Elaine is someone that people would describe as "having it all together," an extrovert who loves people. It was, therefore, very out of character when in the summer of 2014, she isolated herself. Off work for almost six months, Elaine battled Major Depressive Disorder. What was more challenging was the internal conflict she had between "faith and medication." As a suicide survivor, her memoir describes her journey going into the deepest darkest pit and with the help of medication coming out into the light. She shares her personal journals written during the time, with the intent of helping others see the struggles she experienced.
Elaine's desire is for her story to bring hope for the hopeless - especially as it related to the conflict between faith and medication; understanding for those who are family and friends of the person struggling with depression. She is passionate about #stigmafree and creating a society where "I'm a suicide survivor" is as accepted as "I'm a recovering alcoholic."
The Real English Elaine now lives in the freedom of living authentically, and she has "taken off the mask."
Originally from the UK, Elaine Sephton, aka The Real English Elaine. As a mental health advocate, she wants to raise awareness for those who "seem to have it all together", to have the courage to reach out and get the support early enough for them to experience "freedom." As a member of The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), she is inspired to build better lives for those affected by mental illness and has taken the #stigmafree pledge.
Elaine is a professional coach and holds her CHPC from the Human Potential Institute. She is a member of the ICF.