“Your condition doesn't define you; you define it.” 

Jenice Matias was well into her adult life when she woke up in a psychiatric ward with no memory of how she got there. She would soon learn that within her lived twelve unique personalities, each of which came to the forefront in different situations. Seeking treatment for Dissociative Identity Disorder as an adult was no easy feat, but Jenice connected with a therapist who helped her meet her multiple personalities for the first time. She would come to see these personalities not as a hindrance, but as her protectors.

In our conversation, Jenice shares a remarkable story of resilience, recovery, and self-acceptance. She sees mental illness as a source of creativity and empathy. We left the episode changed in how we love ourselves and the blessings we see in our own mental health struggles. As Jenice says, “be your own greatest love and you will see yourself as having a divine gift.” 

Jenice is a Moth GrandSlam-winning storyteller, professional dancer with the Piel Canela Ladies Dance Company, actress, and mental health advocate who has performed several shows. She is currently developing a show entitled, “I don’t suffer from insanity; I enjoy every minute of it.” She has received several acting scholarships including the Montreal Improv Theater Diversity Scholarship, the PIT scholarship and two Jason Chin Scholarships from Maydays Improv Theater in London. She is a homeschool teacher, mother, and grandmother. She teaches the art of storytelling online and in person. To learn more about her and her workshops, visit Jenicematias.biz

"Mental illness is not a curse. It's our mind's pleading for self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-love.