Irene McKain

First time author, Irene McKain Turner, is passionate about spreading the word that mental illness is treatable and can lead to transformation and healing.

In her somewhat shocking memoir, Irene reveals tragic events that most would hide under the veil of shame. Events that caused her to taste the bitterness of rejection as a teenager and abandonment as an adult. Events that instilled in her a constant desire to die.

These heartbreaking events began at a very young age. They were so damaging, that without her conscious awareness, Irene developed Dissociative Identity Disorder. Formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder, Irene’s mind created 14 distinct personalities that would become her helpers throughout her life. Helpers who would protect, helpers who would enable her to complete tasks, even helpers that would try to take her life.

But with the support and encouragement of family and friends, along with expert psychiatric treatment, Irene was able to overcome her tragic circumstances. And with the confidence that came from experiencing health and wholeness, she became an encourager to others by authoring her book I Was More Than One, A Story of Transformation and Healing.

Irene’s mission is to encourage those suffering with mental illness to seek professional help, to hold on to hope, and to believe that transformation and healing are possible.

With a passion for music that developed at a young age, Irene thought her future would include a career in church music. Though circumstances intervened and her original goals changed, her love for music stayed strong and she was able to participate in playing the organ and directing choirs throughout her life. Today she continues to volunteer in her chosen field of church music.

Irene’s riveting story inspires others to never give up. It encourages those struggling with mental illness (or who know of someone who is struggling) to seek help and dare to believe health and transformation are possible.

Irene is now sharing her story near and far, hoping to let others know that people with mental illness can lead normal, happily adjusted lives, and be a blessing to all they encounter.