Home 30. My Story in Ellis County

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My Story in Ellis County by Mark Morrow- 

     I was a hyperactive kid in my younger years.  In 1980 my family (I was 10 years old at the time) moved to Texas and then my sojourn (journey) into mental illness started.

     It was during my high school years in Mayperl (TX) that I was rudely introduced to a mental disorder called Schizoaffective Disorder.

     I had a hot temper and a sassy streak during those years.  A wise guy decided to spread the rumor that I was homosexual.  This rumor, along with genetics, triggered my disorder, of which I'm still trying to "get over."  I'm not "gay", by the way.

     I'm now living in Waxahachie and I get SSI and Food Stamps.  I'm also living on my own and taking my "meds" to keep stable.  My Christian faith and lifestyle (I've been one for over 20 years) keeps me centered along with my Christian brothers and sisters.  I can say if it weren't for Christ in my life, I'd be dead by suicide or in Terrell State Mental Hospital by now.

I've been going to college (Navarro College-Waxahachie Campus) and I'm in the process of getting my second degree from the school.

I have to say this--I get highly annoyed when people say that we mentally ill people are lazy or are running a scam when we live on SSI and Medicaid.  I, for one, try to keep active by walking and biking basically everywhere in Waxahachie.  I guess some people have never lived through the hell of mental illness and were glad to get what they have.

     With my "meds", I'm in a stable mood and basically content with my life, although some areas of my life are a "work in progress".

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