How Being Schizoaffective Affects My Daily Life

It's one thing to be in an episode and deal with the extremes of a psychotic disorder. However, even when I'm not in full blown episodes I still have daily struggles with the condition.
Having schizoaffective disorder does affect my daily life in many ways. These are some of them.
Video I mentioned about my nightly meds: • Video
What is Schizoaffective disorder: • Schizophrenia AND Bipo...
Why I'm Doing This: • Why I'm Doing This | T...
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Disclaimer: I am not a qualified mental health professional. This channel exists for educational purposes, and I do my best to provide accurate and up-to-date information. In order to create content, I combine scientific resources (peer reviewed studies and easy-to-understand articles) and my own personal experiences/advice. I seek to make complicated topics easy to understand, but I am no substitute for a doctor, therapist, or other qualified mental health professional.
#schizoaffectivedisorder #mentalhealth #dailybattles

[@kevinwoolcock6881]

I have Schizoaffective Disorder and I have been hospitalized for it 4 times in my life. Psych wards are interesting to be in.... But overall the staff kind of treats you like an animal and not a human being. I am in my 40s now and feel like I am on top of controlling the illness... I have a therapist I see regularly and I'm on a couple of antipsychotics. I have a full-time job, a house, a wife who can somehow put up with my insanity, and a bunch of cats. You can lead a full life with a severe mental illness... I just sometimes feel like I have a ton of years I missed out on because of my crazy brain...

[@SchizoKitzo]

I have lost years as well, the illness is far from a kind one, but I’m glad to hear you have what sounds like a wonderful life worth living. Thanks for this!

[@BlueEyesWhiteDragonStan]

Im happy for you

[@theresafedoriw5003]

You are an inspiration! Thx for sharing.

[@5150mre]

I was diagnosed 15 years ago. I didn't accept help (meds) until 5 years ago. I still struggle so much. There are fewer voices on meds, but my mood swings are still a huge issue. Can you please help me Guage where I'm at compared to my fellow schizos? 😉 How often do you hear voices? When you do hear them, how long does it last? Days? Weeks? Etc... I feel like maybe I need to take stronger meds. It scares me, though. If I'm not throwing a bipolar fit. I'm numb. The only things I feel are nothing or frustration, heartache, and anger. Damn sorry, I'm rambling on and on. I just need to know what your experience is. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and hopefully for taking the time to reply.

[@triestethompson8282]

​@5150mre last week I had 2 hallucinations and I always a have a few particular delusions that lay dormant unless I engage with them. I try to avoid triggers like watching TV and listening to the radio. Sometimes I hear voices when I'm extremely stressed

[@chelleb3055]

I was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder but found out I have the MTHFR mutation causing methylation issues. All of my symptoms including depression, anxiety and extreme mood swings along with the schizo stuff is kept in check by using NAC and methylfolate which is what my body desperately needed to function. If you haven't been checked for MTHFR I can't stress enough how important it is to find out. It's been linked to schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders. It's because our bodies aren't able to process folate and we don't make enough glutathione to help us process oxidative stress and toxins so we have to supplement them daily. Learning about this changed EVERYTHING for me!!

[@michaelchildish]

I was amazed and skeptical to hear this; so I had a look and there is indeed some early research pointing in this direction!

[@Sunny567-0]

This is very interesting

[@michaelchildish]

@@Sunny567-0 I've seen there's a new medication in trials which could be very promising called KarXT. It's possibly going to be much more effective for all of positive, negative, and cognitive impairment, with fewer to no side effects! I had lost all hope until I saw that today.

[@YellinHelenP]

Do you also fallow a special diet?

[@WhoAmI2YouNow]

Sorry, dont mean to disrespect you But I kept reading "MTHRFCKR" 😂(MotherF...ker)

[@ham7357]

There’s nothing quite like genuinely thinking that people are after you, the TV is talking about you, strangers are all looking at you and know all your darkest secrets. I Do not recommend going insane however, it is one hell of an experience. Please God never again

[@WhoAmI2YouNow]

How did that happen for you? If I may ask

[@ham7357]

@@WhoAmI2YouNow I really don’t know 🤷‍♂️

[@obireoghenetega]

My sister is currently going through this right now and I hope she comes out of it😢, she is currently in the psychiatric hospital. how did you recover and how many months did it take?

[@monsters_are_human]

I've had schizoaffective disorder bipoar type since i was a teenager. I'm 42 now and it has driven my life to shambles. I went 25+ years without being medicated. I've been homeless, jobless, not having a license for 20 plus years, ruining relationships, pushing people away, being in jail, losing kids, extreme drug use disorder, being an alcoholic, etc. I managed to pull myself away from the alcohol and drugs and I've been stable in that aspect for 4 years except for a few relapses/slip ups. I'm living with the mother of 2 of my children and if it wasn't for her supporting me, i would still be homeless. I recently got my license back (also because of her), but i still can't hold a full time job. I always end up thinking my coworkers/employers/bosses are plotting against me or are trying to harm me. I recently applied for SSI and i hope that i get it so i can have some kind of stability in my life. Anyone else here apply for SSI and win by having schizoaffective disorder? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[@Quenchingcrotch]

I have just found out that I'm in the same boat... Just started to apply for SSI... Don't know what to expect but I'm glad I'm not alone

[@Gaeliclass]

Find out about the SOAR program, they can expedite your SSI.

