My name is Kathy and I am a 48 year old Female. I am sufferer and the family member of other sufferers.

I have struggled with Mental Illness all of my life. I have several family members who had/have Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia. I have been on many meds including Paxil, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Depakote, Paxil and Neurontin. Presently I am on Trileptal and Risperdal. The mania at one point sent me on a shopping spree that drove us to bankrupsey. The illness has been difficult on my family to say the least. Last year I joined a local NAMI group which has greatly helped me. I am now, also facilitating a Depression/Bipolar Support Group in my area. I love to write and have published a book of poetry. Other than that, I spent nearly 30 years working in the health care system. 

My email is: kaustin1@nycap.rr.com