topic Schizoaffective Disorder in Staying well

Schizoaffective Disorder

Angela_J — Wed, 20 Jun 2018 00:33:59 GMT

Hey there,

I have just been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and I am finding life really tough. I have been in and out of employment for years and can never hold down a job because of anxiety/paranoia and delusions/ hallucinations when I work. I am actually in an acute pychiatric ward at the moment. I am applying for the Disability Support Pension because I am on so much medication that I am too out of it to work. Is there anyone else out there who has schizoaffective disorder? How do you cope with the anxiety and paranoia that you feel? Are you able to work? I would love to here from some other people with the same disorder and connect with them online to help one another. I hope I hear from someone soon.

Thanks,

Angela.

Schizoaffective Disorder

Summer Rose — Wed, 20 Jun 2018 10:33:48 GMT

Hi Angela

Thank you for sharing your story. You really touched my heart and I want you to know that I'm sorry you are feeling so unwell. You have suffered more pain than anyone should ever have to experience.

Hopefully you are getting the help you need, although I know it's never pleasant to be in hospital. Believe that light will follow the darkness.

I don't have the disorder but wanted to reach out for two reasons. Firstly, by me posting, your thread will go to the top of the queue, hopefully giving you a better chance to connect with someone with shared experience. Secondly, to let you know that someone cares.

I am happy to keep talking. I wish only the best for you.

Schizoaffective Disorder

Angela_J — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 06:03:19 GMT

Dear Rose,

Thanks for your lovely post. Have you ever been hospitalised for mental illness? I am actually being discharged tomorrow so it will be nice to go home. I am feeling down but have therapy on Monday so hopefully that will help. What mental illness do you suffer from.

Schizoaffective Disorder

Summer Rose — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 08:27:38 GMT

Hi Angela

So nice to hear from you.

My experience with mental illness comes from caring for my daughter. She fell very ill at age 13 with OCD and anxiety. Yes, she spent time in hospital, 3 weeks.

So, while I haven't been the patient, I do have some insight into what you're going through. It was a tough, dark time for us. But it was also a critical turning point in her journey toward better health. I hope and pray your experience will be the same.

I'm glad you're going home tomorrow. Do you have someone to support you? Please know that I'm also reaching out a hand in friendship. Feel free to keep posting and letting us know how you are getting on.

Schizoaffective Disorder

Angela_J — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 20:53:02 GMT

Hey Summer Rose,

Yes I do have a supportive family to go home to. My mum is picking me up and I will be living with her. I also have borderline personality disorder and this results in me responding with panic, anxiety and thoughts of self harm on a daily basis. I am in therapy which really helps me but I still have very strong emotions associated with being borderline. Is your daughter borderline or bipolar or both? I am both borderline and bipolar. Looking forward to hearing back from you.

xoxo

Angela.

Schizoaffective Disorder

Summer Rose — Fri, 22 Jun 2018 10:35:03 GMT

Hi Angela

Thank you for sharing more about yourself. It takes courage, I know.

My daughter has OCD; fortunately she is now recovery. She has learned to manage her health and is able to keep OCD under control and fully participate in life. I know it's a lot harder for you. I'm sorry to hear that you are both borderline and bipolar.

You should be home now. I hope it feels good to be back in your bed. And it must be great to have mum around. Although, I know that when my daughter first came home from hospital I was a bit over-protective, I just couldn't help it. It took awhile for us to settle back into routine. But I was so happy to have my girl back.

First night home I made her favourite meal (burgers) and we made popcorn and watched a film. Is there anything special you are looking forward to doing with mum?

