resently disagnosed

i have been recently diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and confused about it all. i know what its like to have it but how do i explain it to other people? i feel very lonely and depressed even though i have my husband and son here with me. Its very hard to find people that care about me and to interact with them on the outside world. I anyone or has anyone ever gone through this?

I think we've all gone through it. You don't have to try to explain it. You don't have to advertise it. Your health is a private matter. If it comes up tell them depression ... people know what that is and can relate. I don't introduce myself, "Hi, I'm John, I'm a violent paranoid schizophrenic and borderline psychopath ... Hey!! Where you going!? Did I mention I like cats!" No it's "Hi! I'm John." We are not a diagnosis.

Nice to meet you Chaggin814.

I was recently diagnosed as well. We've all been there and no what you're going through. It sounds like you have a great support system. But it's normal to still feel lonely. Just know, you're not alone. If you ever need to talk, I can relate in every way possible.

Your not alone. I have been diagnosed for over 20 ys but just recently trying to learn to accept it and deal with it. I have lost so many friends cause they don't understand. My family still does not understand with exception of husbamd and daughter trying their best. Always here for you or anyone to to help in any way possible.

i was just recently diagnosed and am not sure about the whole idea. i guess i am the same person that i was.. now they just have put a label on me and i dont like that. i need to learn more about schizoaffective so if anyone has any good suggestions on books that would be great. i have support from my husband but have never told anyone about my mi. i have been diagnosed derpression , bipolar, now schizo how do i know they have it right this time. i dont know just a thought. i am a very confused person right now.

It's hard to describe it to someone who has no experience of it. You could put it very simply, and say you have a mood disorder (depression, bipolar, whatever it is) plus some hallucinations and paranoid thoughts. Or you could just keep it to yourself, and only share what is relevant at the time to people you trust. I find that most people don't get it anyway. My brother sort of gets it, my father definitely doesn't. Just don't let it weigh you down... you're the same person you always were. You'll be okay.

I have been diagnosed for many years now, and I always kept it private till lately and now I discovered letting people know the reason why I act like I do. Has been great and I feel a lot better about my self I even started a blog and shared it with all my family and friends. I now am not afraid to walk up to some one and say hey I'm Jared and I'm Schizo

Hi Jared... I've just been reading your blog, and I think it's excellent... the only thing is I'd never say to someone "I'm schizoaffective", any more than I'd say "I'm cancer," or "epilepsy" or "diabetes." I'd say "I suffer from schizoaffective disorder."

Maybe I've missed something... one thing I'm beginning to understand is that shame has no part in our coming to terms with ourselves. Perhaps identifying yourself directly with the illness is a way of claiming it and not letting it claim you?

What do you think?

mgran

Thanks for the complement. I have been living in fear of someone finding out about my illness for years. Now I think it's better to share about my illness to try to end the stigma attached.

Hi Wpirwill... yes, I know what you mean about the fear that someone will find out. I told my Dad a while ago, when my official diagnoses was "bipolar", and haven't had the guts to tell him since my diagnoses was refined to schizoaffective. I just can't find the words for it. So I sit and listen to him tell me that I should come off my meds, that all I need to do is pull myself together and lead a "normal" life. He's said that "melencholia" is "an oddly self indulgent" disease... as though I chose to be as I am.

Never mind...

But yes, I understand the fear. I had to ask a mental health professional to mediate between me and my landlady, and I knew that once my landlady googled the organisation that she'd have questions ... and sure enough, she phoned up, because the organisations remit is to "provide support for people with severe and enduring mental health problems." My landlady doesn't have to know exactly what's wrong with me... but I'm so annoyed that now she knows there is something wrong. I live in the English chocolate box village of the gossips...

So, yes... I know the worry of being "outed." I'm not ready yet to go out there wearing a pink triangle or yellow star, but I can see the courage of those who do.