Carol A. Kivler

About Carol A. Kivler

Carol A. Kivler of Lawrence, NJ, is the founder of Courageous Recovery, a division of Kivler Communications, designed to raise awareness to remove the stigma of mental illness and to instill hope in those who live with it. Through Courageous Recovery, Kivler's goal is to change the way society and the medical profession views people living with mental illness. Her mission is to have society and medical professionals view individuals living with mental illness as courageous survivors who want to be accepted, not rejected; respected, not pitied; and admired, not feared. Carol considers herself a courageous survivor expert.

Carol provides programs to both medical and nursing schools as well to associations, organizations, corporations, school systems, and government agencies. Her personal story has changed the way these populations view mental illness.

According to Kivler, who has lived with clinical depressive disorder for the past 15 years, the stereotype of mental illness doesn't include periods of recovery. Yet when many individuals living with mental illness are not in "crisis," they continue to contribute to the world. Winston Churchill, Ernest Hemingway, Mike Wallace, Patty Duke, and Jane Pauley were all diagnosed with some form of mental illness, yet they went on to enrich society.

Kivler is a member of the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) as well as NAMI-Mercer where she serves as a Board of Trustee member as well as legislative advocate to the Board.

First diagnosed with mental illness in 1990, Kivler suffers from periodic acute bouts of medication-resistant depression, which in her case is only responsive to ECT (electro-convulsive therapy). At the time of her diagnosis, Kivler was a 40-year-old mother of three healthy children and working as a part-time college professor. Since 1990, Carol has had four acute episodes of depression each time requiring hospitalization and additional ECT treatments. Presently, Carol has been living in recovery for the last six years.

Carol has been interviewed numerous times about her experience on television, radio, and in print. After her last acute episode, Carol authored an interactive journal, Blessings: My Journal of Gratitude. She is currently writing her next book, Will I Ever Be the Same Again? This book is designed to instill hope to those living with a mental illness.  

For more information about Courageous Recovery, visit the website.

Books:

Carol Kivler is currently writing her next book, Will I Ever Be the Same Again? This book is designed to instill hope to those living with a mental illness.

Blessings: My Journal of Gratitude (Three Gem, March 2003)

This beautiful book will become your treasured companion. A companion for you to capture your own blessings on paper. Writing in this interactive journal is a heartfelt way to preserve your recollections and move more deeply into self-reflection.

Carol's journal is a combination of her inspiring words, captivating watercolors, and thought provoking questions. This journal is the perfect gift for a special woman in your life.

To order send an email to carol@kivlercommunications.com

$19.95 plus $2.50 for shipping/handling

"You've got to see this book to believe it...the only word I can use to describe it is 'inspiring.' The artwork is lush and inviting, picuresque pieces by Deborah Paglione. The quotes and journaling cues come from the heart. This is a perfect journaling companion, for yourself and as a gift for others in your life"
- Emily Grossman, Graduate Student

Reviews of Carol Kivler and Courageous Recovery

Thanks from the bottom of my heart for appearing on "American Family" to share your story about overcoming depression. You were absolutely dynamite! Your discussion was not only informative, setting a positive example for others who suffer from clinical depression but also very powerful emotionally. The insights and honesty you offered on the challenges of successfully overcoming depression were right on the money and extremely well articulated. You should be very proud of your own journey. You are certainly an inspiration to me!
- Bettina Gregory
Host, GoodLife TV Network

We were very fortunate that you were able to speak to us about your illness this past Tuesday. I believe that your presentation made a real impact on the researchers here. I have had nothing but positive comments from many of my co-workers about your presentation. I came away inspired, knowing that the medicines we are striving to develop truly make a difference in real peoples' lives. I've always believed that, but real experiences and faces mean much more.
- Albert Uveges
Scientist, Wyeth Research

Every time Carol recounts her own experiences with mental illness and recovery she demonstrates that people who have mental illness can and do recover and live productive lives. By standing up and speaking out, Carol is breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness one audience at a time.
- Jerry Lindauer
Executive Director, NAMI-Mercer (National Alliance of Mental Illness)

It was our pleasure to have you come and speak with us. You were truly inspirational, and in fact made the research group realize that indeed our work is important and can impact the lives of others. Many times in our discipline scientists find themselves caught up in the scientific details and forget the true goal. Your presentation has further motivated us and will not be forgotten.
- Lee E. Schechter, Ph.D., Director, Depression and Anxiety Research, Wyeth Research

What can I say? Your presentation was absolutely incredible! My students were riveted to their seats. You have opened up their eyes in ways I never could have. Your presentation has changed not only their professional lives but their personal lives as well. I have spoken to my colleagues, and we want you to come back again next year and speak to all of our students!
- Donna A. Gaffney, RN, DNSc, FAAN, Seton Hall University

Bravo! Carol! Your personal story was extremely enlightening both personally and professionally. Not only did you take the negative stigma away from mental illness for me, you reinforced the very reason why I chose to go into nursing in the first place - to make a difference.
- Nursing Student, Seton Hall University

Thank you for your optimism, your wisdom, and courage that you shared today. I will remember you and your story and hopefully make a difference in someone's life.
- Nursing Student, Seton Hall University

Carol Kivler brought home the humanity and the anguish of mental illness. She is so brave to take her experience on the road and speak so frankly. Thank you, Carol.
- Nursing Student, Seton Hall University

Carol has given me the courage to approach not only patients suffering from mental illness but also a lot of suggestions for dealing with patients with physical illness. There isn't such a large difference between the two populations (beyond the stigma, of course).
- Nursing Student, Seton Hall University

Thank you for sharing your personal story with us. Your journey is so inspiring and your remarks were so comforting to those of us who are filled with hope for our loved ones with mental illness. It is terrific that your message is reaching more and more people, as you are an outstanding role model and advocate.

- Carol Nied, Development Committee, NAMI-Mercer