psychotic features Archives – Not Like The Others

Advocacy, Schizoaffective Disorder, Schizophrenia

To my friend living with psychosis,

November 28, 2021 / 2 Comments

Hey, you – you transitioning out of that facility; you sitting at home; you still figuring out your next move; and you who feels like there’s no hope and no one understands. My friend, this letter is for you. My name is Katie, and though I may not have been through the exact same things you have, I get it. I’ve been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder since I was 17. I’ve taken handfuls of meds, done countless hours of therapy, and lost parts of my life to my disorder. And I’m here to tell you that there is hope for things to get better. Life might feel impossible right now.…

read more

Katie
Depression, Negative Symptoms, Schizoaffective Disorder, Schizophrenia

How My Negative Symptoms From Schizoaffective Disorder Affect My Frame of Mind

September 2, 2021 / 0 Comments

It’s common for me to say that the first sign that something was seriously wrong was when my long-standing symptoms of depression changed. They felt new and different despite the general similarities to the depression I had always known. I wasn’t sad or hopeless. It was more like being stuck in my head, sitting cross-legged and watching life happen around me. After several experiences with two distinct symptoms of psychosis from the class referred to as negative symptoms, I began to recognize the differences I felt back in the beginning and at times since then. Living with depressive-type schizoaffective disorder, I experience both symptoms of depression and negative symptoms, and…

read more

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.