MARY SHOWALTER
Occupation: Receptionist, Artist
Diagnosis: Schizophrenia
As a budding artist studying art and architecture in Rome and Frankfurt, Mary Showalter's life was ideal. When not in the classroom her Roman boyfriend showed her the sights, and with a friend she hitchhiked to Amsterdam.
She never dreamed life was about to change, but at 21 and a college graduate, Mary watched as her friends began to marry or move into careers they loved.
She took a job in advertising, found it wasn't for her and proceeded to move from job to job in search of the perfect career.
"The low point was when I was 21 and first diagnosed, " said Mary. "I was depressed and cried all the time." She fell deeper into illness and began having a difficult time distinguishing dream from reality. Medications have helped but it has taken years to find the right ones for her. The side effects of one drug seemed worse than the illness itself and another "actually changed my appearance. I looked like an ogre."
In 1988 Mary became a client at Kitsap Mental Health Services. She became involved, making friends at Oasis and eventually accepting a job at KMHS in records. In early 2006 she became an Oasis receptionist. "Working has helped with the depression, as have my friends," says Mary. As a tribute to the many people she has touched, Mary celebrated her 50th birthday this year with several parties, surrounded by the friends she holds most dear. 
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