[@chocomusq]

IM ON SSI SO YOU DEF CAN GET IT!!! helps to have medical record and stuff and seeing a psychiatrist

[@21nickmac]

Bro im so sorry to read this. Sending love my dude...

[@SoulxSpectre]

Reading this I just want to give you the biggest hug, I'm sorry you've had to go through all that pain. You've been through so much yet you're still here fighting on through it all and that's just really inspiring to me. Thanks for sharing, thanks for being here. Keep fighting dude, you're amazing!

[@DBiv1209]

I was diagnosed with schizoaffective back in 2012, I failed out of college because of it. Basically ruined a lot for me but I’ve been hospitalized for it a lot. Never stayed on my meds, but I’m medicated now and in a homeless shelter and sober pretty much. I hear voices all the time. They’ve made me cry, laugh, angry and I’ve basically felt every emotion. But when I hear them it feels like from all around me or ppl around me. It’s hard. But I get through majority of the time, I respect you. I’m the bipolar type as well. So I know how you feel! Big ups! I do music, so I have an artistic said too! Cosplay is cool! I love anime. So that’s sweet! 😊

[@5150mre]

I was diagnosed 15 years ago. I didn't accept help (meds) until 5 years ago. I still struggle so much. There are fewer voices on meds, but my mood swings are still a huge issue. Can you please help me Guage where I'm at compared to my fellow schizos? 😉 How often do you hear voices? When you do hear them, how long does it last? Days? Weeks? Etc... I feel like maybe I need to take stronger meds. It scares me, though. If I'm not throwing a bipolar fit. I'm numb. The only things I feel are nothing or frustration, heartache, and anger. Damn sorry, I'm rambling on and on. I just need to know what your experience is. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and hopefully for taking the time to reply.

[@DBiv1209]

Pretty much I’ve been on meds since I was diagnosed. I’ve heard the most evil voices, to the most caring and loving voices. Me, myself. I hear voices 24/7. Like I said I’m bipolar type so I get manic. As well as depressed. I was diagnosed like 12-13 years ago. My meds calm the voices down. Whenever I don’t have them it gets wild, I’ve been in and out of mental hospitals, I’ve been homeless, finally got my own spot. (Kind of an update from my comment) I’m on a antipsychotic as well mood stabilizer. I also take 1 more med for sleep. I try to practice healthy habits. Get exercise, make sure I eat good more then terrible things. I have to make sure I get sleep too, then for the most part I’m good! Try and surround yourself with ppl who care, as that helps. Try and remind yourself that you are who you see in the mirror. Nothing more, nothing less. My voices lie about me a lot and about other things. It’s hard to tell what’s real or fake at times but just remember slow and steady wins the race. Better safe then sorry. Hope things are looking up! 💯💪🏾

[@mother_of_doxies]

It’s funny that she mentions the voices always being on the right side of her head. Mine were always on the right side too, I had them for 30 years before I was diagnosed. After my first dose of antipsychotics, they went away. It’s like having a conjoined twin removed. A really terrible, mean twin.

[@SchizoKitzo]

I wish I knew why it was the right side….

[@NatashaDay-f3i]

I have Shizoaffective disorder,ive been on medication 24 years,since 19.im 43 now.I have been in out of hosptial over 20 times.I take olazpine and Amsulpride.Thank for your video's, very informative video.take care love ya Tasha.xxxx❤❤❤

[@BaddeGrasse]

So cool to hear another person has supportive voices 🧡 i do too

[@SchizoKitzo]

Heck yes! Love this!

[@jengathoughts]

I don't experience voices all the time, I experience a shadow / demon / spirit that chases me and haunts me, causes me to look behind me all the time, and then I do see a ghost cat and occassionally a ghost girl around, whereever I go.

[@alexprieto8277]

I have Schizo affective disorder and OCD I'm 35 and was diagnosed when I was in my young adulthood. I made it this far by sheer will power and luck, because I just recently found the meds I needed and I'm in the process of building back a routine after not having one since i left college in 2009. I was hospitalized in Florida, I was told, over 30 times and here I. NYC I lasted 5 years no hospitalizations then a string of them this past winter. It was this time that I found out I have an OCD component to my illness, and asked for OCD treatment. it worked mostly for my anxiety. I was very suicidal, tactile hallucinations around my wrists kind of thing. It freaked me out and I went to the hospital before I did anything stupid. I am now seeing new doctors and therapist soon next week. I also want to say, I'm impressed with how well you've handled your symptoms,meds, and routine to where you can live a normal life. I haven't figured that out yet. I found pieces that worked for me, (yoga works, meditation, probably diet if I stop eating bad food and eat good food, exercise) but I haven't been able to put it all together in a weekly routine that I actually stick to. I've been without a routine for so long I'm not sure how to rebuild myself, but I'm going to keep trying. Thanks for you thanks for this channel I wish nothing but the best.

[@BB-yw1ez]

Please, don’t give up. And the Keto diet or carnivore diet will help your brain a lot. Will Not trigger sugar spikes, so stop eating carbohydrates that will; sleeping all night too. And exercise. Never stop medication.

[@alexprieto8277]

@@BB-yw1ez thanks. I sleep too much. sometimes it's to escape the way I feel/think. like I'll sleep all day or all weekend. I guess I should quit drinking the soda.

