Mind
England
Hi! I am Liz and I am 49 years old. I was diagnosed with Bipolar I Disorder in 2003 - something that was a huge shock to myself and my family.
Life was never to be the same again, so when I do my talks it is great to explain in depth just exactly what I went through.
I have suffered mainly from manic psychotic episodes that on average have occurred once a year since my diagnosis. Each episode has seemed to be more bizarre than the last, from believing I was Jesus's sister with all my disciples ready to change the world, to telling my brother in law I could stop a train and that I would show him!
It all sounds funny but there were also some very frightening experiences, like when I thought evil spirits were trying to get me. I was terrified, and so were the people around me as they felt helpless.
17 years on, I have a loving and caring partner with a good understanding of my mental state, and a family who have open minds and learn each day to understand more and more. I share my story to give people a greater understanding of mental disorders with the hope that through my talks I will encourage others to be brave and speak out.
So perhaps next time when you hear someone has jumped in front of a train and killed themselves, please don't just think it's because they are selfish or even because they are depressed. They maybe having a psychotic episode like mine and have no rational mind. They could be running very scared from evil spirits or think they can stop the train with the touch of their hand....
