles
LPC & Movement and Mental Health Coach
Business phone: 404.721.2513
As a mental health therapist, I love to work from a well-rounded approach of caring for the whole being and bringing care, consideration, and motivation for change to my practice. From grad school to hands-on work at hospitals and private clinics, I developed my work in the mental health community. My focus is to help individuals heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths.
Mental Health Therapist (LPC),Motivational Speaker, GroupFacilitator & Podcast Host
Signature Topics:
- Women Empowerment
- Wellness and Self-care
- Managing Anxiety and Stress
- Being Your Authentic Self
- Self-Prioritizing
- Mental Health in the Workplace
- Breathwork and Affirmations