[@ReCoIL171]

I get an immense amount of comfort from your videos. Well done ❤

[@jabegerring2106]

Thanks for sharing, I recently came out of a 3 month episode where I was diagnosed with schizo affective disorder. This episode has thrown my life on in its head and I've pushed alot of people in my life away through my actions but stories like yours give me hope that things can and do turn around when we are willing to work on them.

[@SchizoKitzo]

THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE. I messed up so much in my life before I was properly diagnosed, and it takes a LOT of work but recovery is so possible. Hang in there and be patient with yourself, but if you commit to getting better-which it sounds like you are-things Weill get better.

[@AngelicaReyes-vb9bh]

Can you tell us how it started?

[@5150mre]

I was diagnosed 15 years ago. I didn't accept help (meds) until 5 years ago. I still struggle so much. There are fewer voices on meds, but my mood swings are still a huge issue. Can you please help me Guage where I'm at compared to my fellow schizos? 😉 How often do you hear voices? When you do hear them, how long does it last? Days? Weeks? Etc... I feel like maybe I need to take stronger meds. It scares me, though. If I'm not throwing a bipolar fit. I'm numb. The only things I feel are nothing or frustration, heartache, and anger. Damn sorry, I'm rambling on and on. I just need to know what your experience is. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and hopefully for taking the time to reply.

[@lazarmitrovic180]

Damn, I only have cognitive symptoms and depression and its hell. Cant imagine how hard actually is for you. With all of your symptoms you still push yourself thru day and you are productive, you are very strong person my brother, it takes so much strength and courage to do what you do every single day. Wish you all the best

[@SchizoKitzo]

Thank you so freaking much for this comment! We all have our struggles, and it’s really relative when it comes down to it. I have a lot to deal with yes, but you do too, never forget that your struggles are just as valid! Hell is hell, doesn’t matter how hot the flames burn, its still fire. Stay strong, Lazar, and thanks again!

[@mommy-conmed]

Thank you sooooo much for this video. I have a dearly loved almost-family member who at age 30 has just been diagnosed for the first time with schizoaffective disorder bipolar type. Before your video i knew only very distressing things about it. I want to support her in every way possible, and this video has opened the door to hope! Thank you

[@SchizoKitzo]

There is always hope! And none of us are ever alone. Hang in there, you got this ^_^

[@GabsSystemsbuster]

damnn that instinct to quickly react and turn and look back to the right gets me everytime.. the someone talking right behind/beside you. the feeling the pressure of density of someone actually being there bewilds me in amazement sometimes.. all fascinating intriguing yet scary all at the sametime

[@NFPura]

I've been hospitalized 12 times for my disorder, thought people were after me, that foreign governments were spying on me, hearing voices sporadically, and have ongoing cognitive deficits and challenges. It is an ongoing battle, even with medication. Though it helps to know people are going through the same thing. Gotta hold on and support one another. God bless you.

[@kristinhall7574]

I was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder in 2007 at the age of 38. I really started going off the rails in 2005. Don’t ever want to repeat those years again. I did a lot of weird things. My worst symptoms were the voices. They were constantly negative and would even wake me up at night and tell me what an awful person I was for dreaming what I was dreaming. I had mixed episodes of mania and depression together and rapid cycling. Zyprexa and lamictal have helped with all of that. The main thing I deal with are the negative symptoms along with ADD, anxiety and OCD. I did neurofeedback training for those and that has helped. Your videos are great!

[@SchizoKitzo]

Thank you so much for sharing your story with me! I never want to repeat my bad years again either, and as such I am really glad you found a good combo of drugs. Lamictal and zyprexa have saved my butt over and over and I hope they never stop working and are such a godsend. I’d lose everything all over again if I didn’t have them. Neurofeedback is definitely something I’m going to look into, because I’ve never heard of it before this comment. And I am always down for research. I hope your mental health journey continues to improve, and thanks again! Stay strong

[@5150mre]

I was diagnosed 15 years ago. I didn't accept help (meds) until 5 years ago. I still struggle so much. There are fewer voices on meds, but my mood swings are still a huge issue. Can you please help me Guage where I'm at compared to my fellow schizos? 😉 How often do you hear voices? When you do hear them, how long does it last? Days? Weeks? Etc... I feel like maybe I need to take stronger meds. It scares me, though. If I'm not throwing a bipolar fit. I'm numb. The only things I feel are nothing or frustration, heartache, and anger. Damn sorry, I'm rambling on and on. I just need to know what your experience is. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and hopefully for taking the time to reply.

[@JesusSaves77799]

Thank you so much for sharing! I agree that one of the great things about the internet is that people can connect over so many different types of topics and there is so much great and helpful information posted as well! God bless you and thank you again!! 🙏💖

[@starrdustmemories]

Without going into details, the most important thing for me, which also includes taking my meds, is to be mindful of my timing, like when I eat, take meds, get up, go to bed. Not saying I’m good at this, but I do notice that it makes a difference for me. And one more thing I feel led to say is that you are amazing! Thanks for being willing to be so boldly, publicly vulnerable. May God Himself bless you a bunch!

[@genesis631]

The worst of it for me are delusions. Fighting off delusions feels like a daily negotiation to not go down any rabbit holes. And I have mostly visual hallucinations, which are distracting at work. I always have to quadruple check everything so that's fun. I hear the insults too but only when im in public unfortunately lol or really stressed out at the moment. I figured out how to make the voices work with me than against me too. It took years. I appreciate you sharing your experience and help normalize talking about this.

[@SchizoKitzo]

Thank you for sharing your own experience with this illness! It really is a day by day battle and I wish more understood this. Hang in there!

