Diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder

LegacyUser

Hi I've been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. I'm so upset. Does anyone else have this and live a Normal life?

paula 29

hi,I was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder about 5 years ago, it took a while to get to this diagnoses, it had gone from bipolar to schizophrenia and then to schizoaffective which has symptoms of both. I have a long history, even going back to my primary school years where I could feel something was wrong but not knowing anything about what I was experiencing. I had no support at home or at school. I remember saying something to my mother one day, I was so terrified and I thought I was dying but she wouldn't listen to me. I asked her to bring me to the doctor but she said no. I was about 10 or 11 at the time. It was the first and last time I ever asked her for help.

I became very withdrawn, angry, my mind was all over the place. I hated my life, my home, school everything. I only got help after I left home at 20. Even though I knew myself I needed help and I really wanted help , I still found it very difficult to actually accept that help. I thought the doctors didnt have a clue what they where talking about. I would deny alot of the things and would not tell the doctors the truth on certain stuff.

Now at the age of 37 I finally see everything so much clearer. I have never felt as happy as I do now. I feel like a completely different person. I have learned and changed so much. it did take me awhile to get to where I am now but I live a happy and normal life now. I am still some what withdrawn a bit but I don't mind that so much as I have come to accept it.

I wish you all the best, you can live a normal life. remember there are people who will help you and support you. it does get better , take one day at a time right now, be honest with your doctor on how you are feeling, discuss everything you need with them, any fears that you have , any supports that you need, there are support groups around the country which are good place to meet others who will be feeling exactly the same. take care of yourself and all the best.

Melisandre121

Hi there OP, I'm sorry to hear you're feeling upset about your diagnosis. I'm sure it's a big shock. I don't have any advice unfortunately but I just wanted to let you know about Psych Central Forums, they have topics on a range of mental health issues and I'm sure they'd have a forum for schizoaffective disorder. It could be good to speak to other people in your position and get some support.

Best of luck!

WIZWEB

Two brothers diagnosed with it. After it was diagnosed and their medication was administered appropriately they were grand. Only time problems occur is when they stop taking it.

never_mind

OP, I can't offer advice here as I don't even know what this condition is but I can say that my dad recovered well from bipolar and is doing fantastically. He was involved in some scary stuff so you can pull through if he did.

Be good to yourself.