I’m Experiencing Flat Affect | Schizophrenia

Flat affect is a symptom of schizophrenia where an individual is not able to express emotions in the same way other people might. I was experiencing flatter affect today and so I wanted to share what that was like for me.
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[@Nobody_Special310]

I've had flat affect since early childhood. One of my earliest memories was my kindergarten music teacher pulling me out of class and not letting me back in until I smiled. I try to smile and emote to make people feel comfortable, but I still speak in a monotone.

[@teodorasavoiu4664]

It's strange that flat affect seems to bother people around us more than it bothers the person actually experiencing it. It makes social interaction harder for us

[@weaponizedcatz7469]

I don’t smile at all anymore much less have any emotions…. I get to wrapped up in the voices scary conversations and I can’t even think of anything “happy”

[@pajamacladangel9920]

That is so sad. You should not have been put in that situation. If I found that out about my kids teacher I’d be livid! Like, they’re lucky I’m not allowed in there right now not that the police wouldn’t be involved by the end of it anyway...

[@sydneyshields111]

@@teodorasavoiu4664 this is often an experience that autistic people have as well. i have both schizophrenia and autism and i'm constantly being told that i look upset or angry

[@justrd9]

Wow, that's a bad kindergarten teacher.

[@crisspyg.9742]

This reminds me of when I’m what I call “drained” emotionally and physically, just CAN’T muster any emotion outwardly no matter how I feel inside. Never thought it could be a symptom of anything…

[@stalkingpedrochannel]

Sometimes this happens to me especially after being really stimulated for a few days

[@DannyD-lr5yg]

I love your sassy facial expression w/lipstick to match, in your profile pic 😄

[@crisspyg.9742]

@@DannyD-lr5yg Why thank you! I was definitely feeling extra sassy lol

[@oatmeal_-zh4uy]

i struggle with flat affect a lot. people usually just say im really calm, but on the inside im really not most of the time. i have gotten made fun of a lot for it because it affects my voice a lot, i sound very monotone and people say i sound high. im trying to just accept it though

[@allenahimsa]

I've been a therapist working with people with Schizophrenia for many years. Wanted to send encouragement as I know your videos have helped so many people. Flat affect is something is something that I notice most often with people who have had schizophrenia for many years.

[@HerrEngelsman]

What else is it common in/with? Have heard e.g you have a depressed mother as a baby/toddler. Any other related points of relevance?

[@avery-brown]

I have flat affect every day due to being autistic. Even flatter when I am in a depressive episode. I agree that it causes problems connecting with other people. I have noticed that some people get uneasy when you are saying one thing but your tone is communicating something different.

[@jmk1962]

So true.

[@picture-you]

Same, was just going to comment myself on how autistics also experience flat affect, and quite regularly so. It doesn’t personally bother me if I am because when it happens I’m typically just being myself, it just sometimes bothers those around me and makes them constantly ask if I’m okay. Most of the time I am okay when this happens, so it gets frustrating because people assume I’m upset while I’m not.

[@avery-brown]

@@picture-you yes, people who don’t know me think I am either upset or passive aggressive. It is interesting.

[@hybridmaswe]

Flat affect feels strange. It took me a year to get used to when I got on lithium. Very important to talk about mental health topics.

[@dorosiiii]

Hello there! So you think it's because of your lithium? Did it change back to normal in the meantime? Hope you're fine :-)

[@hybridmaswe]

@@dorosiiii Hi. I got very flat affect as I got on lithium and it lasted about a year. Then I got abit stronger feelings back, but nowhere near normal before lithium. I got used to it after a year, so I don't feel like it is a problem now.

[@eveclass1716]

That moment of a loved one asking if you are all right when you feel fine on the inside is so deeply relatable. That happened with me and my mom a lot when I was in high school. Now I don't feel the same persistent depression anymore, so it doesn't happen very often, but I do notice that my affect flattens when I'm really stressed. Thank you for the video!

[@KatieM786]

I hear you. Sometimes I forget to update my face and people think I'm cross or sad.

[@teodorasavoiu4664]

@@KatieM786 "forget to update my face" is an excellent way to put it!

[@blubbblubb6239]

I personally have flat affect most of the time, which lets people think I don't like them or similar. It is rather seldom I show my emotions in better times.

[@z.s.n.]