[@JesusSaves77799]

Hi, May I ask what your visual hallucinations are that make you have to quadruple check everything? I will pray for your complete healing. 🙏💖

[@JustinMiller-ix7ec]

I’ve been in the hospital 16 times for my episodes I’ll think people are poisoning me or I’m being watched with a sniper scope and I get scared and don’t come back out I isolate a lot too and my diagnosis is schizoaffective bipolar type I have my good days and I have my bad days I always hear things ALWAYS trippy noises from out of this world I’m not dangerous to others people think with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder people with it are dangerous but that’s not true we have more issues to ourselves than we do wanna have issues with anyone else we’re just out here battling this now I know I’m not alone I’m glad I see people like me atleast I know I’m not an alien great video by the way

[@AshleyRosado-k7r]

I was diagnosed with schizoaffective when i was 18 on 2016 . I was hospitalized 10 times, and my moods were all over the place .My voices are very mean to me .

[@andreameigs1261]

Yes! I was going to say, they are all you, and what was clear to me was even though you can't tell which one is you, you are still there, under it all, thinking about it, and there you are.

[@jeffjohannsen7341]

You are awesome! I'm proud of you.

[@gckinsey]

This was fascinating! It was interesting to learn that the mood and psychotic sides act independently from each other (and I can only imagine how much more complicated that can make things). So I like how you broke the video down into those two components before talking about the day-to-day realities of your treatment. For the mood side of things, I'm glad that your medications have improved things. It still sounds stressful AF to have to deal with mood swings though, even if they're not as bad as they were before medication. Especially when you also have to balance that with the rest of the responsibilities in your life. For the psychotic side, it was really cool to get such a clear picture of what your voices are like. Especially the change from hearing them constantly before medication to only hearing them for short periods of time and having it be similar to a cell phone losing service after. The good voices sound kind of fun and helpful to have around, but dealing with the bad voices (and trying not to react to them outwardly!) sounds really tough. And I bet it's really disorienting during those times when it's hard to tell "what's the schizo and what's the Kitzo" (I love that phrasing BTW lol). I also had no idea how much else your treatment involved besides medication! So it was interesting to hear about the roles that therapy/DBT, exercise, and a low glycemic diet also play in keeping your life balanced. I'm really happy that you've figured out how to manage everything and build the kind of life that you want to hold onto. :) Thank you so much for sharing all of this!

[@SchizoKitzo]

I’m so glad you liked it, GC! In terms of mood swings, I’ve recently learned that every week is nearly another mood cycle. Like I’ll be super creative and wanting to get things done for a few days, and then the next few days I want nothing to do with it and have no motivation. And then it’s back again. Now, these little swings are not bad at all, and I am neither hypomanic nor depressed at any point, but its like I’m a little up for a bit and a little down a bit. If I’d realized this before making this video, I would have included it! It’s almost closer to a rank lower than cyclothymia for me (my original mood disorder diagnosis) these days, which is not a complaint. Also thank you for liking the phrasing, my dad and I came up with it one night to describe the conflict I deal with and it stuck. It’s going to be in many more videos ^_^ I appreciate you, GC, thanks again!

[@TheMidnightBandit]

Your aesthetic is amazing. I really appreciate your honesty and ability to articulate. Charisma is great as well. Wishing you success.

[@SammyJ96]

6:33 THANK you for having the courage to share your experiences. Also , you are quite self-aware.

[@SchizoKitzo]

Comes from years and years and years of therapy, thanks!

[@SammyJ96]

@@SchizoKitzo Yes, I understand. Have a prosperous New Year ! Keep sharing your knowledge with us, I think it helps to lessen the stigma around such topic . As with greater knowledge ( which you're sharing ) , comes greater understanding.

[@JensDIYhigh]

I have Schizoaffective disorder and I’m on 7 different medications and I go to therapy as well. I don’t have to work right now so that’s been a blessing but I’m ready to get back out there. My antipsychotics made me gain weight so I’m working on losing that and getting healthy so I can work regularly again.

[@jacopoosimani4348]

Stay strong girl. Keep going and fight for your wealth 💪. Thank you for your experience.

[@marihotchickplayer]

Attitude about the condition seems to help and having a good supportive team around you ❤

[@SchizoKitzo]

Support systems are key!

[@Shaxuul]

You hit the nail on the head with this video. I have Schizoaffective Disorder (Bi-Polar type). I saw a therapist for the first time today. My auditory hallucinations come in the form of faint whispers -- whispers that 'narrate' everything I'm doing. I used to think my house was haunted... I've had numerous delusions against friends & family -- accusing them of everything from planting "spytools" in my router, to thinking cameras were put in my wall. It all became the norm for me. Just awful delusions in hindsight..

[@JaredStombaugh-q6h]

Holy shit. This is 100% what I went through in the early stages. I thought my entire family was just sitting around watching me through cameras. Eventually called the police over it. Was super embarassing. I thought they were also watching me shit/shower which was so wierd.

[@kingjsolomon]

Wow the right side voices, I’ve never heard described, I struggle with the same thing. Sometimes my neck hurts from having my head turned right constantly. Sometimes when I’m in psychosis I lean all the way to the left with my body trying to get away from them or let gravity take me away from the noise. Thank you for describing your struggle so intimately. It really helped me grasp what I needed to.

