Finally diagnosed with Multiple Personality Disorder after a lifetime of mystery about who she was and why she was suffering, Irene McKain's memoir follows her path from the frightening abuse of her childhood to the exhilarating light of healing and transformation.
Irene had 15 different personalities. Each one distinct and separate from another. This is not a subject we hear much about, but to those who have lived through the pain of not knowing who they are.....it is very real!
Through the publication of I Was More Than One, Irene shares the fact that mental illness is indeed an illness, not some crazy condition. It is treatable, and people who suffer from such an illness can lead normal lives. Her book is raw, honest, and a beautiful account of hurt turned into healing.
Irene's interview will answer your questions surrounding multiple personalities.
I Was More Than One follows Irene’s path from the frightening abuse of her childhood to the exhilarating light of her healing and transformation. Through most of her life, Irene had experienced strange and unexplainable episodes of which she knew the results but not what had transpired. She had suffered from anxiety and was suicidal when she was finally hospitalized. But being diagnosed was only the beginning.
When she was released to try to lead a normal life she faced her greatest challenge. In her own words: “I was living in the real world without the care and protection of hospitalization, and the people around me couldn’t understand the apparent mood swings they observed. One of my employers said that some days I accomplished more in one day than most folks could accomplish in a week.
Other days I seemed to spend hours daydreaming.
I had only recently learned the truth about myself and wanted so much to explain why this was happening, but I thought I would immediately be without a job due to mental disability. The stress of coping with this situation made me very depressed at times, and I would entertain thoughts of suicide.
BUT....she not only survived but is thriving.
There is hope.....there is always hope -- no matter how dire the situation
When she was released to try to lead a normal life she faced her greatest challenge. In her own words: “I was living in the real world without the care and protection of hospitalization, and the people around me couldn’t understand the apparent mood swings they observed. One of my employers said that some days I accomplished more in one day than most folks could accomplish in a week.
Other days I seemed to spend hours daydreaming.
I had only recently learned the truth about myself and wanted so much to explain why this was happening, but I thought I would immediately be without a job due to mental disability. The stress of coping with this situation made me very depressed at times, and I would entertain thoughts of suicide.
BUT....she not only survived but is thriving.
There is hope.....there is always hope -- no matter how dire the situation
This amazing woman, Irene McKain, is my aunt...and I'm so very proud of her. To survive her experience is unbelievable. To thrive and overcome is amazing. To then make it her mission to encourage others and offer hope through the writing and sharing of her book "I Was More Than One" shows the depth of her compassion. Pick up a copy for yourself. Yes, it's a hard read. It's sad. It's raw. But it's filled with hope and the joy of overcoming. After all, can't everyone use a little more hope and joy!
ReplyDeleteThis amazing woman, Irene McKain, is my aunt...and I'm so very proud of her. To survive her experience is unbelievable. To thrive and overcome is amazing. To then make it her mission to encourage others and offer hope through the writing and sharing of her book "I Was More Than One" shows the depth of her compassion. Pick up a copy for yourself. Yes, it's a hard read. It's sad. It's raw. But it's also filled with hope and the joy of overcoming. And really, can't we all use a little more hope and joy!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mimi. Irene's story needed to be told and I am so pleased I could share it on Never Ever Give Up Hope. Yes, she is amazing and strong. I trust that her story will give hope and help to those suffering from this disorder.
ReplyDeleteI was fascinated by Irene McKain's interview with Carol and proud of her courage in verbalizing her story. I am the brother of her former husband and son of the father-in-law who helped after Irene's divorce. The book "I Was More Than One" is must reading after viewing and listening to this pod cast. You'll find the details of her illness and recovery rewarding. Thank you, Irene, for being a part of your life.
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