@@KatieM786 wow that's an incredibly insightful way to put it.

[@puffin463]

@@KatieM786 That is so interesting to think about. 'Updating my face"... I'm thinking about it at this moment as..."Oops! Remember, your mask!"

[@lolab7224]

Thank you for bringing awareness! I have a partner with schizophrenia. I’m apathetic and don’t display emotions as well at times, this is relatable. I’m not schizophrenic, I’m depressed and anxious.

[@taylorsmith5042]

Thank you for this video, I have a flat affect and I never notice it but my family and friends always point it out. I'm being treated for schizoaffective disorder which is new to a couple months ago and I am still a bit uncertain of my diagnosis as I don't see or hear things very frequently and mainly experience paranoia but your videos really helped me understand what schizophrenia is and I am coming to terms with my diagnosis

[@mariasvlogs1503]

It took me awhile to accept mine too

[@lynnblauser3099]

Taylor I too have been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and hard to find things to read on it since it's not exactly like schizophrenia. Are there any books or videos you could suggest?

[@casalblau]

When experience flat affect It not only reflects my outward but I have tremendous difficulty to talk with any emotion. You did great! Thanks for another great video.

[@dendritedigital2430]

I have always had difficulty smiling. People have complained about my flatness and I don't know what to tell them. Especially at parties, they all seem to ask, "Are you having a good time?"

[@mayanovak2497]

Same! I can’t even smile for pictures. I mean I can but it looks terrifyingly extremely fake and forced lol

[@dendritedigital2430]

@@mayanovak2497 I know someone who perpetually smiles. It is her way of coping and she can't stop smiling even when it is inappropriate...

[@mayanovak2497]

@@dendritedigital2430 oh wow! That’s crazy! I’ve never seen anything like that

[@wired4933]

I have been experiencing psychosis more or less throughout my whole life, I've never been diagnosed and now I'm 33, tomorrow is my psych evaluation. This is very exciting but also very frightening. People have said I might have this symptom, the flat affect. I think it's definitely worth mentioning. Thank you for making these videos. You're amazing and wonderful and I wish all the best for you and your family

[@heileens]

Psychological evaluation or psychiatric evaluation?

[@wired4933]

@@heileens Psychological I think, yeah. I've had it now and am waiting for further response.

[@OneJey]

My doctors notes often say I have a flat affect and my parents have as well. Even trying to teach me how to be more expressive. Mine is mainly due to trauma and meds tho. This is still super important! Thank you for talking about this

[@marlenebtagelman2451]

Thank you for educating all of us.

[@marlenebtagelman2451]

I love your wanting to let us all know that no one can be perfect.

[@shadow-vn1yv]

Thank you so much for making videos like this! It's so helpful in realizing my own symptoms for dealing with schizophrenia and all its other nuances. I realize I feel this way so much of the time. Especially with strangers. I just repeat to myself fake it till you make it! I'm not alone!

[@igotthevibesinme]

just discovered your channel today while studying for my licensing exam, and you give so much more meaning and depth to schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorders through your videos, and I love it. Reading about it via a textbook really dehumanizes the information, and I am really thankful for your educational videos about your personal experiences, so thank you for sharing with all your viewers!

[@Stephanie-us3bj]

Thank you for sharing this and for making very enlightening content. I experienced something similar while on a certain anti-depressant medication and although my partner noticed it, it wasn't something I fully noticed until I came off the medication. It felt so weird to me that I was crying and laughing again which is something I wasn't really able to do for months. Sharing your experience really helps others because like you said this isn't something that is easy to notice in yourself and for those who may not have very attentive or emotionally attuned people in their lives it can go unnoticed for months or for years even and it really can impact social relationships and our overall ability to connect with others.

[@doylesaylor]

This is a brilliant video. Thank you so much for this short check in about what you experience. Very well done!

[@fumctoni1343]

Thank you for sharing..I see this lately alot as my daughter was recently diagnosed with schizophrenia. I know it the medication but it makes me sad to see her going through these phases. I feel she lost the sparkle in her eyes. Thank you for opening yourself in talking about your experience in life. 💗

[@jmk1962]

I so get that "dead eyes". My daughter was like that. She used to have the most beautiful sparkling expressive eyes but lost that when she was diagnosed with SZ. Her eyes became expressionless even when she was smiling and I missed it so much.

