My journey living with schizoaffective disorder bipolar type has been a rollercoaster. One minute I’m feeling energized and positive about the future, then the next minute I can feel utterly empty and hopeless. This type of disorder is characterized by symptoms of both schizophrenia (like hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech and thinking) as well as a mood disorder (like depression and periods of high energy).
These intense phases of mania and depression can be very hard to manage. It took me a while to get used to recognizing my triggers and being able to spot when I was in a manic or depressive state. Keeping track of the things that work for me to help keep these episodes under control has become an essential part of my day-to-day routine. So far, things like staying on top of medications, maintaining a healthy diet, and engaging in regular exercise have been really beneficial in keeping my moods more balanced.
The focus of treatment for schizoaffective disorder can often be on managing symptoms through psychiatric medications. This feels like an important part of treatment, but it’s also important to remember that there are so many more ways we can take better care our ourselves beyond this. Hobbies, creative outlets, positive relationships with supportive people - all of these small pieces come together creating meaningful impact. Keep putting one foot in front of the other and don’t be afraid to ask for help when it all gets too overwhelming.
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Hi there,
I completely understand your experience with schizoaffective disorder since I have been living with it for the past 30 years as a 56-year-old man. It can be hard to manage the intense phases of manic and depressive episodes but I’m sure with time you will get more used to recognizing your own triggers.
It’s great that you’ve already come up with ways that work for you such as keeping up with medications, practicing healthy eating habits and engaging in regular exercise. Additionally, find activities that bring joy and happiness into your life, like hobbies, creative outlets or other positive connections with people who can be supportive during this difficult time. All these pieces together create meaningful impact for us.
It’s important not to feel overwhelmed and know that it is ok to ask for help if needed. Taking care of yourself on all levels is very essential when it comes to managing these conditions so keep taking steps forward no matter how small they may seem; over time they will add up!
Hey there,
I totally feel you when it comes to the rollercoaster experience of living with schizoaffective disorder. I can totally relate to how one minute, you are feeling energized and positive and then the next moment, it can feel like all your hope is gone.
I think it’s great that you’ve found some things that help keep your mood more balanced such as staying on top of medications, maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise. Of course medication is important but I want to add in that don’t underestimate the power of other things such as hobbies, creative outlets and meaningful friendships with supportive people. It’s these seemingly small pieces that really come together in helping us take care of ourselves even beyond medications.
It’s completely ok if you ever need to ask for help so don’t be afraid to do that; we all need it from time to time. Just keep on going forward - I’m sure this journey has plenty more beautiful moments waiting for you!