Cartoon-A-Thon’s May 8 Mental Health Hero: Ken Jensen

I was introduced to Ken Jensen in May 2008 when Alicia Sparks did a blog post series called, “This Is Why I ROCK! ”  At that time, I was just starting out on my journey with Mental Health Humor Cartoons.  However, I did have a precise and direct focus on how the cartoons would be used to help my peers.  The post she wrote about me is called, Success Story: Using Mental Health Humor As A Coping Skill.

This is how I met Ken.  It’s best that I just quote Alicia, since her introduction is what kept me reading his story.

“Ken Jensen puts us through psychiatric boot camp with his system for surviving bipolar disorder…  Ken Jensen is a former soldier – not just any soldier, but a Marine. (“A MARINE!” I’m reminded of Marty Maraschino in Grease every time I say that. What can I say? I’ve always been partial to the devil dogs – ex-husband aside.) -  Bipolar Survivor Ken Jensen Explains Why It Takes Guts To Be Him.”

I knew as soon I started drawing Ken, I wanted to bring out his strength. Just how would I make him today’s Mental Health Hero?  Tapping into my childhood, I thought about back in the day, early 80′s, when I met my hero.  My father put me in Karate class to teach me to fight  (I was getting my butt kicked by everyone; even girls!).  It was time I learned how to defend myself.  One of my older sisters was almost a black belt, now it was my turn.

Anyway, that is where I met my hero, Chuck Norris!  He was friends with Richie, the class teacher (sensei).  He showed us some moves from his new movie… One was a flying kick on a car!!!  Then, he started doing push-ups with just his thumbs!!  As a young boy, that fascinated me.   You weren’t cool or a Karate champ in my book if you couldn’t do — at least — 10 thumb push-ups… I could do 12!!

I see Ken and his approach as a modern-day Chuck Norris.  Ken’s kicking butt and taking names for bipolar recovery!! 

http://mentalhealthcartoons.com/bio/Ken%20Jensen-may8.html

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    Last reviewed: 9 May 2010