My name is Kate Purcell. I am a fierce survivor; and I am also an author, speaker and lived experience expert. I am 40 years old, and for the past 13 years I have had quite the life. This past 13 years marks the time I have spent in mental health recovery; and it is more than likely my fierce approach, that has seen me take giant leaps forward… consistently.
I live with my partner and our pussycat (Pan – short for panther), in Perth, WA. We have a mortgage (oh the joys), and we have a very fun and happy life, with lots of good quality time with friends. Fun is one of my biggest values in life, as from the ages of 13-27 things were rough. To say the least.
At the age of 13 I was subjected into the world of dieting and was diagnosed with anorexia when I was 14. I spend 2 years hospitalized and then a 7-month stint at Hollywood Clinic in Perth. I recovered for the most part and then life took quite a turn.
I was heavily into raving and taking recreational drugs every weekend. Things eventually fell apart, and I ended up experiencing social phobia, panic attacks and severe depression.
Things slowly improved, but when I was 24, I had a yearlong psychotic episode, which morphed into a rather lengthy manic episode, which then took another turn as I experienced full-blown schizophrenic symptoms. Shortly after these symptoms I was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. I was 26.
When I was diagnosed, I was medicated and began my journey to recovery. The journey was very hard initially and has always had its challenges.
Since that time though when I was about 27, life has delivered, because of my determination, grit and courage. I knew I wanted and deserved an amazing life. And that is what I have managed to create for myself.
I have been working over the past 11 years in mental health and alcohol and other drugs. I have written 3 books – Hope Inc – which was released January 2025, Tell Your Eating Disorder to F**k Off – released in February 2026 – and Level Up – to be released in 2027.
I have done a fair bit of public speaking, and I am hoping – particularly with the release of my first 2 books – I will attract some new and amazing opportunities to share my story with the world.
I have, over the last few years, been challenged again by an eating disorder. Atypical Anorexia – which was diagnosed in September 2025 – and I have recovered from such, as I write this in April 2026. It was not only my experiences with Anorexia Nervosa as a teenager, but my more recent experiences with Atypical Anorexia, that motivated me to write ‘Tell Your Eating Disorder to F**K Off’ – I started writing this towards the end of 2024. I understand eating disorders so intimately, and I understand eating disorder recovery, so intimately – that I wanted to share my thoughts, insights and tips with others who are on a similar journey. Eating disorders are tough to beat. But if I can do it, anyone can do it. Let ‘Tell Your Eating Disorder to F**k Off’ be your guiding light to recovery. Let it be the kryptonite to your eating disorder. You’ve got this.
I am simply bursting with anticipation for the next chapter of my story.
I look forward to sharing my journey with you all.
(((Hugs)))
Kate xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
PS: If you would like to get in contact with me about my books or if you are looking for an opportunity to have me speak or present for you, please contact me on my email address.
minik3333@hotmail.com
Kate's Niche 