Schizoaffective Disorder

Finding community, credible resources, and the right health care professionals to support your mental health can take time and patience—but when you find what genuinely resonates and supports you, it can be life-changing.

For me, discovering The Mighty back in 2016, right after I graduated college, and connecting with NAMI-NYC in 2019—the same year I found the courage to seek professional help for my symptoms—really changed my life. My blog and passion for creativity, along with being brave enough to talk openly with my family, have also helped me stay on the path that’s best for me.

Although I’ve had to grow a lot on my own and face some of my darkest moments to learn to love myself, knowing where to go and who to talk to when things felt overwhelming completely changed how I approached the hardest parts of my recovery.

What has had the most impact on you as you manage your mental health and symptoms?

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

💚 Happy World Mental Health Day! 💚
Let’s share the moments that have shaped our mental health journeys. This could be the time you decided to seek help, when you first noticed symptoms, an impactful conversation you had with someone, or even when you received a diagnosis.

An important moment for me was when I sat in the waiting room at my college counseling center. I had to fill out an intake form for the first time on my own, and while answering the questions, I realized I truly did need help. It was a scary realization, but I was brave and met with a counselor for the first time.

What moments or turning points have shaped your story?

⭐ If you'd like to join a virtual mental health support group, check out NAMI-NYC's calendar here: naminycmetro.org/calendar

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

Tell me three things in the comments below that you're thankful for! Can't wait to see!
#Addiction #Anorexia #MentalHealth #Anxiety #AnorexiaNervosa #Agoraphobia #ADHD #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #PTSD #SchizoaffectiveDisorder #Schizophrenia #Lupus #ChronicFatigueSyndrome #CeliacDisease #Grief #SjogrensSyndrome #Cancers #SuicidalThoughts #Fibromyalgia #Selfharm

This is a very common thought for many of us. This graphic was really helpful to show what's underneath that thought.
#Addiction #AnorexiaNervosa #MentalHealth #Agoraphobia #Anxiety #AutismSpectrumDisorder #ADHD #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #PTSD #Schizophrenia #SchizoaffectiveDisorder #ChronicFatigueSyndrome #Lupus #CeliacDisease #Grief #ChildLoss #AutonomicDysfunction #Cancers #SjogrensSyndrome #SocialAnxiety #SuicidalThoughts

One way I check in on my mental health is through bi-weekly checkpoints, and the beginning of each month is one of them. The first week often feels overwhelming, but taking time to reflect and write about the previous month helps me create a clearer path forward. I ask myself: What moments were meaningful to me? What had the biggest impact on me?

For me, September was challenging. I had to face the discomfort of letting go of things that didn’t turn out the way I thought they would. Moving forward, I’m focusing on what I can control rather than fixating on what I can’t. I’m also practicing acknowledging my feelings without letting negative emotions consume me.

✏️ My affirmation for October: I prioritize myself. I deserve the best love and care.

How was your mental health last month? How are you paving your path forward? What moments mattered most to you?

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

Many factors can impact your mental health — your environment, interactions with others, the time of year, weather or seasonal changes, and even unexpected life events. These influences can make certain symptoms feel harder to manage than others, whether that’s anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, fatigue, irritability, or something else entirely.

Right now, I’ve been noticing changes in my sleep patterns. I’m going to bed later and later, and insomnia tends to show up for me around the fall season. That means I need to be more intentional about my bedtime routine, and make sure I’m addressing any ruminating thoughts with my therapist so they don’t spill over into my work, personal life, or goals. Sleep disruption over long periods of time can be a big red flag for both my anxiety and depression.

What mental health symptom feels the hardest for you to manage right now? How do you cope when it shows up?

💌 Join our new NAMI-NYC mental health resource group FREE Mental Health Support & Community for free virtual support groups, classes, and education opportunities! You can also visit NAMI-NYC's website here to learn more: naminycmetro.org

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

We all have mental health because we have brains and minds to take care of, but the way we do that looks different for each of us. Whether we’re living with a diagnosis, navigating challenges, or learning to prioritize our mental health alongside our physical health, the ways we cope with stress and manage our emotions are personal and varied, shaped by our experiences, resources, and the support systems we rely on.

What does mental health mean to you? How do you care for your own mental health? And if you live with a mental health condition, what feels most important to consider as you move through treatment, self-care, or connecting with community resources?

Share your thoughts with us below! 💌

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

This is something I've been working hard on, adding breath work into my day. It really helps us reset our nervous system.
If you're willing, try it out and tell me what you think! #Addiction #AnorexiaNervosa #MentalHealth #Anxiety #Agoraphobia #AutismSpectrumDisorder #ADHD #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #BipolarDepression #MentalHealth #PTSD #Schizophrenia #SchizoaffectiveDisorder #Lupus #CeliacDisease #Grief #Lupus #SjogrensSyndrome #AutonomicDysfunction #Cancers