correspondence Archives – Not Like The Others

Recovery, Schizoaffective Disorder, Schizophrenia

Dear Schizoaffective Disorder – Letters to My Illness

February 21, 2022 / 2 Comments

Dear schizoaffective disorder, You are the worst roommate I have ever had. You took up residency in my brain, but refuse to pay rent. I know there’s no evicting you. And I know you’ll probably never play by my rules, but we need to find a way to live together. Dear schizoaffective disorder, You’re a bully. You lie in wait until you see my edges fraying. Then you come at me, claws out. There is no valor in preying on the weak. And I can barely imagine the suffering of the people without effective treatment on whom you prey. Sometimes I fight back. But sometimes I don’t have the energy…

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Katie

Hi, my name is Katie, and over the course of my life, I’ve struggled with mental illnesses like depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, and schizoaffective disorder. My illnesses brought me fear, shame, and a profound feeling of isolation. Recovery wasn’t always easy, but, despite the obstacles, I’ve accomplished a great deal. I graduated from a highly ranked college, hold down jobs, have meaningful relationships, and now speak publicly about living with mental illness, primarily schizoaffective disorder. I created this blog to break down preconceived notions about mental illness, and to show you that, not only can you go on to have a fulfilling life after being diagnosed with a mental illness or brain disease, but also that everyone’s story is unique, and, even when you’re not like the others, you’re not alone. Whether you have a mental illness yourself or are looking to help or better support someone else, know that no matter what you’re going through, there is hope.