Career and work
Maxwell originally trained and worked as an actor. After returning to work following a period of illness, she began writing about her experiences; a monologue developed into a one-person stage show and eventually into a series of theatrical keynotes. [1]
Since 2002, she has written and performed theatrical keynotes and workshops for conferences, workplaces and community audiences internationally. Her works include Crazy for Life, Funny You Don’t Look Crazy and That’s Just Crazy Talk. [2]
What has been publicly discussed
- Maxwell has said that she was diagnosed with Bipolar I disorder with psychosis at age 25. She initially rejected the idea that she had a mental illness and has said it took about five years for her to accept the diagnosis. [1]
- After accepting her diagnosis, Maxwell has said it took another five years to regain her independence, return to work and rebuild friendships. She describes staying well as an ongoing process that still requires active management. [1]
- Maxwell has built much of her later career around reducing stigma and increasing understanding of mental illness through theatre and public speaking. [1][2]
- Her performance That’s Just Crazy Talk was studied by CREST.BD as an anti-stigma intervention. Research involving people with bipolar disorder and healthcare providers found that the performance reduced stigmatizing attitudes, particularly among healthcare providers. [4]
“Recovery shouldn’t be a possibility. It should be the expectation.”
— Victoria Maxwell [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.
Victoria Maxwell“About Victoria Maxwell” First-person biography covering her Bipolar I disorder diagnosis, psychosis, psychiatric hospitalizations, acceptance of the diagnosis, recovery and daily management strategies.
CREST.BD“Victoria Maxwell” Professional biography covering her work as an actor, playwright and mental-health speaker and her theatrical keynotes since 2002.
CNN“Turning Points: Victoria Maxwell” Interview segment covering psychosis, the process of finding effective medication and Maxwell’s perspective on psychiatric medication.
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CREST.BD“Stigma — That’s Just Crazy Talk” Research summary describing Maxwell’s theatrical anti-stigma intervention and findings from its evaluation.
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Recommended books and other resources about Victoria Maxwell and their experiences.