Jenna

Jenna’s career and passion lay in aviation. However, as a pilot, it is taboo to speak openly about mental health challenges.

Jenna had not considered the possibility that she was struggling with mental health challenges until she hit rock bottom and was forced to give up flying. She began with self-care, such as aromatherapy and mindfulness. Later, she met with a therapist and psychiatrist.

Still, Jenna’s journey with mental health was far from linear. Originally diagnosed with major depressive disorder and an anxiety disorder, Jenna began medications for depression. After some initial relief, Jenna entered her first manic episode and was hospitalized.

I didn’t know how I was being perceived by others on the outside at that time. I didn’t know what was going on with me. That experience was traumatic.

Following her hospital stay, Jenna was diagnosed with bipolar I disorder.

The hospital stay felt scary. But getting a diagnosis guided me to finding appropriate treatment.

Since then, Jenna has been actively engaged in treatment that has helped her immensely. She feels like she is finally free of the many underlying stressors that she left unaddressed for years for fear of the consequences.

I waited so long to seek treatment. As soon as I did, I wished I had done it years ago. If stigma hadn’t been in the way, I could’ve been better off 10 years ago.

I have never felt this good in my life. Now that I’m on the other side, I can see how good treatment can be for you.

Addressing the symptoms of a mental health disorder meant giving up her career, but treatment has allowed her to live genuinely, and she now feels better than ever.

But airplanes brought Jenna to this campaign too.

Walking through Boston’s Logan Airport, Jenna saw the Deconstructing Stigma exhibit and it resonated with her. She was inspired to continue sharing her story and encouraging others who are struggling to seek the treatment they need and deserve.

After hiding her condition from herself and others for so long, Jenna is now very open about her diagnosis and struggles in hopes that she can bring greater understanding and compassion to the disorder.

There is no other type of condition in the medical field that you would not seek help for—you should get mental health help the same as anything else.

In response to the stigma she faced in her career and the ultimate consequence of being forced to leave it, Jenna specifically hopes to change the narrative for other pilots.

She has established a nonprofit organization for mental health in aviation where pilots can anonymously share their stories. Additionally, Jenna hopes to eliminate the stigma surrounding her bipolar I diagnosis and advocates for it to be given the same level of grace and understanding as other mental health disorders.

“You’re the same person before and after a diagnosis. Nothing has changed except a doctor treating you.”