Making Mental Health Visible

Keynotes, Workshops, and Conversations That Inspire Change

Nick Norman draws on lived experience with traumatic brain injury, dementia in his family, and agoraphobia—perspectives that fuel his commitment to mental health advocacy. His talks help communities and organizations foster open dialogue, reduce stigma, and build supportive environments for mental health.
Book Nick to Speak

Living Through It, Writing Through It

Nick Norman is the writer and creator of the My Perfect Day Project, his personal journal about living with agoraphobia and the pursuit of the perfect day. 

What began as a journal has grown into a keynote and workshop series that helps communities and organizations start honest conversations about mental health. Drawing from lived experience, Nick shows how storytelling can break stigma, foster connection, and open pathways to recovery.

What Lived Experience Offers Audiences

Nick’s talks move beyond inspiration—they give people tools they can use right now in work, relationships, and everyday life. His talks focus on 3 key areas:

Resilience in Work and Life

Shows how the coping tools Nick developed to manage agoraphobia also enabled him to contribute to high-profile global projects.

Making Mental Health Visible

Demonstrates how sharing his lived experience publicly opened doors to communities and institutions, creating new pathways for connection.

Reaching Diverse Audiences

Nick draws on his work with Internet Archive, Open Library, and UC Berkeley to show how organizations can build programs that reach people from all walks of life.

Stories From Lived Experience

These blog posts give a glimpse into how Nick turns everyday moments into lessons on resilience and mental health.

How Food Became Part of the Way I Write About Mental Health

Culinary school began as an outlet during a dark season, but it sparked my curiosity about the connection between food, healing, and the brain. Over time, food also became a universal language in my writing, a way to explain mental health and resilience on common ground.

When Fear Keeps You From Taking Out the Trash

This post shares how a simple moment with missing trash bins revealed how anxiety can grow from small fears into bigger struggles. By naming the fear and taking one small step forward, I experienced progress, relief, and a reminder that change often begins with the smallest acts of courage.

Receiving Direction From The Man Without Sight

What began as a “perfect storm” of setbacks turned into an unexpected walk home that awakened my faith, my senses, and my perspective. Along the way, encounters with strangers—including a blind man who gave me the exact direction I needed—reminded me that courage, motion, and trust often bring the real miracles.

The Bowling Lane in My Head

Riding a crowded bus reminded me how anxiety can creep in during everyday moments, but also how visualization tools like “guardrails” help me stay calm. By picturing lanes or guide lines that keep my thoughts steady, I’ve learned to move through stressful situations without letting fear take over.

Start the Conversation

Whether you’re planning an event, seeking a speaker, or exploring ways to build community, this is the place to begin.
Name E-mail
How Can Nick Help?
Book Nick to Speak (keynote, panel, podcast, or virtual event)
Workshop Inquiry (teams, schools, or organizations)
Community Engagement (campaigns, programs, or partnerships)
General Question + Collaboration
Message Submit

Want to Learn More First?

Nick’s work has supported global institutions and community movements, earning recognition from the U.S. Congress and the Anthem Awards. Visit Nick’s portfolio →