Committed to breaking the stigma behind mental illness in business.
Lauren Elizabeth Perna: writer, speaker, advocate
I have loved writing ever since I was little. In fact, I wrote a book at the ripe age of ten. I’m not sure where that book went or if I even finished it, but it was just the beginning of my passion for writing and storytelling. There is something else that has been with me from an early age—anxiety.
My childhood anxiety was extreme and eventually segued into generalized anxiety, major depressive disorder, and other mental health issues. I have spent the majority of my life ashamed of my emotions and my diagnoses, but that all changed when I found my voice in mental health advocacy several years ago.
My goal is to help people understand that mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of—millions of people deal with some form of mental illness, whether for a period in their life or throughout it.
I am here to change the narrative that mental illness is anything but a superpower especially when you're an entrepreneur. Most importantly, I want people that are suffering to know they are not alone. If I had known how many people were like me when I was younger, maybe I would’ve sought help or shared my story much sooner.
Join me in my mission to remove the stigma of mental illness in the workplace, the entrepreneurial world, and beyond.
Authentically yours,
Lauren Elizabeth Perna
Let’s change the world together
If you need someone at a large-scale event or a segment on your podcast, I am an experienced and dynamic speaker. Audiences appreciate my honest, relatable style and are sure to walk away feeling empowered to thrive amidst life’s challenges. I pack my talks with insightful information, offering ideas for improving mental health care and sharing my methods for staying mentally fit.
My Official Bio
Lauren Elizabeth Perna is the CEO and Head Writer of Lauren Perna Communications, a Boston-based company elevating the stories of life sciences companies and other game-changers. She brings over 20 years of experience in communications, marketing, and community engagement to her clients. She is an award-winning community organizer and writer, recognized for her leadership abilities, life sciences writing, and copywriting contributions.
Lauren is a fierce advocate for mental health, and she is passionate about removing the stigma of mental illness in business. She regularly shares her powerful story of living and eventually thriving with depression and anxiety. Her story has been featured in many places include NAMI, McLean Hospital’s Deconstructing Stigma Campaign, Quotable Magazine, Balancing Boldly, and many more outlets.
She is a dynamic speaker, known for her animated personality and value-packed lessons about living with mental illnesses. Lauren’s highly acclaimed written work was the impetus behind her transformation into a sought-after speaker.
Lauren is a community-builder at her core, passionate about bringing like-minded people together to grow. Through her business, she hosts a regular LinkedIn Live Series teaching her audience about writing and marketing. She is also the Boston Chapter Leader and Founding Member of the Chronic Boss Collective, an organization for ambitious businesswomen living with chronic conditions. Lauren is the co-founder of the Women’s Business League Neponset Valley Chapter, a member of the Boston Business Women, and an elected Dedham Town Meeting Representative.
Lauren lives in Massachusetts with her partner, his son, and their dog. She enjoys spending time at their house in NH and has dreams of buying more property and traveling the world.
Follow her mentally fit founder journey on Instagram.
Helping Others Tell Their Story by Authentically Sharing My Own
People often wonder how I can share my honest story of struggling with mental health, getting sober, and starting a business. The truth is this vulnerable move has led to the growth of my confidence, personal brand, and business. As a writer, I use this experience to help others tell their story. Audience members leave feeling inspired to share their journey as a way to grow personally and professionally.
The Mentally Fit Founder: Mental Illness As an Entrepreneur
Having a mental illness is tough enough and being an entrepreneur with mental illness can be downright brutal. Yet, many successful entrepreneurs have a mental illness! I share how entrepreneurship became the best thing for my mental illness. Learn my proven methods for building a 6-figure business while staying mentally fit.
Embracing Sobriety as a Mental Health Patient in a Culture of Alcohol
For a person with a mental illness, the idea of giving up alcohol is not an easy one, but with the right tools and support in place, sobriety is not just possible but life-changing. Learn how I went from living a life around drinking to one focused on mental wellness and sobriety. Audience members will come away with the tools and techniques that I used to quit drinking and focus on my mental health.
Advocating for Everything Except Mental Health
I spent over a decade in the life sciences industry, engaging with advocacy groups for various diseases, yet never with mental health advocacy because I feared the stigma. I tell my story of flipping the script on my mental illness and finding my calling in mental health advocacy. Walk away feeling empowered to thrive amidst life's challenges.
Separating Truths from Lies: What My Brain Tells Me
In this talk, I liken anxiety and depression to the brain lying--a strategy that helps me make strides during my low moments. You get concrete examples of how to reframe your thinking when you're depressed, anxious, or nervous. The audience will appreciate learning this technique from a first-person account.
How Can We Be Better With Mental Illness?
Society has compassion for people afflicted with visible illnesses, but mental illness is still stigmatized. Suicide and undiagnosed mental illness are rampant. It's clear we need more awareness around invisible diseases. In this talk, we'll discuss signs of mental illness, ways to support those struggling, and tips for maintaining mental health.
Speaking Topics
Below are suggested topics for speaking and writing opportunities. Click the title to read the full description or click here to download my speaker sheet.
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