Hope Inc.

Blurb

Growing up, Kate Purcell lived in the shadow of her twin brother. He was outgoing, confident and charismatic, while she was withdrawn and shy. The bullying at school was excruciating.

Kate was just 14 when she developed anorexia. She became obsessed with reducing calories and at one stage, Kate worried that using toothpaste would make her gain weight. She grew thinner and thinner until one day the scales read just 29 kilograms. Her parents were stricken with worry and she was hospitalised 10 times, including seven months at Hollywood Clinic in Perth.

In time, she overcame the most severe aspects of anorexia, but life took a new turn when she began to attend rave parties and taking recreational drugs. Social anxiety and depression followed. A psychotic episode occurred at the age of 24. Kate hit rock bottom.

At the age of 26, Kate was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. She was required to take medication that caused weight gain as a side effect. Kate found herself on the precipice of having an eating disorder again. Kate’s journey is ultimately ongoing, yet her story is filled with inspiration and resilience.

With the right treatment, tools and support, absolutely anything is possible.

Welcome to Hope Inc.

Author Bio

For over a decade, Kate Purcell has worked in the community as a peer worker, mental health advocate, group facilitator and alcohol and drug counsellor. She has worked at a variety of organisations in Western Australia, including RUAH community services, NEAMI National and the Mental Health Advocacy Service.

As a teenager, Kate spent two years in institutionalised care to treat anorexia. She was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder at the age of 26.

Kate encapsulates hope, and she has a passion for sharing her experiences to not only provide hope to others, but also reduce mental health stigma in society. She enjoys public speaking and writing, using both as a means to help reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues.

She lives in Perth with her partner Leon, and their fur-baby cat, Pan. Hope Inc. is her first book.