[bipolarschizo]

I've recently been diagnosed with schizo-affective disorder (bipolar type) and was hoping a few people with this illness would be willing to share their stories. I'd love to read what you've gone through and the difficulties you've experienced so I can get a better idea of what I may have to go through.

Thank you all. Hugs.

[Terabithia]

Why were you given the diagnosis? This in itself would open you up to knowing what you will face. You've probably already faced it. It's not easy. I hope your doctor is good with medicine, because in my mind, that is crucial. I hope you have as smooth a ride as is possible with this diagnosis.

[bipolarschizo]

I was given the diagnosis after a long, hard few months of being in and out of psych wards. I was mostly just wondering about the people that have obtained stability and how their lives are now. Right now I'm not stable enough to go to school let alone have a job and a high functioning life. Showering every few days is very difficult, and just taking basic care of myself drains me of energy.

[Blue_Bird]

Hey bipolarschizo, right now I'm stable. I still have other problems to work on like anxiety but I'm doing fine with Sza/Bipolar. It took a long time to come to that diagnosis and long time to find the right combo of meds. It was hell going through manic episodes, depressed episodes, hallucinating, having delusions and nothing seeming to work, actually generally making the mania worse or causing side effects such as akathisia, and the worst thing happening being Lithium Toxicity. I'm currently on Invega Sustenna (The monthly injections), Zoloft, Trazodone, and Klonopin. It's worked amazingly for me. That along with therapy, as much as I don't like admitting it has helped (because I always tell myself I don't need it lol) but it has a lot. It helps me identify patterns in my life. I understanding showering everyday being difficult. Maybe aim for every other day either right when you wake up to get yourself up or right before going to bed to relax you. It takes awhile to make yourself do things on a schedule you aren't used to but things get better. I never thought they would but they did. Feel free to message me if you ever feel like talking Take care.

[ScorpiosLight]

things do get better. it just take time. be patient. i have schizo-affective bi polar or depression type, i forgot lol. its tough now, but it gets better in steps, and for some hope, even "strides". know what i mean? youll get better at getting better so much that **** wont mean nothing to ya, in a good way though. though that hygiene thing was in for a while back when i was diagnosed with depression in my teens. go shower, smelly poo poo. just kidding, hehe. consider showering on impulse as a stride to showering daily. sort of just build gusto.

I don't take any meds. As I have told everyone. Numerous times. I function pretty well. I will say that it is much better to establish a routine. I don't believe in medication or therapy. But thats me. I have been through alot, and seriously.... Jesus helped me through it. I don't know if you're open to that idea, don't worry I won't force my beliefs on you like most ignorant Christians. Anyway, it gets better and routine is best.