Schizoaffective Disorder

blondguy — Fri, 22 Jun 2018 10:56:40 GMT

Hello Angela

You are amazing (strong) for for having the courage to post with us and thankyou so much for doing so

I have had chronic anxiety followed by depression for many years and its an awful place to be in. You mum is a super legend for being there for you

You are not alone and I hope you can post back when its convenient for you

My kindest thoughts

Paul

Schizoaffective Disorder

Angela_J — Fri, 22 Jun 2018 19:41:03 GMT

Hey Paul,

How is your depression at the moment. mine is definitely at an all time low. I just don't feel like doing anything but I

Schizoaffective Disorder

Angela_J — Fri, 22 Jun 2018 19:44:30 GMT

Hey Paul,

how is your depression and anxiety at the moment? My depression is at an all time low but I am going to do some volunteer work today at an op shop to keep myself occupied. I have quit work and am going to just volunteer. I am also going to regular therapy which helps too. Do you work? I

Schizoaffective Disorder

Angela_J — Fri, 22 Jun 2018 19:46:42 GMT

Sorry Paul for some reason my computer cut off my post. I am in the middle of applying for the disability support pension. Are you on it?

Schizoaffective Disorder

Summer Rose — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 03:28:35 GMT

Hi Angela J

I just want you to know that I am thinking of you. I hope you are being kind to yourself and settling in at home okay. I really want to wish you good luck for your appointment on Monday, too.

All the best

Schizoaffective Disorder

blondguy — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 07:35:57 GMT

Hi Angela J

Sorry about the delay in get back to you. I am usually pretty quick. Just been on a break

Good on you for being a volunteer and helping others....and yourself by doing so too!

To answer your question...my anxiety and depression is under management from my GP. I take a low Dose of an SSRI which helps both the anxiety and depression a lot. I do see my GP for a fine tune every four weeks though for support.

The anxiety symptoms do decrease in severity with frequent counseling which is good news....and I used to have chronic anxiety.

The depression has lessened and I dont get the super bad lows anymore.....they are awful to have. The meds on their own are never a fix all. They do work well once combined with ongoing regular therapy though. I found that CBT therapy worked wonders in my situation

I am not on the DSP..yet....however its on my list of things I have to organise

Your questions are welcome Angela J. I really hope you can stick around the forums....when its convenient for you of course 🙂

I hope your day has been good to you

My kind thoughts

Paul

Schizoaffective Disorder

Ronniefm — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 07:30:47 GMT

Hi I once helped a guy in your exact position I had to call before the plate of pills so he wasn't whacked out I asked him if he wanted to get healed and he agreed He's back with wife and child All Goodo! There is a light on for you cherio

Schizoaffective Disorder

Ronniefm — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 07:34:59 GMT

I once helped a guy in your exact position. He's back with his family. All Goodo there. I know there is a light shining for you. It will come. Cherio

Schizoaffective Disorder

Ronniefm — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 00:23:10 GMT

Hello there There was a time I was wracked with anxiety, trembling from a frozen spirit, and yet all the time trying to act like a man What a mess Then with therapy I found it was my birthright to live a joyful life And you must meditate, not medicate,although small doses are sometimes necessary I would like to tell you about my healing studio in my mind sometime It is a place I can go and rest getting some inner peace where things become clearer There's always calm after a storm Cherio

Schizoaffective Disorder

Ronniefm — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 03:27:04 GMT

Hi there I do seem to have a lot to express I hope it's helpful I was bipolar dependant on meds but not now Be clean and free and original and happy for years I call it a condition not an illness I worked hard,studied and practiced new ways of thinking Yes that's the key Just like a piano player needs to practice, we humans need to practice our thinking Get your thoughts, place them on a happy path . . and keep them there for as long as you can Cherio

Schizoaffective Disorder

Moonlight83 — Tue, 07 May 2019 09:03:51 GMT

Hi there i have schitzoefective disorder I was Diagnosed for 6 years now i struggle from time to time i was working full time but ended it due to being unwell so decided to go casual as it fits well in with me and i can turn down work if need be . ATM I’m struggling with anxiety and paranoid thoughts so i called in sick this week as I’m not stable enough to work , I haven’t got my voices back yet but I’m sure thats to come soon if I don’t nip it in the butt now . Being in a relationship can also be touch on the other person , i get racing thoughts and paranoid thinking I dont see thing but i her things , how are you coping now ?

Schizoaffective Disorder

Moonlight83 — Tue, 07 May 2019 09:10:14 GMT

I also have boarderline personality disorder