How do we write the lived experience of madness? In this workshop we will read poetry by mad authors and discuss and respond to prompts that will help us explore questions like: How do we write about depression, anxiety, or psychosis without losing important threads of meaning? What wisdom do these states have to offer us? How do we write about madness in a way that does not default to stereotypical tropes, stigmatizing or oppressive language? How do we mine madness and the many diversities of human perception for writing material? How do we write in a way that honors the the rich ways extreme states of consciousness inform our experiences and nurture meaning and connection?

Karin Jervert is a US based artist, author and psychiatric survivor. She is certified in eCPR and Personal Medicine, she currently serves as arts editor at Mad in America. Her artwork includes nonfiction essays, visual art, graphic narratives, and poetry that explores self empowerment, nature and the sacred, normalization of suffering and the power of creative expression to transform trauma - particularly trauma experienced as a result of forced psychiatric treatment. Her study of Buddhism, earth based spirituality, ritual practice, and improvisational comedy find their way into her work as well. You can find Karin’s work on the web at something-wonderful.net or in instagram @karin.jervert.