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Hi, my name is Arshnoor. I've been diagnosed with Schizoaffective disorder. Just trying to find the light.
Schizoaffective Disorder
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How does living with mental health challenges affect your energy levels?
Something I want to be more mindful of when it comes to my mental health is differentiating between how my symptoms impact my energy and how they affect my overall daily tasks and to-do list. Because my conditions are considered “high-functioning,” it’s easy for me to keep pushing through, even when I’m struggling to keep up. Sometimes, I don’t even realize my symptoms are affecting me until I slow down and talk to my therapist.
What about you? How do your mental health challenges affect your energy levels?
#BipolarDepression #BipolarDisorder #PTSD #ComplexPosttraumaticStressDisorder #Schizophrenia #ADHD #Parenting #ChronicIllness #SchizoaffectiveDisorder #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #Anxiety #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #Depression #MentalHealth #Selfcare #EatingDisorders #CheckInWithMe #CheerMeOn
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Thankful Thursday
It's that time of the week again! Tell me three things below 👇 that you're thankful for!
#Addiction #AnorexiaNervosa #Agoraphobia #Anxiety #Agoraphobia #Autism #ADHD #AutismSpectrumDisorder #Bipolar1 #BipolarDepression #Depression #ChronicFatigueSyndrome #CeliacDisease #Cancers #Grief #ChildLoss #Lupus #AutonomicDysfunction #SjogrensSyndrome #SuicidalIdeation #Schizophrenia #SchizoaffectiveDisorder #PTSD #SuicidalThoughts #Selfharm #Selfcare
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I’m new here!
Hi, my name is Fae. I was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. I'm having so much trouble with my voices. Feeling very alone because I don't have anyone around me who can understand me and what I do through day to day.
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On Psychiatric Medication and feeling an internal restlessness or sense of psychological pain? It might be akithisia
What is akithisia?
According to Lohr et al (2015) ‘’Akathisia is one of the most vexing problems in neuropsychiatry. Although it is one of the most common side effects of antipsychotic medications, it is often difficult to describe by patients, and is difficult to diagnose and treat by practitioners.’’ Additionally, ‘’akathisia is generally either underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed, which is a serious problem because it can lead to such adverse outcomes as poor adherence to medications, exacerbation of psychiatric symptoms, and, in some cases, aggression, violence, and suicide.’’ (Lohr et al, 2015).
‘’Akathisia is usually grouped with extrapyramidal movement disorders (ie, movement disorders that originate outside the pyramidal or corticospinal tracts and generally involve the basal ganglia). Yet, it can present as a purely subjective clinical complaint, without overt movement abnormalities.’’ (Lohr et al, 2015).
In Van Putten (1975)’s The many faces of Akathisia, it is stated that akathisia ‘’can be mistaken for an exacerbation of the original mental illness.‘’
‘’The inner agitation of akathisia is always subjectively stressful. Kalinowsky15 states that akathisia can be “more difficult to endure than any of the symptoms
for which [the patient] was originally treated” (Van Putten, 1975).
In my opinion (as someone who is not a healthcare professional), Van Putten’s article is outdated and incorrect in many respects.
However, as a patient who has experienced akathisia many times - I believe that it is worth thoroughly screening psychiatric patients for akathisia. In my own experience, clinicians often fail to recognise akathisia unless it fits within a very narrow interpretation (a patient pacing or being visibly restless/agitated). While this is certainly an indication of akathisia, it can also present in very subtle ways (whilst being excruciatingly painful).
I think that it may manifest in vastly different ways depending on how different individuals express feelings of distress. In some individuals, it may be invisible.
I believe that further research into patients’ subjective experiences of akathisia would be beneficial.
It is fairly easy to treat.
I also believe that patients taking psychiatric medication should be educated about akathisia and tardive dyskinesia. Many patients have no idea about these conditions, and therefore do not recognise symptoms as they arise. They may believe that their condition is deteriorating, without realising that there is a fairly simple solution which could alleviate some of their suffering (or a great deal of their suffering).
References:
Lohr, J. B., Eidt, C. A., Abdulrazzaq Alfaraj, A., & Soliman, M. A. (2015). The clinical challenges of akathisia. CNS Spectrums, 20(S1), 1–16. doi.org/10.1017/S1092852915000838
Van Putten, T. (1975). The many faces of Akathisia. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 16(1), 43–47. doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/0010-440X(75)90019-X
#MentalHealth #Schizophrenia #SchizoaffectiveDisorder #BipolarDisorder #Bipolar1 #Bipolar2 #Depression #Anxiety #Psychosis
The clinical challenges of akathisia | CNS Spectrums | Cambridge Core
The clinical challenges of akathisia - Volume 20 Issue S1
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Hearing Voices Virtual Support Group! Every 2nd and 4th Friday, 3:30 to 5pm ET
Hearing Voices is a virtual support group for anyone who identifies as a voice hearer.
