Victoria Maxwell

Victoria Maxwell is one of North America's most sought-after speakers on the 'lived' experience of mental illness and recovery, dismantling stigma and addressing mental health in the workplace. Creative Director of Crazy for Life Co. and an award-winning actress and playwright with over twenty years experience, Victoria has worked alongside David Duchovny, John Travolta and Johnny Depp, among others. After her diagnosis of bipolar disorder, anxiety and psychosis, she became extremely proactive in her recovery. She combines her theater background, personal experience of psychiatric illness and professional knowledge as a group facilitator & mental health worker, to give a unique & powerful 'insider's' perspective on dealing with depression and other mental illnesses. Her critically acclaimed one-woman show Crazy for Life, her true-life story about accepting and living with a psychiatric disorder, tours internationally to sold-out audiences and rave reviews. Recent runs include Toronto, England, and New Zealand. Crazy for Life recently captured the Moondance International Film Festival award for best stage play in Colorado and the Gordon Armstrong Theater Award. As well her efforts have won honours as a finalist at the Canadian National Playwriting Competition and the Courage to Comeback Award. She is also featured in the Knowledge Network documentary 'Living with Depression' and numerous national magazines. Crazy for Life Co. programs provide health providers with key insights to make them more effective in their jobs, assists employers to recognize employee depression early and enhance workplace wellness. Most popular packages combine her solo shows, "Crazy for Life or Funny...You Don't Look Crazy" with customized seminars for company conferences or in-house training. Helping Those Who Help Others and Creating Healthy Bottom Lines: Understanding Depression & Helping Employees Who Face It prove to be exceptionally inspirational and informative programs for conferences worldwide. Her highly anticipated second play "Funny...You Don't Look Crazy" premiered in both Canada and the United States. It continues to tour throughout North America to capacity audiences. Show less «