On March 30th I was honored to speak and sing at Napa State Hospital, one of California’s state psychiatric hospitals. I performed on the forensic lock-down unit, and was asked in advance if the patient band could join me for the final song. Of course my answer was yes, and together we sang Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues” to an audience that loved every minute of it. The band was awesome. Then the whole crowd sang me happy birthday and gave me flowers. It was very touching, and yet another reminder of why I do this. I try to bring people hope and let them know they’re not alone, but they in turn grant me this gift. My sincere thanks to the wonderful staff at Napa and to those who worked hard to make this happen.

I will be doing a 10-City Tour across Montana this spring, sharing my story of recovery and songs of hope. It will take place in the last half of April and into early May. More details to follow soon as we will announce the tour stops and sponsors.

We recently had an amazing event with 700 audience members. Entitled “The Experience & Science of Mental Illness”, the event was in Bozeman, Montana. I sang and spoke about my experience with mental illness and a great man, Dr. Matt Byerly, spoke about advancements in science surrounding mental illness. The event was presented by The Center for Mental Health Research & Recovery at Montana State University. I am very excited about the Center as it is bringing research and recovery options to Montana. When we give people options, we give people hope. I am just glad to be a part of all of this goodness.

I just accepted the Lionel Aldridge Champions Award from NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). I have to say that this honor and the evening spent speaking and singing for NAMI’s National Convention has been the best night of my life. It is hard to find the words to express how honored and happy I felt. I know in my heart that this is just the beginning. Thank you to the audience for being so amazing. I love you all.

I am honored to be receiving the Lionel Aldridge Champions Award from the National Alliance on Mental Illness. I could not be happier or feel more blessed and consider this to be great encouragement in my endeavors to share my story and songs of hope. Here is the news release on the award:

Montana’s own country singer Jason DeShaw has been selected to receive NAMI’s (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Lionel Aldridge Champions Award. This award recognizes an individual living with a mental illness who has exhibited courage, leadership, and service on behalf of all people living with mental illness. In selecting DeShaw for this award, the NAMI Board recognizes him for his efforts to be a voice for those who struggle with mental illness. DeShaw will receive the Champions Award at the 2014 NAMI National Convention this September in Washington, D.C. where he will perform for the attendees. Vice President Joe Biden will also be receiving an award that night.

Thank you for being in my corner and inspiring me to keep rolling.

I had the honor on Friday of sharing my songs and story at the Montana State Hospital in Warm Springs. The day before the show I was struck by a crippling depression which made me wonder if I could go on. With a little help from my friends, I chose to forge forth in spite of the heady fog and total self worthlessness that consumed me. My first show was at 10:00 AM in the forensic lock down unit which they call D-wing. Reminiscing Johnny Cash as the steel entrance gate closed behind me, I thought of the core belief my musical hero and I shared in common. Every human being has inherent value even in spite of mistakes they may have made however grave. It is in embracing our fellow man with our eyes and telling him that we are but fellow journeymen, that human connection transpires. Our roads of past may differ, but we are together in the journey forward.

Together we were. I didn’t pretend that I was feeling good; I shared with them that I was badly depressed. I let them know that I share the struggles they face on a daily basis. I saw my reflection when I looked into their eyes. And together we embraced recovery interwoven only by country music.
It was a day I will never forget and my life will be forever changed by the residents and staff of Montana State Hospital. I’ve shared my story and songs more than a few times, but never to an audience that full of my brothers and sisters who share in this fight for our lives.

People believe that mental illness is a matter of health. I believe it’s a matter of humanity.
Before I could begin to heal, I had to accept what ailed me and work towards recovery. Before society can heal, the whole must realize the value of its individual. -Jason DeShaw

Howdy Holidays to You. Yesterday was Christmas in Montana. I spent many an hour in my rocking chair by the fire. It felt more like Thanksgiving as I reminisced and gave thanks for being healthy again. I rode the rodeo circuit in 2013 on a bull named bipolar. Bucked off often, it was your applause that enabled me to pick myself up and get back on again. It was the friends that I didn’t know I had, that helped save my life this past year. Thank you for your love & support. I feel a song coming on…

I recently shared my story and songs at a suicide prevention conference.  I was the keynote presenter in Helena, Montana.  It was a conference teaching people about  QPR, a wonderful prevention program that you should check out.  Many of us have experienced suicide in our lives, and it’s important to know the tools to prevent this great tragedy.  What an honor. http://www.qprinstitute.com/
I love all of you, my Friends.

Howdy, and welcome to my brand spankin’ new website.  Now that you’ve made it, I invite you to stay a while and relax Montana style.  I’m sure glad You stopped by, and I look forward to our paths crossing soon.