Schizoaffective Disorder

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Schizoaffective Disorder
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When the world is talking about you.

Sometimes I am sure that everyone is talking about how much they hate me. Not just people I know, but strangers as well as I pass them by at the convenience store or just sitting in my home, I feel like I know they know me and that they are all discussing what a horrible person I am. This of course makes me terribly anxious. I go out of my way to be polite and kind to people I meet, yet I still feel like I know their inner thoughts and those thoughts are terrible things about me.

I wish I could explain why this is, but the only explanation i have been given when i bring this up with my doctor is that I live with schizoaffective disorder, a mental illness that affects how i think. It is an illness that combines symptoms of schizophrenia and a mood disorder. I have the bipolar type which means I also sometimes experience highs and depressive lows outside normal mood swings.

The most recent experience I have had with this symptom is from today. I woke up with plans to go to breakfast with my family. I was anxious about going, yet made it to the restaurant and was seated. The hostess and server were nice and I was friendly back with them, yet I felt I knew that they went back and were talking about what a strange person I was and how they knew that something was wrong with me. I became increasingly anxious with this knowledge. I had to excuse myself several times to go to the bathroom and splash water on my face to try and ground myself. This thought continued with the people I was eating with. "Sarah is so strange." "I don't trust her" "I don't like her at all", were all things that I felt them thinking.

This is not just some insecurity, because I have times when I don't have these thoughts at all and feel normal, thanks to being on medication. But things like stress and other outside factors can make me have breakthrough symptoms like this. Lately, stress has been a factor in my life, due to going back to work and other things outside my control.

Even though I deal with these thoughts and symptoms, I will persist at working and living my life. #SchizoaffectiveDisorder #MentalHealth #MentalIllness

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Living with Thoughts of Suicide Virtual Support Group! 2nd and 4th Monday, 6:30 to 8pm ET

It’s OK to talk about suicide. About 12.2 million adults have thoughts of suicide. This peer-led support group is a safe space to talk about what it’s like to have those thoughts, how to manage them, and find community.

⚠️ For emergencies, always call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

💻 If you'd like more information or would like to join, you can find the link here.
Virtual groups are every 2nd and 4th Monday, 6:30 to 8pm Eastern Standard Time. Closed captioning is available: naminycmetro.org/programs/living-with-thoughts-of-suicide

If you have any questions, feel free to comment below!

#SuicidalThoughts #Suicide #BipolarDepression #BipolarDisorder #PTSD #ComplexPosttraumaticStressDisorder #Schizophrenia #ADHD #Parenting #ChronicIllness #SchizoaffectiveDisorder #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #Anxiety #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #Depression #MentalHealth #Selfcare #EatingDisorders #CheckInWithMe

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What's some self-care or mental health advice you'd actually want to receive from others?

As a health community, we often talk about what it’s like to receive unsolicited advice, suggestions, or tips from people who may not fully understand the extent of what we experience day to day—but still share what they think we need nonetheless. 😤

For today’s reflection, though, let’s think about the advice we’d actually want to receive. What self-care or mental health tips, ideas, or suggestions would genuinely feel helpful to you right now?

I’ll go first!
Some advice I’d really appreciate is hearing how people maintain their relationships and friendships while also managing their mental health. I’d also like to explore how others navigate challenging conversations around pet peeves and boundaries.

What about you? 💬

#BipolarDepression #BipolarDisorder #PTSD #ComplexPosttraumaticStressDisorder #Schizophrenia #ADHD #Parenting #ChronicIllness #SchizoaffectiveDisorder #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #Anxiety #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #Depression #MentalHealth #Selfcare #EatingDisorders #CheckInWithMe #CheerMeOn

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I'm new here!

Hi, my name is ThrivingMackeral123. I'm here because I want to learn about schizoaffective disorder. A family member was just diagnosed with this in addition to other mental health concerns for anxiety, ocd, autism, neurodivergence

#MightyTogether #Anxiety #PTSD #Migraine

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Living with Depression Virtual Support Group! 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month, 5 to 6:30 PM ET

Living with Depression virtual support group is for people who are living with depression. Develop coping skills, share common experiences, gain self-advocacy skills, and find community.

💻 If you'd like more information or would like to join, you can find the link here. Virtual groups are every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month, 5 to 6:30 PM Eastern Standard Time. Closed captioning is available: naminycmetro.org/programs/living-with-depression

If you have any questions, feel free to comment below!

#BipolarDepression #BipolarDisorder #PTSD #Schizophrenia #SchizoaffectiveDisorder #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #Anxiety #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #Depression #MentalHealth #CheckInWithMe

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What's something you avoid because it can be triggering to your mental health?

One of the biggest lessons I've learned when it comes to caring for and prioritizing my mental health comes down to two things:

1. Knowing what is helpful for me and incorporating it into my regular routine.
2. Knowing what to avoid because it can be triggering or even harmful to my mental health.

As someone who thrives in spaces where I can be curious, explore, try new things, and take on challenges, it was difficult for me to realize that sometimes it's best not to engage in certain situations. One example for me is avoiding certain high-stress work environments or academic spaces. Even though I tend to be a high achiever and know I can succeed, willingly putting myself in fast-paced, high-stress spaces isn’t helpful for me and can trigger my anxiety and PTSD.

What about you? What are some things you avoid because of your mental health? What are some things you do instead because they feel more supportive or helpful?

#BipolarDepression #BipolarDisorder #PTSD #ComplexPosttraumaticStressDisorder #Schizophrenia #ADHD #Parenting #ChronicIllness #SchizoaffectiveDisorder #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #Anxiety #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #Depression #MentalHealth #Selfcare #EatingDisorders #CheckInWithMe #CheerMeOn

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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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