I wanted to ask others living with schizoaffective disorder:
Did you realize what was happening to you — or did it take years and someone else stepping in?

For me, my symptoms went unrecognized (by myself and others) for over 10 years. During that time, I just thought I was struggling, “being dramatic,” or not trying hard enough to keep my life together. But I wasn’t lazy or broken — I was sick. And no one really saw it.

It disrupted my relationships, schooling, work, and daily functioning in ways that weren’t obvious to anyone on the outside — and honestly, not even to me. It was so gradual and normalized that I didn’t question it.

So I’m wondering:
• When did you realize something was wrong?
• Did you figure it out alone?
• Did someone intervene?
• How long did it take to get help or even a diagnosis?

Just hoping to hear other people’s journeys and remind others they’re not alone if they’re still in that in-between space. 🫂