Meet Jen Losey James

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Losey James.  

Jen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
On April 5, 1995, I tried to end my life. I was in college, and I was struggling with many different emotions coming from all different directions. After being diagnosed with Bipolar, anxiety, and panic disorder, I was taking the right steps to live an optimum life. The problem is, back in the ’90s, no one talked about mental health; it was a taboo topic with a lot of stigmas attached to those who suffered, including me. Fast forward to 2010, when I moved back to Michigan, where I grew up, and found a part-time job at the local food bank as the Case Manager for the clients in need. This is where my true passion for supporting others in need. I volunteered at a local crisis line, began working full-time then moved to a national crisis line where I recognized my superpower in supporting those in crisis but especially the younger demographics of 25-under. I think I have a gift for gaining their trust and knowing I’m a safe space for them to open up to and share their struggles. I decided it was time to share my story publicly; I had the opportunity to share on stage my survivor story. Not only am I an attempt survivor, but I’m also a breast cancer survivor. So, I’ve kissed the devil a few times in my life. I created a blog called Empathy Mom, which is designed to share the struggles people may have with mental health, offer tips and tricks to work through the darker times, and provide a space for others to share their stories. My survivor story was nominated for and won the BlogHer Courage award. A very proud moment in my life. My story resonated with many people, and I had the opportunity to help stop the stigma of mental health. Show there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and I currently use my Empathy Mom brand and blog to share more via TikTok. I got to meet the younger generation where they are at. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As mentioned before the struggles along the way came in the form of being shunned for my mental health after my attempt. The only person in my family that knew was my mother. She was nervous herself about being judged by my attempt because she felt she was at fault. That’s some of the problems with those who struggle; it’s not always about someone. It’s about a glitch in your brain. My brain still glitches. Through the years, I still have had my ups and downs. I was diagnosed with more illnesses, and it’s hard to process the fact that there is so much there. It made me feel broken and unfixable. I’ve gone through a plethora of challenging therapists. Some of the problems were my own issues, others where they just didn’t know how to support me. I’ve lost both my parents in a short amount of time, and my mother’s death particularly created such a shift in my journey. The trauma and complicated grief that I’m still working through has been a very bumpy path. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
The last 13 years of my career have been about crisis intervention, prevention, education, and training. Being a mental health advocate with lived experience has created a special dynamic with supporting others. I’m not a trained social worker, but I have the skills to create a safe space for people to share what’s going on in their lives to be in a dark space. I feel I have multiple specialties with the various roles I’ve had through the years. I’m known for creating a beautiful space to support, teach, listen, and empower people to want to help others. Creating a place for others to know they are not alone. One thing I’m most proud when I hear someone say that I was part of changing their life. Being there in the moment with someone isn’t easy but guiding them and encouraging them to believe that they can handle anything they put their minds to. I created continual training videos at my previous job that shared how to support someone with various topics that can occur with someone in crisis. It has the most views of any playlist that is on the YouTube channel for the org. It’s quite a proud moment for me. I had the opportunity to go to Nepal and teach at an underprivileged school and hostel with my family. The suicide rate among girls of childbearing age is astounding there. I was able to connect with the kids and teach about coping skills, unhealthy relationships, and consent and help them with knowing the signs in order to support each other. I’ve traveled there 3 times, and each time the experience and learnings I’m able to provide is valued, and ultimately, I became part of the organization as the virtual counselor. If a kid is struggling they will reach out via video chat, and I can support and listen to them in the moment. I think what sets me apart from others is I’m authentic is how I speak, and a friend coined the phrase that I’m “Jen”uine. The ability to read someone sharing with me, knowing which direction they may be looking for. Whether it’s just a shoulder to vent or if looking for support after the conversation is something I pride myself in. I’m proud in the fact that both my kids came to me when they were facing suicidal ideations. I created a space for them that showed they can come to me without ‘freaking out’. As a parent, it should be a goal to create that safe feeling so your kids can talk about it without worrying if the parent will react negatively. If you know me, you know I’m an open book. I’m especially proud that I wasn’t afraid to share my survivor story. It came later in life than expected, but the timing seemed right looking back. 

Alright, so before we go, can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
As I have been struggling with the loss of many family members in the last few years, I’ve been slacking on my blog. I’d love to have collaborators write about their stories regarding their struggles with mental health and how they can manage it. I want my audience to hear from multiple people to better understand they are not alone and deserve to be heard. I’m open to also being a guest on a podcast, blog or whatever medium that is used. I’m always looking for ways to share resources and help others understand that mental healthcare is needed but also understand that people who struggle aren’t crazy; we are just people. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.empathymom.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenloseyjames/
• Other: Tik Tok @empathymom