Meet Gina Capobianco | Mental Health Care Advocate, Best Selling Author, and Speaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gina Capobianco and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gina, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Taking risks has not come easy to me. I have written poetry for over 30 years, but it wasn’t until about five years ago that I was able to share my poetry with others. Sharing was a risk that for years I was afraid to take. A friend of mine encouraged me to share some of my poems at an open-mic. That was the first step in not only sharing my poetry, but also being open about having a mental health disorder. I have always used my poetry to cope with depression and anxiety. Since that first open mic I have shared my poetry and experiences with a mental health disorder. The result has been three published poetry books that speak to mental health and fourth one soon to be published. It has also led to me becoming a mental health care advocate and speaking to various groups about using the power of writing to cope with mental health disorders and about reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. If I hadn’t taken that initial risk and continued to share my poetry and experiences with others, I would not have found the healing I have found. I would also not have had the opportunities to impact the mental health journeys of others.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a mental health care advocate and writer, I use poetry to express my emotions and what it is like to live with a mental health disorder. Self-publishing my writing was a huge step for me. It allowed me to see that my experiences could help others. I had to overcome my hesitancy to share my story. The stigma that surrounds mental health was a barrier that I had to overcome. It was not easy. My poetry is very personal. I open my soul to others in my books. I have learned that we all have a story inside of us and that those stories are worth sharing. I have chosen to share my story through my poetry and speaking events. Having the support of friends has been instrumental. Each time I speak to a group I am strengthened. I hope that I am giving some of that same strength back to my listeners and readers. If there was one thing I could share with others is that there is healing in the darkness. If we take risks and share our stories, we can bring healing to ourselves and others.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would start with a walk at the beach. I would include a trip to the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf on Mednik in East LA. Not only are the coffee and tea great there, but it is where I have worked on my books. A walk around downtown LA would be in order. Perhaps a trip to LACMA. Another definite would be a concert at the Greek Theater. I prefer seeing rock concerts there, but whatever is in town at the time would work because it is a great venue. I would also have to make a stop at Sandpiper Books in Torrance. That is one of the places I have spoken many times and I like to introduce new people to this great store. Another walk on the beach would be necessary. Maybe a meal at Dim Tai Fun would be a must.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shannon, Sarah, Carol, Sheri, Dr. Klein, and Dr. Sullivan

Website: https://www.ginacapobianco.com
Instagram: @capobiancoauthor
Linkedin: Gina Capobianco
Twitter: @gina_capobianco
Facebook: @GCapobiancoauthor