email Archives – Not Like The Others

Schizoaffective Disorder, Schizophrenia

“Close to Your Chest”- On Working Openly With Psychosis

March 12, 2023 / 2 Comments

Dear Professor, Back around 2011, I applied for a position in your lab as a research assistant. I hadn’t been your student, but your research interests were near enough to mine that the job caught my attention. I eagerly told you that part of why I was interested in the position was because of my own experiences with severe mental illness, specifically, schizoaffective disorder. Your face became serious. You told me that that was something I should keep close to my chest when seeking a job. In the moment, I was fiercely upset. I vowed that I would not keep this close to my chest. Because I should not have…

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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.