10 Things I Wish People Knew About Schizoaffective Disorder

1. I might seem really happy when I’m ill and do things that are slightly strange too, but the things I do when I am not well don’t define me. This is not the real me, this is my illness.

2. I might hear voices that tell me horrible things, but that doesn’t make me a bad person.

3. Having schizoaffective disorder doesn’t mean I am “crazy.” My mind is wired differently and I have mental health condition that I manage.

4. I am not a mental heath stereotype or the portrayal of a character you’ve seen on TV. I am who I am and my personality is not defined by those things.

5. Yes, I take medication, which means I can have a “normal” life. Taking medication isn’t a bad thing or the “lazy” way to do deal with mental health.

6. I might have the same condition as someone else, but we’re certainly not the same. If you’ve meet someone with schizoaffective disorder, you’ve only met one person with schizoaffective disorder.

7. It’s OK if you don’t understand my condition or any other mental health condition, just accept people for who they are. Be kind — it doesn’t cost anything to be a nice person.

8. I am not drama queen or an “attention seeker.” Sometimes I can react in negative ways when I feel misunderstood or upset, but I’m not behaving this way because I am a a drama queen or “attention seeker.” It’s usually an emotional release.

9. Being sad isn’t the same as depression. Sadness isn’t a mental illness, it’s more shallow and fades over time. Also sadness doesn’t need treatment, but depression does.

10. Being exhausted due to my mental health doesn’t make me lazy.

If you live with schizoaffective disorder, what would you add?