schizoaffective disorder - Can any one relate?

[KaraArtist]

Hi there world of BB. I have recently been diagnosed with Schizoaffective disorder, I have battled depression for most of my life and never had a clear answer until now. It has left me feeling like I am a burden, weak, angry, sad and generally unhappy. However, I now have a clear diagnosis and the path to recovery is already at hand. My psychologist has been amazing in helping me through this.

Any one else out there with this particular diagnosis? I am feeling alone and would like to connect with others like me to just talk about it.

[MarkJT]

Kara, sorry i dont know much about that disorder, in fact i know nothing at all.

I just want you to know that you are not alone in your journey.

I would like to hear from you as to what it is like. What are the symptoms etc. I dont want you to feel as though you have to do this but you can educate me and there will be others who read this thread who will also be educated. This will then help you.

Thank you so much for posting.

Mark.

[KaraArtist]

Hi Mark. Thank you for replying, I like your idea.

so, schizoaffective disorder is described as having simptoms associated with bi polar and schizophrenia, makes it hard to diagnose.

delusions, hallucinations, major depressive episodes, mania, ... to name a few.

I personally hear voices on occasion, see things in the dark and in the corner of my eye, major depressive episodes, manic episodes not as often, social anxiety, these are my most noticeable issues.

It has stopped me from working and made it difficult to maintain human relationships.

I am hopeful that medication and correct therapy will help

[maxation]

Hi. I was diagnosed long ago with a simular thing. But now the same doctors say its not there. Which is very confusing. My point...regardless of what your diagnosis is now.you may not always feel the way you do now.. as you get used to coping

I suggest that many people develop a stronger personality. Ther for. Illnesses gradually dont effect you as much. So chin up. And stay possitive. Snagz

[KaraArtist]

Hi Snagz, welcome to the discussion.

Glad to hear that you have experienced some recovery even if it is confusing

Yes I agree, I feel my mental health is constantly in a state of change. Where once I was deeper and darker than I've ever been, to complete control of myself with an amazing career and now this.

I believe it's a path I'm walking and the 'scenery' is ever changing

[maxation]

Thanks for your reply. We learn about ourselves.in so many ways. A wall is always a wall.but a bridge can take on many forms..... i climbed out of the bed and began to live again...was in a story i wrote... it means i built a bridge.out of my dilemma. If i can DREAM. I can SUCCEED. What do you think?

[KaraArtist]

And I forgot, because I'm having one now haha, but I often have episodes where this reality doesn't feel real. It's like I'm a puppet but not in control of the puppet. I can stare into a mirror and barely recognize the face looking back at me, my body feels numb and every sound is distanced. When this gets really bad I get a sense that all I need to do is wake up. But I have a great support network so those people help me to realize that I am real and so is this life.

[KaraArtist]

Agreed, and again great to hear a success story!

Yes if we can dream then we can write our stories, build the bridges we need and find the path out of the darkness.

Basically always keep moving, because every tiny step is a step closer to successful recovery

[MarkJT]

Thanks so much for continuing to post.

The depression aside, i haven't experienced anything like you two have so this is all learning to me so thank yuo for that.

With my PTSD I got to learn what my issues where: depression, anxiety, dissociation, hyper vigilance, anger, insomnia and the like. The more i learnt about each matter, the more i learnt how to control and get over them. Easier said than done but i really like what Snagz says about building a bridge - i built bridges to enable me to somehow get on with life and recovery from this.

When you say "its a path you are walking" that is pretty much the same as me but mine was a "journey". I now say that "the journey is the reward". I am thankful for what happened to me as it has given me so much insight into mental health but because of people like you and Snagz, I am learning so much more.

Hope you are going well.

Mark.

[maxation]

How are you going there? Been a quiet day here. Getting my new 12 string soon.so looking for new ideas i .my music.i write. Not much in busking so im selling my stuff overseas. Hey? Im STILL waiting for my profil pic to show.its slow approval. Snagz.