Story of Success: Kelli Ramey Living with Mental Illness

Ever since her youth, Kelli Ramey has known what it is like to live with mental illness. “I was almost expelled in preschool,” Ramey remembers. “I knew I was different, my parents and teachers knew I was different, but nobody could understand why.”

At a young age, Ramey was diagnosed with ADHD and placed on medication and her struggles at school continued into her high-school years. “In high school I started cutting and burning to ease the pain and anger I felt because I was treated as an outcast,” Ramey explained. “It was my way to cope with what was going on around me, I know now that it was not the answer to my problems.”

At 26, Ramey was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. “At this point I had been hospitalized more than I had fingers and toes,” said Ramey. “I needed help.”

Ramey eventually found the help she needed. Now 42, she is treated for her mental illness at ADAMH-funded Southeast Inc. where she attends a women’s group and sees her case manager once a week. “They really helped me become who I am today,”
said Ramey. “I have a lot more good days than bad days now.”

Currently, Ramey works as a surveyor inside of the ADAMH building. “I love it here,” said Ramey. “For the first time people listen to what I have to say.” This year Ramey was promoted to a supervisor and has done well in her new position.

When asked about Ramey’s progress, Phil Hedden the ADAMH Consumer and Family Advocate, recalls, “Kelli has made tremendous strides in her recovery journey.  She has become a very responsible and compassionate person who has a heart for helping others.” 

Outside of treatment, Ramey is involved with many groups including the Consumer and Family Advocacy Council (CFAC) and she participates at the Clintonville Resource Center.

In her free time, Ramey enjoys taking long walks, shopping at garage sales, attending church at Central Vineyard, and catching up with her friends on Facebook. Ramey also enjoys spending time with her cats: Chatter, Foot, Eighty-Six, Dazzle and her favorite cat Egg-stra who was affectionately named after she was born on Easter with extra toes.  

“I honestly never thought I would make it this far,” said Ramey. “I am glad I did.”