Cory Richards - The Color of Everything: A Journey to Quiet the Chaos Within

Cory Richards, a former professional mountain climber and National Geographic photographer, has transitioned into writing, focusing on his experiences with mental health. His memoir, "The Color of Everything," delves into his journey with bipolar II disorder. Through vivid descriptions, Cory recounts his first mixed episode at age 13, vividly capturing the disorienting sensation of madness. He emphasizes the importance of understanding mental health as a product of life experiences, trauma, and storytelling. Cory challenges the notion of mental illness as a sickness, preferring to view it as something to navigate rather than a permanent identity. He advocates for destigmatizing mental health conversations and seeking help as a sign of strength rather than weakness. Through his journey, Cory has learned to shift his narrative from one of sickness to resilience, believing in the unbreakable nature of the human spirit.