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mrkotterSenior Contributor
@PeppiPatty, in the worry room thread, asked me what bipolar is like for me - and not for the textbook definition.
I think that's a cool question for anyone on this board and it deserved it's own thread.
So what is your mental illness like for you? No dictionary definitions please!
In response to: What is [insert diagnosis here] like for you? No dictionary definitions please
SilenusSenior Contributor
In response to: What is [insert diagnosis here] like for you? No dictionary definitions please
mrkotterSenior Contributor
@Silenus wrote:Great idea for a thread, @mrkotter. Thanks for starting it... 🙂
Don't thank me @PeppiPatty came up with the idea!
In response to: What is [insert diagnosis here] like for you? No dictionary definitions please
mrkotterSenior Contributor
@BlueBells I'm glad we have been able to help.
In response to: Re: What is [insert diagnosis here] like for you? No dictionary definitions please
MazaritaSenior Contributor
@MoonGal, thanks for the big smile, so apt!
In response to: What is [insert diagnosis here] like for you? No dictionary definitions please
Tyler77Senior Contributor
SchizoAffective Disorder is quite terrifying actually. I can't trust my senses, since I might be hallucinating, so I have to check with others to validate what I sense. I hear voices sometimes. Sometimes their friendly, sometimes their not. The mood disorder or bipolar aspect that tags along with the psychotic features has made it difficult to maintain relationships, romantic and otherwise. The medication I use works, but it quiets the voices and lowers my emotional state so much, that I often appear lacking a personality and creativity is practically nill. When I am off my medication, the delusions can be quite satisfying even exciting. I get lost into my own little world of imagination. The hardest thing to cope with by far is the lonliness and feelings of being different from everyone else. I developed this in my mid twenties. Up until then, I had a life, a promising future and lots of friends. Its been tough adjusting. I am very intelligent though and when unmedicated and manic I can complete some great artwork. Every once and awhile...like every 6 months or so, My doctor allows me to go off my meds for awhile, until I can't take it anymore. Its usually a matter of a few months before the illness starts to seriously compromise my life. In the end though, I go to the meds like a person swims for a life preserver. More than happy to trade the voices, flight of ideas, mania, delusions, creativity and intense energy for some mental peace and stability. It's exhausting.
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Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
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