Just an Oklahoman bean

I’m not asking you to donate anything, or pay for anything.

I’m only asking for you to click that “reblog” button.

And, in doing so, spread awareness about Schizoaffective Disorder, and help to reduce the myths and misconceptions. 

There is so little awareness about Schizoaffective Disorder, which makes it really difficult for those of us suffering from it, to receive understanding within society. Common reactions can range from complete ignorance, to assumptions that the disorder unequivocally equates to the notion that we are violent, or dangerous. There are a lot of very common misconceptions, that could be blotted out, with only a little bit of awareness. 

What is Schizoaffective Disorder?

Schizoaffective Disorder, is a serious psychiatric condition, in which individuals suffer from both psychotic, and affective (mood) issues. It is diagnosed, when symptoms of Schizophrenia, collide with symptoms of a mood disorder, such as Bipolar Disorder or Major Depressive Disorder. It is difficult to diagnose, as it can closely resemble other disorders, such as Schizophrenia, or Bipolar Disorder with Psychotic Features. There are many technicalities in the DSM-IV that differentiate these disorders, making the disorder something that requires professional observation, treatment, and maybe most importantly, time, to diagnose accurately. 

What can the symptoms of Schizoaffective Disorder include? (Source: The Mayo Clinic)

Strange or unusual thoughts or perceptions

Paranoid thoughts and ideas

Delusions - having false, fixed beliefs

Hallucinations - eg./ hearing voices

Unclear or confused thoughts (disorganised thinking)

Periods of depression

Periods of manic moods/sudden increases in energy

Irritability or poor temper control

Suicidal thoughts, and/or thoughts of homicide

A speaking style that people sometimes can’t follow or understand

Behaviour at the extreme end of the spectrum, for example behaving in a bizarre way 

Problems with attention and memory

Lack of concern about hygeine and physical appearance 

Changes in energy and appetite

Sleep disturbances 

What are the treatments for Schizoaffective Disorder?

Anti-psychotic medications

Mood-stabilizing medications

Anti-depressants (usually in conjunction with at least one of the above)

Psychotherapy and counselling 

Family therapy

Electroconvulsive Therapy 

Are all people with Schizoaffective Disorder really dangerous? 

No, this is a stereotypical myth. Researchers have discussed that there is almost no conceivable way of figuring out whether environmental factors, or personality traits, account for the crime and violence that may occur in individuals with a mental illness. 

What to do if you think a loved one may be suffering with Schizoaffective Disorder? 

Make sure that they have the contact details of suicide helplines, and mental health helplines in their possession

Make sure you have the number of a mental health outreach team on your cell phone, in case things progress rapidly and your loved one needs immediate help

Talk to them about how they are feeling, and suggest that it might be time to have a chat to your Doctor

Reassure them, that you only want to make their life better

Get a referral to a knowledgable and reputable Psychiatrist, and make sure that they receive the help that they need

Don’t be angry or upset around them, if you feel that way, save that for your own time, and if you are struggling with what is going on for them, consider seeing a counsellor to help you deal with how you feel about what is going on

So, what is with the ribbon?

I have realised that there is no real official ribbon for Schizoaffective Disorder, well, at least not one I can find! So, I made one online. The grey, is representative of the Schizophrenia awareness ribbon, and symbolises the psychotic symptoms associated with Schizoaffective Disorder. The green lining, is representative of the affective (mood) components of Schizoaffective Disorder, as green is currently displayed upon the Bipolar Disorder awareness ribbon. Bipolar Disorder can involve manic episodes/depressive episodes/mixed episodes, so it is relevant to the Schizoaffective ribbon. This Schizoaffective Disorder ribbon represents that collision of psychotic and affective (mood) symptoms, which are so relevant in this disorder. 

im here for people with short psychotic episodes 

im here for people who are always psychotic

im here for people who are unsure if they are psychotic or not

im here for people who struggle with reality and delusions

im here for people who stop talking to people for days or even weeks because they are so paranoid

im here for people who have to deal with people casually throwing around the words “crazy” and “psycho” (who arent reclaiming it)

im here for people who are constantly doubting if what they are seeing is real or not

and im here for people who have lost friends for having a “scary” mental illness

Book of the week: Warrior of the Light by Paulo Coelho