Helen Joy George, a resilient soul with a lens capturing both the beauty and complexities of life, stands as a beacon of strength in Western North Carolina. A mother of three, Helen Joy emerged from the confines of a strict evangelical cult, finding her voice as a mental health advocate after a year long break down in 2016. Her quest for a full and meaningful life is constantly explored as she photographs people and tells their stories. In the tapestry of her experiences, Helen Joy weaves vulnerability into strength, always reaching for hope and connection. Through her lens and words, Helen Joy invites readers into the intricacies of her world, where the shadows coexist with the light, and where the pursuit of authenticity takes center stage.As an advocate for mental health, Helen Joy not only shares her personal battles but also empowers others to embrace their own journeys. Her words resonate with those who have faced adversity, offering solace and encouragement in the pursuit of a well-lived life.
George provides a raw and authentic account of her struggles with mental illness. She shares her life from childhood to present highlighting some of her symptoms that went undetected in her teens and early adulthood. Helen Joy describes her attempts to get treatment and the obstacles she encountered each time. Yellow Tulips provides an accurate reflection of the symptoms of Bipolar Affective Disorder I, diagnostic challenges, and treatment concerns. This is required reading in my psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner course to provide students an opportunity to enhance their knowledge as well as understanding the patient experience in the mental health system. This is an excellent and authentic resource! - Evelyn Parrish, PhD, PMHNP-BC, FAANP Associate Professor - Director of Accreditation and Strategic Outcomes, University of Kentucky College of Nursing I was torn between rushing through every page and needing to put it down to catch my breath and feel the depths of pain and joy on every page. As a therapist, I am familiar with deep suffering: It is the world in which I live each day. Helen Joy has a way of pulling back the veil, inviting all of us to see and feel more deeply what it's like to live with bipolar disorder, to stay alive, and to fight for healing and hope. I have known Helen Joy a long time and am a better person for it. I am grateful that Yellow Tulips allows more people to learn what Helen Joy lives-the grace that matches the pain. - Elizabeth Gillespie, LMFT