schizoaffective disorder - Can any one relate?

KaraArtist · ‎22-10-2016

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.

maxation · ‎23-10-2016

Hi.sorry ive just read your post. Ptsd? Wow. They thought i had that. I guess many people do.and lots arnt treated or misdiagnosed. Trauma has a way of repeating images and memories in us. Many of wich are horrible. I know i suffered them as after the fifth family members death.i went numb from shock.my brain refused to accept anymore .it kind of partly shuts down to protect us. Like a partial coma. amazing hey. If you try to go eazy on yourselves .while you get treatment and help for such things. It helps. Remember be kind to youself. Snagz.

KaraArtist · ‎23-10-2016

Thanks Mark.

Yes it's amazing just how common mental health conditions are, how many variations and I'm glad that there are places we can share and talk like this.

I'm glad to hear that you're managing your journey. I agree with you that it's also a journey and it has much to teach us.

In my case my depression fuels my artwork so I will always be thankful for that part of it. It's definitely helped shape me into a kinder, more compassionate and understanding person.

KaraArtist · ‎23-10-2016

Oooo new instrument will be wonderful, I know I'm always upbeat when I get my art supplies or a nice new canvas.

Yea my profile took ages too especially cause my first choice was rejected. Was a painting I made but the figure was nude. Oh well.

I'm having a wopper of an out of body episode haha but I did complete a painting I'd been working on so that's a positive.

How are you?

KaraArtist · ‎24-10-2016

Ahh the joys of using my phone to reply. Some of my post is missing. Here it is.

PTSD hey? My psych thinks I may be suffering from this too but I'm dubious, probably because it all seems too much already haha. I hope that you continue to build good coping mechanisms to aid you in your future as well as now.

It's definitely a bumpy road no matter what the diagnosis

MarkJT · ‎24-10-2016

Kara, you say that your depression fuels your art. What kind of art do you do? Are you able to do positive styles of art of does the depression fuel the darker type art?

maxation · ‎24-10-2016

Hi kara.how is eveything? Nice warm day today so i went in the city. I had an anxiety attack and let it out on the crowds.lol they departed like the dead sea. Then i got a call.a psychologist asking am i holding together. Guess not. The point being. Im as Schizophrenic as the next person.i just dont apply labels

.to me.if i apply a lable to.myself its like puting myanother huge weight on my shoulders. Stuff THAT. Cause its hard enough as it is. How have you been ?? Snagz

KaraArtist · ‎28-10-2016

Yes my emotions are very key to my art because art, for me, has always been a therapeutic exercise. I create bright and spiritual paintings as well as very dark and moody ones. I often paint one of each at the same time as my mood swings from dark to light because of the way painting 'heals' my soul. I will often start a darker piece and halfway through or at the end I'll feel uplifted and inspired so I'll start a brighter one. I am an acrylic painter and I prefer to paint very large canvas, taller than myself kind of sizes but lately, due to funds, I've downsized to A1 and A4. I also hobby paint and sew. I am definitely a creative type haha

KaraArtist · ‎28-10-2016

Hey there Mate. Sounds like you had an eventful day! Glad to hear it's over for now hehe I've been busy with family visiting and trying to hide an episode while they were here haha. The family who came to see me are not very understanding of my situation currently so I try not to let them see. It's been a few years since I had seen them so it was ok although very tiring. And there's a few more on the way next week but they are the more supportive ones so it will be much more relaxing.

Labels, well I understand that feeling of stress due to them. It's how I've felt since finding a name to put to my 'crazy' but I'm also glad because now I'm more open to different treatments appropriate to this labeling

MarkJT · ‎29-10-2016

Kara, sounds pretty awesome. Have you thought about opening up an Instagram account in the name of "KaraArtist" and post all the work that you do? Stick some relevant hashtags on it and it will get exposure to others that are suffering. Through the work that you do, you would be able so many more people whilst helping yourself....and that is a great result!

KaraArtist · ‎02-11-2016

Hi Mark. Yes I already have an artist's Instagram account as well as a Facebook page. It gets me wonderful feedback 😊 and a sale every now and then.