Career and work
Jewell trained as a mechanical engineer at McGill University and worked for about 15 years in robotics and automation engineering before leaving engineering to pursue writing. [2]
She later became a freelance writer and editor and published the memoir Crazy: Memoir of a Mom Gone Mad in 2021, followed by the novel Normal in 2023 and Regrets Ever After. Her writing has focused particularly on mental illness, stigma, recovery, and family life. [2][1]
What has been publicly discussed
- Before her first hospitalization, Jewell went for weeks sleeping only two or three hours a night while still feeling highly energetic and productive. As the episode progressed, she became increasingly irritable and confused and began experiencing delusions and hallucinations. Her husband eventually took her to an emergency department. [3]
- Jewell has also written that, before her first manic episode, she had experienced seasonal depression and occasional depressive episodes. [4]
- During her first hospitalization, Jewell was prescribed medication for bipolar disorder. After discharge, she found the medication made her feel foggy and later tried to reduce it on her own; she subsequently experienced another manic episode and was hospitalized again. [3]
- After her second hospitalization, her lithium dose was increased. Following a move to Toronto, blood tests at Mount Sinai Hospital showed that her lithium level had become dangerously high. Her psychiatrist adjusted and continued monitoring her treatment. [3]
- Jewell has used her writing and public speaking to challenge stigma and promote more respectful treatment of people with mental illness. She has spoken to audiences ranging from school students to construction workers and has participated in initiatives aimed at reducing discrimination around mental health. [4]
- She also serves on Sinai Health patient and family advisory committees, bringing her lived experience to discussions about mental-health care and services. [5]
“I was diagnosed with bipolar 1 in 2017. Shocked and devastated, I wrote to survive.”
— Charise Jewell [1]
Sources and other resourcesExpand to view the sources used in this profile and resources to learn more.
Sources used for this profile
The following sources contain information that supports the claims made on this page.
Charise Jewell“Charise Jewell” Jewell’s official website covering her Bipolar I disorder diagnosis, writing career, engineering background, books, and public discussion of mental illness.
Charise Jewell“About Me” First-person biography covering Jewell’s mechanical-engineering education, 15-year engineering career, and transition to writing.
Sinai Health Foundation“Mental health care in action: How Charise found support for bipolar disorder at Sinai Health” Detailed account of Jewell’s initial mania, psychosis, hospitalizations, medication, lithium treatment, outpatient psychiatric care, and later stability.
View all 5 sources
Charise Jewell“My Work” Jewell’s own writing about earlier depression, mental-health education, public speaking, and anti-stigma work.
Sinai Health“Sinai Health launches Mental Health and Addictions program” Describes Jewell’s ongoing outpatient care, stability, and role on Sinai Health’s Patient and Family Advisory Committees.
Learn more
Recommended books and other resources about Charise Jewell and their experiences.
- Crazy: Memoir of a Mom Gone MadCharise Jewell
Jewell’s memoir about mania, hospitalization, diagnosis, treatment, family life, and navigating the mental-health system.
- “Conversations With — Charise Jewell”This Is Bipolar
Long-form interview about Bipolar I disorder, hospitalization, medication, stigma, family support, and recovery.
- “145: Process of Opening Up”Live Well Bipolar
Interview focused on disclosure, self-advocacy, stability, and learning to prioritize mental health after diagnosis.