Schizoaffective Disorder

[Angela_J]

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.

[Summer Rose]

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.

[Angela_J]

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.

[Summer Rose]

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.

[Angela_J]

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.

[Summer Rose]

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?

[blondguy]

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

[Angela_J]

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

[Angela_J]

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

[Angela_J]

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?