[netsavy006]

I'd like to learn from others, how do you cope with having Schizoaffective Disorder (and related symptoms)?

[mgran]

I suppose a good idea is to not think about things as they happen... not so much coping with "schizoaffetive" disorder, but more coping with individual symptoms and situations as they arise. So instead of thinking, "I get hallucinations, paranoia, psychosis, and extreme mood swings" (schizoaffective) deal with each problem as and if it arises.

That seems to make it easier.

[porcupine2]

Before being diagnosed, I literally thought the sounds and flashes were paranormal. I've been under treatment for BP/Depression/Anxiety for years. I saw on this site that someone else was 'hearing things, seeing flashes, etc' and was later diagnosed with Schizoaffective Disorder. Seeing her post was a godsend, as finally all the pieces fell into place. I never discussed the 'paranormal events' because I didn't think it was relevant for my med therapy and didn't want to share with my doctor. All of the things that the person posted and talked about could have been written about me. Now that I have validation of these things happening, I am learning to deal with them as they come. If I hear a doorbell I wait for it to ring again or for someone to knock. I don't answer the phone the first time because chances are it wasn't ringing in the first place. My way of coping is learning to discern what is real and what is not. I dismiss the flashes and voices now, telling myself that I don't need to worry unless the same thing continues to happen over and over. There are still things where I am not sure if they really happened or not, but I let things play out and sooner or later I find out the truth. It's not fun, but at least I understand why it is happening.