Lived Experience Forum

[CrayTat]

Possible diagnosis of schizoaffective. Wondering what are some tips for managing. I was previously diagnosed with bipolar. Presence of delusions during normal moods, or perhaps a level of paranoia lended towards the diagnosis.

Anyone have tips for managing relations and work as well as developing trust of one's own mind after a diagnosis? Additionally, how do you deal with the feelings of guilt for what you once were. Seem guilt is a symptom during depressive stages.

[Lunar]

Hello @CrayTat

Thanks for sharing your story, it seems like you are really trying to find ways to manage with your diagnosis of schizoeffective disorder, it is good you are reaching out for support at the moment.

The first thing that came to mind as one part of coping with your mental illness, is connecting with a Psychologist and/or Psychiatrist to work through these feelings of guilt and where they are coming from so you can understand them better and find ways of coping with that. That is not an easy feeling to have and can make you hold back if you feel undeserving of support, etc. which I hope it not the case.

The other large aspect of coping is self-care, these are small day to day acts that you give you a break from all of your worries and concerns, and things that you can do alone at home when ever you feel like it, Things like walking, relaxing cups of tea in the sunshine, watching television, patting a cat, seeing a friend. These don't seem like much but they really help to ground you and bring you back into the present and doing something more helpful than focusing on the past or future, which are both things out of your control and can increase your anxiety.

Thinking of you

Lunar 🙂