Allison Raskin

Driven. Silly. Controlling?

It never occurred to me not to be open about it. Growing up my dad thought it would negatively impact my career if I let people know I was “crazy.” Instead, it’s been the heart of everything I do. It obviously helps I’m not in a traditional field.

That is should make sense. So many times I’ll do something “gross” and people will counter with, “Don’t you have O.C.D.? How can you do that?” They’re expecting a mental illness to be rational. But it’s the opposite. Everyone’s struggles look different. I like to call it the grab-bag of mental illness.

I cry and then I move on. It helps to always have a lot of irons in the fire so one failure doesn’t mean you’ve failed.

This is tough to choose. But a few months ago I wrote a blog for Mental Health Awareness Month and my mom’s best friend shared excerpts from it during an important lecture at a psychology conference. She said it was very helpful for therapists to hear. Also, on September 5th, 2017 my novel came out AND I was Wiki-feet of the day. That’s hard to beat.

I smell my dog’s yawns. There. I said it.

A lot of writing! Working on the podcast, writing a feature, keeping up the channel. I’m shopping a few TV projects this year so hopefully one will go somewhere! If not, I will do my best to remain calm. Although I can’t make any promises. Life’s a journey!