I am nothing

sadandpsyco
Community Member

Hi.

I am 27 years old at age 22 I was diagnosed with schizo-affective disorder. I do not recall what happiness feels like. Occasionally life isn't completely painful and I guess that is as close to happy as I get. I have no idea what to do with myself at one point I was mechanic but now after a few days of any job stress kick in and I end up back in hospital. I enjoy life I have friends but they are only really there when I am well, understandably so as even I know I am a pain when Im in a bad place. My life has now becomet 90% attempting to distract from hallucinations and bad feelings so I can barely function as a human. I only stick around because I am scared to die.

3 Replies 3

james1
Community Champion
Community Champion

Hello,

It sounds like the last five years at least have been very difficult to cope with the hallucinations and bad feelings. It also sounds like there are a lot of things that just continue to be stresses in your life including having a stable job and having friends who are supportive even when things are not going well for you mentally.

Do you mind if I ask if you are currently still seeing any mental health professionals? I'm worried for you because you said you only stick around because you're afraid to die. I have similar thoughts and they can be quite distressing.

I also just wanted to just gently remind you that we don't think you're nothing, but from what you've said, it's very understandable why you feel that way. To have all these different things happening must make you feel so different from others, even your friends, that you would feel like you are nothing. But it is only a reflection on your experiences, not you as a person.

Good on you for posting here. I hope you feel comfortable in replying.

James

Doolhof
Champion Alumni
Champion Alumni

Hi SandP,

James has posted a lovely to you. I would just like to add that I myself have been diagnosed with various mental health issues. I am not those diagnosis. I am still me despite the terms that are used to address the problems I have.

Do you have hobbies and interests you are bale to pursue? Is it possible for you to do some kind of tr5aining or volunteer work that is flexible?

Recently I too thought that life was not worth living. I am still here, and so are you! So are many others who struggle one way or another.

This is a safe place to share how you are feeling. Hopefully by just writing and sharing, you may feel a little better about yourself and your possibilities for the future.

Cheers for now from Dools

Automaton
Community Member

Sadandpsyco,

You may find some truly enlightening truth and hope in what Eleanor Longden says about her life in her TED talk, called "The Voices in My Head" (look it up on YouTube, as I can't post the link here).

The most important thing to realise is that your body *is* you, and it knows what's best for you -- it is always trying to help you balance to your natural needs. You need to stop listening to your mind -- which can be influenced and can in many ways deceive you, and start listening to your heart, and to what your body is trying to tell you! Those hallucinations are there for a reason -- don't fear or hate them! Be kind to them and understand them. Understand what your body is trying to tell you -- try to accept and understand your body as it is, without prejudice, and without judgement -- you have worth, very much so! You just can't see it now because your mind is clouded, and you keep listening with your head instead of your heart -- stop doing that!!

Our worth is *not* defined by our place and acceptance in society -- that's rubbish! -- it comes from within you as a living being. Just because you're a social mess at the moment does not mean you don't have any worth! Not at all! All it means is that there is so much going on within you that you don't have the juice to address society's high and unreasonable demands! And that's okay! You will return to it (how much you want to) once you learn from living in your body, and find internal balance.

While you are not ready, don't throw yourself under people's judgement -- people are mostly crude and ignorant. If you feel the need to be around people, be around those who have shared your experience, who understand and appreciate your fight, and won't judge you, and don't expect anything from you, but accept you for who you are (faults and all) -- believe me, they exist, even if you only manage to find them online (at a physical distance).

None of us are perfect -- it's what we make of our imperfections that counts, and what makes us truly live and grow. Don't ever try to be perfect! Be who you *are*, be in your body, be *your* best; you own hero.

No-one has the right to tell another who they should be -- they have no frickin' idea who you are! Only you know yourself. Believe in your body, believe in yourself, and look for a life you *can* live, and where you'll be happy. Leave all those stupid masks behind, and listen to your natural self.

Wishing you a lot of heartfelt self-discovery,
Automaton