[franz kafka]

I feel so sad tonight. I skipped a lecture with a reception (with great Arabic food) because I'm too unwell to spend so much time with people. Is it really possible for me to have a "normal" life... marriage, job, kids... and have schizoaffective bipolar? Should I just give up now? I'm so tired of the hallucinations and delusions and wonky moods and doctors and hospitals.

[Raindropvampire]

My husband is schizoaffective. While it is not always easy to deal with we do have a semi normal life. The worst is when our symptoms hit together but we still work through it. I honestly believe there is a lid for every pot. Somewhere your's is out there.

I will say we don't have kids but there are plenty of people who do manage it. I just have too much baggage to have children.

[Wander]

Don't give up. It was probably a good idea to miss the event while you are so unwell but the severity of your illness at present will most likely wane again soon. I hope the increase in Seroquel kicks in asap. Hang in there and keep trying to achieve your goals. It can be possible to have a successful life with a mental illness. We just have more bumps in the road. When was the last time you were stable?

[Mightymax]

You are a warrior to come this far I think you can find away to happiness.

[Sunflower123]

I'm sorry you are struggling so much and had to skip the reception. When I have to skip events, I consider it part of the price of my illness. Hang in there. Things will work out for you. You're headed in the right direction. Best wishes.

[Victoria'smom]

I'm hardly ever stable but I'm a damn good parent and an okay wife. I don't think I can work. To many appointments, medication is outrageously priced, I'm under qualified, and the list goes on and on. Besides the job I have a pretty good life. My son is 15 now and is doing okay right now.

[Teddy Bear]

I'm schizoaffective and sometimes I have a normal life.

[Alisher]

Hi
I am bypolar. I have ruined my career, my family is living far from me. But despite this I am happy, because at last I am somehow coping with my mental problems. Never give up.

[Icare dixit]

Mine isn't normal, but interesting enough. I've not given up, but I have a plan B. Normal isn't my top priority. I've never tried to be someone I'm not. I missed out on many things, but "normal" people do too. You can't (or at least you'd better not) force yourself to be different.

We have certain abilities others do not have. I think it's our responsibility to put them to good use. We shouldn't be scared of them.

But I do often wish things were different. Especially the SZ part is something I wish I wouldn't have.

[bukowski06]

Hello
Some of the things you listed as being "normal" shouldn't really have that label. People do those things bc they make them happy. And YES you should have every reason to want to be happy. It seems like you're out there doing just that, doing something that makes you happy.
We really need someone like you to go out there and study Arabic. And the fact that you're in a doctoral program for this field means that you are capable and qualified in more ways than you know. Remind yourself of all your accomplishments, I'm sure it wasn't easy but you did it.

[wonderluster]

I was diagnosed with schizoaffective 5 years after they told me I was bipolar. 5 years later they told me it was just bipolar. "They" have little clue what they are doing.

Life is very hard for everyone. It is pointless to compare ourselves with others. Everyone on the planet goes through hell. We all need to focus on being here for others instead of wallowing in our own heads.

That being said, I encourage you to live for a cause greater than yourself. Anyone who is just concerned with what is going on with themselves will want to give up and end it. That message is for you (and everyone here)

[Unrigged64072835]

I have bipolar and have a great marriage and a cool kid. It's tough to do but really rewarding.