[@carolyn4344]

First time I've seen one of your videos, I'm in Awe, of you. Your a young person who does what she needs to do to stay Healthy, both body& mind. You seem to have it figured out, goog for you. I hope you continue to do well. I will watch more of your videos.Thank you, there are lessons here all of us can use.

[@SchizoKitzo]

Thank you so much for this! It’s the reason I keep making content. Glad you like the channel!

[@Malik_Hoff]

My voices like to shoot the shit but then they like to overcriticise and pick on my insecurities for days on in... it's like they butter me up. Also my hallucinations makes me think I'm talking to old friends and people I grew up with and exs through psychic connection. It's hard to shake because they have proven they really could be psychics in many ways

[@JaredStombaugh-q6h]

I don't experience the "the buttering up", but every voice I hear is attached to someone I know. Makes it impossible to keep/care about relationships anymore, to the point where isolation is just better overall.

[@melanieblack4224]

I was diagnosed with bipolar I a couple years ago (before that, my diagnosis was schizophrenia, but that was changed). I don't get depressed as often as I used to, but I've had a lot of hypomanic and mixed episodes (and full mania before I was put on a mood stabilizer). I also used to be extremely paranoid, and I had delusions about being watched and thought the government was after me. The paranoia was the worst part of the illness for me, and three of my four hospitalizations were mainly because of it. The paranoia was horrific. Thankfully the antipsychotic I'm on now helps a ton with it, as did years of therapy. I still have paranoia at times, but it's not as bad as it was, and I'm usually not delusional when I'm taking my meds correctly.

[@Miranda-x7p]

Thank you so much for this video! I often hear voices that sound like my voice and they really scare me especially when they act bossy and mean! I’m so glad I’m not alone. I’m on a ton of meds but still get visual and auditive hallucinations daily. I’ve subscribed to your channel and I can’t wait to watch more of your videos!

[@WitoldGawlik]

Hey! I am from Poland, and I have had schizoaffective disorder for the most part of my life already. I got sick when I was 17, now I'm 35. Thanks for sharing your experience. The way you describe this disease (I'm unsure if it's a proper word to use?) gives me more recognition and teaches me how to be able to describe it well in English. Similarly to you, I have my YT channel and blog for the Polish audience. Psychiczne Pojednanie - what means "mental reconcile". Even though there is not much content in English I invite you to subscribe :-) Thanks also for sharing about DBT therapy, I didn't hear about it before. The CBT didn't go well for me. I might consider going for it. Learning skills to focus and chill out the excess of thought would be great. Thanks again and take care!

[@Faithfulwitness123]

Hello, I want to let you know that I live with autism and bipolar with psychotic features. The autism makes me stick out like an odd duck and the bipolar makes my behavior wild. Believe it or not, I had a manic episode that lasted almost an entire year. It lead me to believe I was God and the archangel michael all in one. None of the medications they tried me on worked until I was put on clozapine. Clozapine manages the psychosis and mood symptoms that cause the psychosis. Now that I am medicated,I typically don’t have an episode that lasts longer than a day and if it does it is usually mild depression rather than severe depression and mania. Im usually not psychotic during these episodes. Anyways, that’s my experience. I hope this blesses someone today ❤

[@belllisah1]

God bless you. I think you're so strong!

[@SchizoKitzo]

Thank you!!!!

[@RosalindCosta-vj1zq]

Thank you for your very honest observations into your own struggles. I was diagnosed with ~Schizoaffective Disorder almost four years ago now (Bipolar type). This followed almost thirty years of a Bipolar I diagnosis. (In addition, CPTSD, and also Borderline Personality diagnoses were applied). I have often questioned my latest diagnosis, since I do not experience voices, hallucinations or other such relevant symptoms since my last psychotic episode. I can only put this down to the successful treatment of my disorder with Aripiprazole (otherwise known as Abilify). My dosage has been reduced by half, (over the four year period), and I feel a whole lot better, as a result. Whilst I feel gratitude for the effectiveness of the medication, nonetheless, I still find myself questioning the accuracy of my diagnosis. My symptoms appear to be rather different from yours, although I will say that I do not (and cannot) handle stressful situations at all well. I wonder whether the fact that I was living in an extremely stressful situation four years ago led to the onset of the latest psychosis??

[@timothywilliams2887]

Thank you for another informative video. I learn more online about schizoaffective than I do in therapy or my groups.

[@SchizoKitzo]

Online definitely offers a different and valuable perspective. Glad to help!

[@DrewOsmium]

I dont hear or see things really but i feel very disconnected from reality and feel like I'm not alive. It scares me and i was told i have schizoaffective disorder. I'm trying to get help but it still scares me

[@jemma5608]

I have schizoaffective disorder too but when I have psychosis I get visual hallucinations. It’s horrible, people just think I’m on drugs. I feel like nobody will ever understand me. I remember as a kid I used to stare out the window at night and look at the trees and I’d wish they would turn into people so I could see magic. I started doing this after my uncles suicide. Then when I was 24 I saw a tree with a woman’s face and it was the scariest thing I’ve ever seen in my life. The worst thing about it is that I’ve never been able to fully be aware that I’m hallucinating, because people go along with my hallucinations when im around them and other times I’m alone so nobody is there to say “you’re hallucinating” I’ve been so sick before I hallucinated for a month and at the moment my stress levels have been triggering me. I don’t want to go through all that again. Thank you for sharing your experiences on this channel, it really helps.

