Born in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, at a time and place when mental health treatment was rarely spoken about, and even more rarely available, Stacy’s early symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder went largely unnoticed for years. Fortunately, both Stacy and Arkansas have learned a lot since then.

As a suicide attempt survivor, Stacy found dialectical behavior therapy after moving to New York City and proved to herself and others that it is possible to recover from BPD. Her presentation focuses on bullying (including cyber-bullying), eating disorders, distinguishing Borderline Personality Disorder from Bipolar Disorder, the power of mental health activism, and body modification as a healing agent.

Stacy Pershall is the author of Loud in the House of Myself, a memoir of her life with borderline personality disorder and disordered eating. Since finding recovery through dialectical behavior therapy, Stacy is committed to spreading the message that BPD is treatable, and that modifying your body can help to heal your mind. Now 12 years out of DBT, she offers a unique perspective on the potential of DBT as a valuable component of treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder. Stacy also emphasizes the power of storytelling in recovery, and uses her own voice to give others the encouragement to share their journeys.

Stacy has 15 years of teaching experience, and currently teaches memoir writing at Gotham Writers’ Workshop in New York City, where she helps people from all backgrounds tell their life stories. As an Active Minds speaker, she combines her passion for mental health advocacy with her gift for teaching, offering interactive writing workshops focused on diversity, interconnectedness, and how to be a better ally. Stacy has taught these workshops in a wide range of settings, from college English classes to inpatient treatment facilities.

Stacy lives in the Hudson River Valley region, outside of New York City; she practices yoga and is working on her second book, a young adult novel.