Life and Work with Paige Gaines

Today we’d like to introduce you to Paige Gaines.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Paige. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
911 Sane Jane is a direct result of my life living with bipolar disorder. In 2011, I was given this mental diagnosis that impacted my life and those closest to me. After 10 years of undiagnosed depression and a suicide attempt, I made a choice, to provide a voice for those suffering in silence. I believe the definition of what society understands sane to be is distorted. Because I have Bipolar Disorder, I am automatically considered crazy or insane, which is untrue.

The stigma is so great associating the “norm” with Jane is almost an oxymoron. Jane is known to be a general name, widespread and associated with acceptance.

I always wondered why unidentified women were titled “Jane Doe”. From my understanding, “Jane Doe” is not important; ignored then forgotten with no voice of advocacy. The very same as those with mental illness.

Although much has changed in recent years, the stigma lingers with ignorance.

As an African American, I can say we are the most to deny “Mental Health” as a real issue; let alone a disease. Of course, this is from our history, but the number of young people dying cannot be ignored.

Much fear of speaking out hinders the movement of progress in saving the lives of our people. 911 Sane Jane is dedicated to decreasing stigma through lived experience and education. We stand on these three words, Enlighten, Educate, Empower.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey in building Sane Jane has been one of the most difficult things I have gone through. Maintaining my stability while helping those suffering in silence, and building a legacy can be overwhelming but…the purpose makes it worthwhile. I battle with stigma and whispers of friends and colleagues asking, “Why does she have to share EVERYTHING?” Let’s be honest nobody wants to talk about mental health. In my three year journey, my best advice would be to keep going, never wait for another’s approval to pursue your dream. If they say no, keep going. You are your best advocate, fight for what you want and deserve!

Please tell us about 911 Sane Jane.
In 2016, I founded 911 Sane Jane with one purpose, to share my story. What this would look like, I had no idea. This very same year, I became a Certified Peer Specialist which allows me to use my lived experience with a mental health diagnosis as a driving force in decreasing the stigma within the African American community.

My role has allowed me to navigate this taboo like topic into raw truth through panels speaking engagements and workshops. My transparency and that of my parents has been a pivotal part in developing 911 Sane Jane. I am proud to say we have a recovery story. There are many things I can be proud of, believe me, the best yet and probably will always be is breaking generational curses, living in truth free from shame and the burden of secrets. This type of happiness has to be shared.

There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that a lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
I am very blessed to say my first mentor was my mother, she was there with me in the beginning! With this said, she made a point to tell me, “You need more than me, I’ve given you all I have.” From that day forward, I learned my weaknesses and found women who could not only instruct and teach but nurture my strengths. As I would network I’d send follow up emails each ‪Monday morning‬. Some emails were just introductions others simply stated, “Would you be interested in being my mentor?!” has not failed me yet. More than that, I believe anyone can be a mentor even without a formal invitation. You can learn from those you surround yourself with, just listen watch and observe. Find someone you admire and ask questions. It is simple as that, to date, I have had two awesome mentors but at least 7-9 women I have admired from afar. They would probably be surprised if I told them how much they have helped me!

As a single individual with a huge voice, I would search Google and Eventbrite for upcoming events or trainings. For example, the National Alliance for Mental Illnes (NAMI) provides awesome resources and free trainings on the weekends. For 3 to 4 months, I spent each weekend in training, meeting and mingling with people in my field. Just from those few months alone, I have increased my clientele by 5-6 clients. Feet on the ground is the best way I can say it. Don’t be scared, walk boldly and take advantage of small opportunities.

Pricing:

• Keynote Speaker $700-$4500 depending upon  location and audience size
• Panelist $150-$200 depending on time and location
• Workshop coordinator and facilitator $500-$2000 depending on audience size, time and location.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.911sanejane.com
• Phone: 678-772-0779
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: 911sanejane
• Facebook: 911sanejane
• Twitter: 911sanejane

Image Credit:
Kaptured by Keisha

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