[@moehrengruen1196]

Actually I only went to therapy once in my life which led to my first psychosis ever yay 🥳 that happened way back in 2018 …my delusions were really bad and I was so suicidal. After a year I was treated for half a year in an clinic and it took me months to behave “normally” again. Now I am left with a bunch of things that impact my daily life. Medicine, the side effects of my medicine and thoughts that “do not belong to me”. But overall my life got so much better and I am very thankful for my medicine. Sometimes I wonder what a healthy brain would feel like though.

[@SchizoKitzo]

It’s amazing how much better life can get with meds, but it’s also sad how it doesn’t fix everything when everyone thinks it does. It’s a hard spot to be in. “Thoughts that do not belong to me” is a great way to put it! Might steal that. Thanks for sharing, and may your meds never stop working

[@perpetualincomeearner8015]

That's what my counselor says as well. She's like "remember they are not your thoughts".

[@cindymarco4920]

Love how you have explained your thoughts. I have had these symptoms too and never been able to express myself about them. Wish I could speak the way you do !

[@Deborahmorgan-i3w]

Thankyou for the information! I was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder in 2018. I have been hospitalised twice and treated at home. I have a voice 24/7 he is male and he really gets on my nerves. I say he, but I know its me, I didn’t though, I thought I had a neural implant and it was part of a world wide conspiracy (delusions) I also have psychosis. I have visual, tactile and the auditory hallucinations. I have periods of being well and long periods of all of the above. It’s a very frightening experience at times and other times the voice keeps me company. The medication helps.

[@SchizoKitzo]

“It’s a very frightening experience at times and other times the voice keeps me company”

[@alexandermatthewsmusic]

My day consists of nightly psych meds yes but mostly maintaining stress levels... Especially when I have work... I got psychosis again last year... I hadnt had bad psychosis in years and it was short but sharp... I thought maybe I wouldn't be able to get through psychosis again you know what I mean and it was one of the scariest turns of it I've had but I learnt so much... I listened this time around... The voices were scary but some had some answers to questions I've had for years... Self discovery... Or maybe someone or something was helping in points :)

[@SchizoKitzo]

My voices an be surprisingly insightful, and I’m a pretty self aware person and they… kind of are too. But it’s a cool thing when instead of the normal chatter it’s like deep realizations that I’d never thought of before. And I’m always grateful for them. I’m glad you got through your psychosis, and in my own way, I understand the fear, but I’m really glad you’re alright. The world is better with you in it!

[@annoravetz5908]

I just took a psych class, and I realized I have so many disorders to a certain degree, and I try so hard to be normal. A few of my family members and friends stigmatize me, from a very young age up to now, those closest to me, and that really hurts. My brother, who has even been hospitalized, has said I take my meds "like candy". I don't appreciate the side-effects of the mood stabilizing drugs that helped me the best-excessive shopping, sex, and gambling. Those put me in awful financial and serious health and legal situations. I now realize it was a side-effect, because before I began taking the drugs I was a frugal saver, a "prude", and I had an aversion to gambling whatsoever. I wouldn't even buy a lottery ticket, and hated losing money at a casino, so I never went. Boy, did that ever change! I stopped those particular drugs and I am almost back to myself. Thank God!

[@mnn2625]

Thank you Kitzo for being so generous and helpful in sharing your experience! A friend of mine shared with me her diagnosis and Im educating myself now to understand what it means and what I can do to be supportive. If you have any advise or need a new video idea, that would be super helpful. Take care and I have so much respect for the strength and courage to chase the life you've built! Keep going Kitzo!!

[@JACOBSPOTTS]

I have schizoaffective disorder, and also take olanzapine. I also take memantine, which seems to make the antipsychotic work better. I really enjoy your videos, they make me feel less alone 😅. Memantine reduces my negative symptoms significantly 🎉

[@kerryhitzke4490]

Hi Kit, thanks so much for your videos. I’ve been a psychologist for 46yrs and am only just about to journey with a new client with schizoaffective disorder. You are really helping me understand how they experience life. I believe they have experience recent trauma. Do you know of any resources we can look at together. Thank you again.

[@riordanashby]

I got schizophrenia. I didnt like the voices at the start 😔 but now i feel like a celebrity 🥳

[@Catsreadings]

So relatable you’re not alone! This is my exact diagnosis

[@ReCoIL171]

That room is a vibe 🎉

[@jeR-m]

I relate so much. I was just diagnosed & to be honest... I was relieved . I'm 38 and it's cost me everything relationships, family, kids ...all of it. Just getting back on track. It's been a few years and I thought I had it "tucked away" ... now it's coming back even though I've been happier than ever. New marriage, got my kids back, a new kid w my wife. I'm on 3 meds. Zyprexa, Lamictal, abilify. Makes me sleepy & groggy in the mornings . I hate it.. anyways it's coming back. My wife doesn't know sbout all of it , meaning every single instance I experience.. afraid to become a burden. It's a lot to handle... would love some advice. I've had a few fights over things I knew I heard them say..but they didn't ..so it's hard. I don't want to lose everything again. She's too sweet & too good for me. I know she'd understand but its hard. .. thanks for sharing. -J from WV

[@jeR-m]

Addition - the voices i hear.. sound like my dad..Can't make it out all of the time. But its him. Insulting and criticizing me ... idk just thought I'd add that .