Voices, visions, or other unusual or extreme experiences may be unique, but they are not uncommon. The Hearing Voices Support Group is a place where people can share these experiences in an atmosphere of acceptance and respect.
“Voice hearer” is a term which includes people who hear voices, see things others do not see, have multiple identities and/or other unusual experiences or beliefs. Voice hearers do not need to have a diagnosis or identify with one, but they may have received diagnoses such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective, or psychosis.
💻 If you'd like more information or would like to join, you can find the link here. Virtual groups are every 2nd and 4th Friday, 3:30 to 5pm Eastern Standard Time. Closed captioning is available:
naminycmetro.org/programs/hearing-voices
If you have any questions, feel free to comment below!
#MentalHealth #CheckInWithMe #Schizophrenia #SchizoaffectiveDisorder #Psychosis #BipolarDisorder #Depression #Anxiety #PTSD #Addiction #ChronicIllness #DissociativeIdentityDisorder
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Share a truth that grounds you.
A “truth” is an idea, belief, value, or perspective that remains steady no matter what you’re experiencing. Truths can take the form of mottos, mantras, reminders, affirmations, or personal rules that help ground us in what matters most — especially during challenging or uncomfortable moments.
One truth that grounds me is reminding myself of how far I’ve come. Phrases like “I can,” “I am enough,” and “I’m doing my best” bring me back to the present moment.
What about you? What’s a truth that helps ground you?
#BipolarDepression #BipolarDisorder #PTSD #ComplexPosttraumaticStressDisorder #Schizophrenia #ADHD #Parenting #ChronicIllness #SchizoaffectiveDisorder #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #Anxiety #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #Depression #DissociativeIdentityDisorder #MentalHealth #Selfcare #EatingDisorders #CheckInWithMe #CheerMeOn
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What’s your relationship with productivity?
I have a challenging relationship with productivity, as I have for most of my life. Although I’m more aware now and gentler and more compassionate with my expectations, it still feels like an uphill battle to truly understand that my worth isn’t tied to how much I produce. Cognitively, I know this—but my nervous system still relies on doing to feel adequate.
I often feel the need to show or prove to others that I’m worthy of time, attention, and affection. When I’m not doing well, I find myself unconsciously doing even more than usual, trying to bridge the disconnect I sometimes feel.
Can anyone relate? What’s your relationship with productivity? How does it impact you and your expectations of yourself?
📒 I’d love to hear your insights and experiences.
#BipolarDepression #BipolarDisorder #PTSD #ComplexPosttraumaticStressDisorder #Schizophrenia #ADHD #Parenting #ChronicIllness #SchizoaffectiveDisorder #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #Anxiety #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #Depression #MentalHealth #Selfcare #EatingDisorders #CheckInWithMe #CheerMeOn
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Virtual Wellness Chats! Every Friday, 1 to 2 PM ET
Wellness Chats is a place for anyone who needs to connect.
Share how you’re handling life these days – your wellness, your mood…the good, the not-so-good, and the in-between.
People with mental illness, their family members, and anyone else who wants to give and get emotional support is welcome to attend.
If you'd like more information or would like to join, you can find the link here. Virtual groups are every Friday, 1 to 2 PM Eastern Standard Time. Closed captioning is available: naminycmetro.org/programs/wellness-chats
If you have any questions, feel free to comment below!
#BipolarDepression #BipolarDisorder #PTSD #ComplexPosttraumaticStressDisorder #Schizophrenia #ADHD #Parenting #ChronicIllness #SchizoaffectiveDisorder #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #Anxiety #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #Depression #MentalHealth #Selfcare #EatingDisorders #CheckInWithMe #CheerMeOn
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THE INTERNAL OBSERVER
Nine years ago, I did metacognitive training with my mentor at a psychiatric hospital. It's one of those things that quietly changed everything.
High metacognition means I can watch my own mind work—catch when my thoughts spiral, notice when I'm operating in autopilot, recognize patterns before they become problems.
It's like having an internal observer who's learned to spot the difference between a thought and reality, between a helpful strategy and one that's keeping me stuck.
Some days it feels like a superpower. Other days it's just exhausting to be so aware of everything happening upstairs. But I wouldn't trade it—this skill has gotten me through more than I can count.
Anyone else had therapy or training that gave them tools they still use years later?
#MentalHealth #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #BorderlinePersonalityDisorderBPD #SchizoaffectiveDisorder #Schizophrenia #BipolarDisorder #Anxiety
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