[komodo1971]

So, I am Robert and I was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type. I was already diagnosed as bipolar type I, but my psychiatrist bumped it to schizoaffective, bipolar type yesterday.

I've been battling with psychosis since adolescence and I have been hospitalized quite a few times. However, since I never worked below my level of intellectual capacity, they never said I'm schizophrenic. Some of my diagnoses are depression with psychotic features, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder and now schizoaffective disorder.

I work, but I am going to be fired sooner rather than later. I had a psychotic break two years ago and I wanted to skip work for a bit, and now they won't allow me to come back. I probably will qualify for disability.

I am married, no kids. I live in the Netherlands. Just wanted to say Hi!

[childofchaos831]

Hi. My name is Emily. Nice to meet you!

[komodo1971]

Hi Emily, nice meeting you too!

[corlyn]

Hello nice to meet you..
When I was newly diagnosed it hit me hard..
I'm sorry about your job situation..
I don't and can't work either..it's been an adjustment..sometimes I miss it but then I remember what a struggle it was..
I hope you are well..

[*Beth*]

Hi Robert, It's good to meet you. I have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and have lived with it for many years. In the past 8 years or so, I have wondered if I actually have schizoaffective disorder.


If you feel comfortable sharing, would you mind discussing a few of the psychotic symptoms you experience?

[Fighter4ever]

Hey!

I was diagnosed bipolar 1 with paranoia and what I call "the voices" in 2010 and then schizoffactive in 2013, I'm highly functioning and was a receptionist/office admin until I got worse in 2013. Now I work in a factory...it's good but not the same.

I get paranoia, delusions and have 6 voices which communicate to me in my head...it's sometimes very busy up there which makes it hard to concentrate.

I have also struggled with my illness since I was 14-ish.

My diagnoses was a struggle as well. My ex-husband decided that he didn't want a wife with a mental illness and rather than break up with me he wanted to save face so decided to abuse me to get me to leave....that didn't end well when I tried to end my life...

I still have my days where I wonder what it would be like if I didn't have it, but as my wonderful (and also ill) bf pointed out, then I probably wouldn't be with him, so silver lining