[@Blu52-j9l]

So perfect I could listen all day thank you

[@paulflint6254]

Thanks for the video, i have Schizoaffective Disorder too. Your doing well if you work too. When I'm ill which tbh is all the time, i don't. I have had a few hospitalisations because of it. Had a lot of visual hallucinations with mine but no auditory ones.

[@kms3063]

Your self awareness is amazing ,,,

[@SchizoKitzo]

Thanks!

[@BlazedAchievements]

thank u so much for this video u r so brave. I have schizoaffective bipolar as well, i have 1 nice voice and the rest are mean and evil as well as bipolar 1. Just started a new mood stabilizer after a 9 day mania cycle, thank u again for this video i also subscribed

[@MizzThang1981]

Just found your channel! Love the way you relate the disorder. Love your style. Keep well SK❤

[@SchizoKitzo]

Thanks! Will do 💪

[@HopeHild]

I have schizoaffective disorder too. I’ve been hospitalized I don’t know how many times. I’m 65. It doesn’t get better. Sorry to be so negative!!! I hope u all r doing better!!!

[@marquisetucker2831]

I been diagnosed schizoaffective n all however no meds not being able to move or do anything drives me crazy.. I have episodes I can take on everything then suddenly everything is bad or not real or worth it smh this up n dwn kills me

[@SchizoKitzo]

SZA for me is marked by intense emotional dysregulation, even with therapy and meds. I can’t always trust what I’m feeling, wanting etc… and it gets really hard. But there is hope, you can get better, and things can be OKAY. Hang in there

[@iconiccfs]

i have never though i had anything but hearing you talk about how you have internal monalog and how you hear it, have made me think if i might have something to, because it sound really close to how my internal monalog is. i have been useing my inder voice to do many task and to "speak" to, so i can get advise for what to do... i dont know if i have something or i am just really good at useing my internal monalog. also fun fact i can re-creat almost any voice in my head and hear the voice say what i want it to say. also i can "place" anything in a room. i can place a person standing infront of me at will and they would look 100% realistic and real but they are not there but only at will. also i can imagen a person i see naked. like useing x-ray vision. but it all comes when i want it to. i have never experinced it happen randomly. basicly my minde is like ar glasses ("aurgmentet reality") because i can place, see and hear what ever i want while also seeing reality. but it never happens randomly only when i want it to happen.... but thinking about i also have a iq of like 150 ish so it could also just be that i am mega minde. i have gotten basicly all a's exept i got 2 b's in both chemestry and history. but i dont know if i have anything......if so it dosent cause me any issues in through out the day :D

[@DavidGalich77]

I have been diagnosed with Schizoaffective disorder depressive type. It took me a long time to get the diagnosis but I kept up with therapy and meds. This has been the defining factor as to why I made it to be 47. I think that my episodes are much less sever with meds and therapy. I love that you are so in tune with yourself and want to become more mindful of what is going on in my head and not that I want to justify it but to dive deeper into my own being. Thank you for explaining how schizoaffective disorder has affected you and your life. Stay awesome.

[@aneeshabarnard7478]

Thanks for sharing your story! I'm trying to understand what my son is going through!

[@SchizoKitzo]

It’s hard, but educating yourself is a great step and I’m so glad I can help!

[@bassmanbowman3266]

Hi, I am very much pleased to have access to your experiences here, as I am looking at a Psychiatric assessment myself soon. I wonder are you in the uk please ?

[@royclevenger9817]

Great video, Kit. May I ask...the story of your earrings. My big struggle is getting through moments/hours when I just can't function. Especially when I get up. Those around me don't understand. Have a great weekend.

[@SchizoKitzo]

ROY HI! So the earrings were from a cyberpunk drop on Shein, which is this fast fashion company that sometimes has good stuff. I love the cyberpunk genre (both literature and the style/subculture) so seeing them I had to get it. They have little data lines on them (I don’t know how well it comes across in the vid since I’m always moving when I talk) so it’s kind of a little thing I can wear to bring the style with me when the rest of the outfit wouldn’t have it. Not being able to function is definitely something I get sometimes, in different ways than you of course. However, the absolutely monster of a task it is to actually leave my bed in the morning when I’m like that… god it sucks. So, right there with you in my own way. And even on those days, you are strong enough to get through them, even if you aren’t strong enough to get up, really

[@MareaRayneOleander]

I'm autistic. This makes me hyper sensitive to light. The sun is generally too bright for me and thus i live a mostly nocturnal life. It has become so troublesome that i cannot leave my house before 10am because of it.

[@farhiyomohamed6730]

I have schizoaffective I had it for last 9 years found out last 3years I also I have autism as well it's crazy life to live with

[@SchizoKitzo]

Hang in there and I agree!

[@Sam12361]

I can’t seem to keep a job on abilify 😂it’s so bad

[@mgwolf39]

Wish you best of luck, feeling you frfr

[@americandesighappshupp9648]

I have Schizoaffective disorder also. I enjoy some of the voices but sometimes the voices are lying are false. I go thru the same thing daily that is explained in the video

[@damnablethief]

That is where I have been for years...voices constantly. Been on multiple meds and they still haven't gotten rid of it.

[@Misleadphilosopher]

My voice just screams at me the whole time😂 ahh reminds me of my drill instructors

[@DavidTrautman-ov8kz]

Question.yall say voices.wouldnt they just be your thoughts? negative thoughts, intrusive thoughts, etc?

