Sarah's Story

When I was in college, in the mid-1960’s, I had several mild bouts of depression. After graduating, I had several jobs but alternated between sadness and joy, and my behavior was somewhat unstable. Then in 1970 I suffered a psychotic breakdown. I was hospitalized for a month, with a diagnosis of schizophrenia.

My psychiatrist prescribed an antipsychotic medication that I took until he told me two years later that I didn’t need it anymore. I had very low self esteem after I was released from the hospital. I felt like I couldn’t trust my own mind, which was frightening. I was afraid I would never live on my own again (I was staying at my parent’s home at that point), and I thought that I’d never make any friends. But my parents were very supportive of me. They helped me find a job. I made several friends with people I worked with, and I moved into an apartment with one of them. But after a few years, once again my stability left me.

I started behaving erratically as my mood became extremely elevated. I didn’t notice this change, and neither my family nor friends noticed it. In 1974 I was hospitalized once again, this time for six weeks. At the hospital I was treated with electroconvulsive therapy, which brought me out of my psychosis. After I was released this time, I had more self confidence and found a job. My doctor told me that I had bipolar disorder rather than schizophrenia and that I’d have to take medication the rest of my life.

Since then, I’ve taken my pills faithfully. I know that doing this has kept me from having another crisis. I got married. My husband and I have a wonderful child and a good life together. Although I’ve had some ups and downs, my family has stood behind me. Journaling and reading spiritual books have helped me too.

How Sarah joined NAMI

I found out about NAMI when I was working as a teachers' aide.  My supervisor suggested that all the aides attend a NAMI presentation.  I went and was stunned at the truth that was shown there.  A young girl told the story of her mental illness. Since I'm bipolar and have been hospitalized for it, I felt her suffering.  It was so good to know that her audience would learn something about what it's like to be mentally ill.  At that point I decided to join NAMI. I'm retired.  Right now I do some substitute teaching, and I'm starting to write.  It gives me more satisfaction than anything I've ever done.