Developed integration
disorder syndrome and changed jobs more than 10 times
Aside
from writing occupation,
Ms. Mori is engaged as peer counselor at Peer Osaka, and has continued
volunteer work on activities for people with disability.
■ Major Accomplishments
・
Developed integration
disorder syndrome at the age of 33, and was close to death for four years.
Divorced due to the illness, but took her second daughter under her care and is
living with her parents. During this time she worked to earn a living, but both
mentally and physically it was difficult to continue in one place, resulting in
many changes of occupation. She also suffered from mistaken notions regarding
her illness and often experienced discrimination.
In order to cast aside the stigma of integration disorder syndrome, she decided
that it was best to publish a book; in August 2002, she was able to publish
a book called “Kokoro wo nottorarete (My heart was hijacked)” (Choubunsha).
After that she was able to write articles on “Togo shicchoushou to tomoni
(Living with Integration Disorder Syndrome)” in the medical and heath
column of the Yomiuri Shimbun Newspaper. These articles had far-reaching
effects; the series was compiled as a book in March 2006, titled “Kokoro
no yamai wo kugurinukete (Going Through and Emerging from <Illness of
Mind>” (Iwanami Shoten Publishing Company). In October 2006, she published
her autobiography, titled “Nantoka naruyo Togo shicchoushou (Not Impossible
to Live with Integration Disorder Syndrome).” (Kaiho Shuppansha Publishing
Company) At the moment, Ms. Mori has a series in the Kyoto Fukushi (Welfare) Newspaper
and has given more than 60 lectures in Kinki, Tokyo, Kagawa and Okinawa.
She has also appeared on the Mainichi Broadcasting radio program called
“Hayamimi Radio! Mizuno Akiko desu (Radio with long ears: Here I am; Akiko
Mizuno!)” and “Tomoni Ikiru (Living together),” an NHK radio program,
in addition to writing many articles, giving lectures etc. with drive and
energy.
Worked as peer counselor over the telephone at Peer Osaka and has listened
to many peer patients’ sufferings.
・
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■ Future Projects
・
Has been endeavoring to raise awareness of integration disorder syndrome,
but discrimination and misunderstanding still exist. Hopes to continue
writing books, perhaps four or five more. Also hopes to continue peer activities
not only in Japan, but also in other countries, making use of English,
which she is good at. Ms. Mori’s
writings and lectures have played a very important role in eradicating society’s
deep-rooted discriminatory misunderstanding of against mental illnesses. At the
same time, her activities have encouraged patients and their families, giving
them strength and hope. It is hoped that she energetically continues her
activities.