[@ScarlettTheViewer]

My wife is schizoaffective with depression and I'm bipolar. Thankfully my meds work 100% and I do not have bipolar mood swings anymore. I know it's not always that effective for others, I empathize. My wife takes meds, and her depression does tend to be the primary setback when her psychosis is in check. But even medicated, she instantly decompensates when she gets a new job, so we're hoping she gets disability pay. She does not have positive hallucinations either, they are all purely terrible 😅

[@MacieRivera]

Your description of auditory hallucinations is very similar to my own experience.

[@KSteoe]

DUDE THE VOICES MAKING YOU FLINCH USED TO HAPPEN TO ME IN HIGHSCHOOL I remember listening to an angry song and jerking my head so hard in the hallway that a teacher pointed it out and was like yoo that must be some good music huh 😭

[@aakudr2474]

this is a very helpful channel

[@nanettedavidson8949]

you are so lovely, best wishes. thank you for sharing, so helpful.

[@evolutionofmaggie]

Hello! I also have schizoaffective disorder. I would love to do a youtube collab if you are ever interested? I love this video - you are so articulate and well spoken. I heard you say something about therapy isn't effective for you. Do you think that is true of all schizoaffective people? Personally, therapy helps me. Looking forward to hearing back from you!

[@delong_quinton]

I like how you go into how Schitzoaffective Dissorder goes into Anxiety. I personally deal with this disorder myself and Anxiety seems to be the one thing that bothers me the most about this disorder. I also deal with day to day memory loss and it is hard to recall conversations and situations from the past. It could be months ago up to yesterday and I will still forget common things that I should remember. Sometimes I forget things that happened hours ago. It makes it hard to do daily routines because it even causes me to forget to take my meds some days. Here recently, I have been trying to write down a checklist for daily and nightly routines. It has helped a little bit, but like you said, it is a daily struggle.

[@SchizoKitzo]

Checklists are SO IMPORTANT I have a million of them because I don’t know what I’m going to forget next! Thanks for sharing your strategy with the rest of us, and anxiety is a total pain. hang in there!

[@8infinitefreedom]

Hi I have schizoaffective too and it helps me to put an alarm on my phone for 8:00 o’clock every night to remember to take my med. then I mostly remember.

[@mannye21]

"To be or not to be?" Na fam, "What's the Schitzo, what's the Kitzo"

[@SchizoKitzo]

😂 😂 😂

[@BevChoy]

We have probable DID, autism, adhd, and a new diagnosis of schizoaffective/bipolar.

[@binmer9687]

We love you too. You’re brave!!!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@SevaryeaDuh]

I wish I had good voices, mine are usually family friends or random voices I've never heard talking bad about me or plotting to kill me when I'm hallucinating

[@julie09ization]

I worked in mental health and yea the staff looks down in mental health patients . It’s almost like they couldn’t figure out life ? Is that what this is ? You can figure out basic skills and feel Left out and lonely

[@777Rowen]

Only if you’re willing to share, I’d love to hear how your mental health journey started. From childhood till now. If it was since childhood etc.

[@SchizoKitzo]

I plan on doing a more in depth video about the earliest signs but this is a vid I made about the least the psychotic side of things: Psychosis at 14?! | My First Hallucinations kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6rEZ56DmceEpq8

[@sharperhawkeye5556]

Did you self isolate alot during a bad episode? Or do you get paranoid or distrust ppl at any point?

[@s727r]

I'm in the process of being diagnosed, I suffer from visual, tactile and auditory hallucinations and mood disorder so I strongly suspect I'm schizoaffective. On sertraline (Zoloft in the US) and olanzapine, olanzapine really knocks me for six, I've had about 4 naps today and I'm still tired. I'm eager to get a diagnosis so I know what's wrong with me.

[@coritellastory]

What exactly would you do in a pharmaceutical shortage?

[@Aprille999]

I was still stylish during my episode of psychosis and i showered like 3 times a day lol

[@kingjsolomon]

Thank you for this.

[@theunpossiblefile]

“The Collected Schizophrenias” by Esma Wang was good. She mentioned Ms Hammer & others on YT. The Hammer fem stood near me at Whole Foods Chelsea NYC. Wang & Hammer both into clothes. Me too, books/ clothes. And www.

[@JAMSPIRACY]

I love you. You are an amazing and beautiful soul😊❤

[@FOFOZOZO-x7y]

You are really amazing❤❤

[@JeannePeters-g4u]

thanks for these videos,they are very helpful, since i have thebsame disorder.

[@SchizoKitzo]

Schizoaffective sucks, but we aren’t alone. We got this!!!!!

[@karenterrell8843]

Your videos are excellent!

[@SchizoKitzo]

Awww tysm!!!!

[@Tfwd1891]

It killed my childhood. It’s making adulthood tremendously easier to cope but also reorganize my perpetual chatter n audio to my liking for the day. I call it shuffle mode. Eyes open I have music already going. Already morning muster conversation get hyped affirmations ponder my dream to the beat or melody I switch up beats to gravitate towards food hydration morning habits switch beats hit up the squad find out what’s what. Start sending novels to everyone! Lmao(they love my rants now). I like how you said. Get comfortable! That’s how I mastered the schipod lmao❤️♾️🎉🎉🎉in my 💀🔀mode for loifff

[@natashalion8028]

Beautiful human, thank you.

[@JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe]

Please tell me more about the shadow people. I have only seen one recently and she was dressed like the women of the serpent couple in STNG Times Arrow. I will🎉 Authenticate this. Thanks!