[@persona-wo8bi]

@@jmk1962 so sorry to hear that. That's why I feel that Schizophrenia is such a cruel disease. It can get inside the person and change their core. For example my cousin used to be a surf teacher, woke up early every day, fought his way to the top and never gave up. Now people call him lazy and a slob because of his disease. If only they knew. Meanwhile my sister really IS lazy and has no illness whatsoever. Breaks my heart to see him struggle and to see that young man trapped inside himself I understand it is very hard to fight/research, but I hope science can make strides in negative/cognitive symptoms. His positives are very well under control under medication.

[@cm-yu6gu]

@@persona-wo8bi your sister is probably dealing with a physical and therefore mental hinderance that you can't see. In my experience laziness doesn't actually exist -fatigue, lethargy, apathy and not being healthy does though. It's very easy to judge

[@persona-wo8bi]

@@cm-yu6gu no, you right. Absolutely. I misspoke. I just meant to say that comparing the severity of their situations is very jarring. But I'm here for both of them whenever they need, and I'll keep in mind what you said when I see her.

[@cm-yu6gu]

@@persona-wo8bi that makes me happy you are there for them and taking into account what I said :) because I have been on the other end of ignorant assumptions thrown at me based on superficial observations and it isn't nice and is very isolating. we have to remember that everyone is actually acting 'normal' considering everything they're dealing with, and the reality in their body. It's hard to tell on the outside. And it's very easy to forget, but everyone is at all times actually doing the best they can

[@priscillianzerem5827]

You depicted this so well. Thank you so much

[@amandah8258]

Thank you for giving me new tools to explain and assist with this. I work with a woman who experiences this symptom often and new staff often think she just doesn't like them 😂

[@277southtombob]

I didn’t know that was part of schizophrenia, most of the symptoms seem completely foreign to me and I just stumbled across your videos but I have been around a couple of people in my life with schizophrenia and it’s gave me a much better understanding of it and made me feel much more empathetic towards it. The only issue I’ve ever had was depression but this is something I actually have experienced with it, the inability to convey any outward emotion and it feels strange to try and force it but I usually have for those around me who I care about. With me it usually started before I went into a extended depression.

[@PostTraumaticVictory]

I will shout this from the rooftops repeatedly until my lungs give out: thank you so much for sharing your experiences and teaching us about schizophrenia 💚

[@ic2597]

Thank you so much for your raw, educational and vulnerable videos.

[@Qwicksilver]

Thank you for sharing your experience! It’s very informative for those of us who don’t experience schizophrenia.

[@cindyperez1085]

Thank you for reaching beyond yourself to make this video and share your experience. I have different mental health challenges than you and there have been some really rough times in my life. I can connect with your content and I so appreciate your honesty. It helps me to understand you. We are all far more than a diagnostic label we are assigned when in treatment. Thanks for conveying that in your videos.

[@keitoth9697]

Wow, thank you! This is super informative. You are providing a type of clinical study for all of us in real time. My mother, sister and brother all had schizophrenia. You are helping me soooo much to understand them and what was going on. You’re videos mean so much!

[@sugarplum316]

You mentioned they had in past tense. Are they not with you anymore?

[@Gwenx]

I feel this often and when I was on the “good” medicine i felt it all the time.. But thanks for reminding me of this, i just had a good friend who also suffers from schizophrenia who “broke up” our friendship 2 days ago, i know that they have shown signs on getting worse but I couldn’t tell them because they would get mad and deny it. They sounded so flat and had no emotions in their message where they told me we never had anything in common, but later told me it was a tough decision and they had been crying the whole day but it just read as they had copied something from a formal book. I know they could show a lot of emotion though texts as we wrote each other once a week keeping up with good and bad, so i have been very confused, but your video makes me think that they probably experience what you describe so well! Thank you, its so nice to have somewhere to turn to for advice or knowledge, i don’t know anyone who has the symptoms i have and most i know deal with “only” the negative things, so thank you for spreading knowledge and awareness

[@MayaJeanne]

thank you so much for sharing! i find with myself my schizoaffective disorder has made my flat affect a lot more obvious now that i know that it can be a symptom. my friends and family tell me that they notice it a lot more than i ever can.

[@michalyaari7183]

Absolutely an amazing video, thank you for being so open, you are actively adding good to the world and teaching us how to better empathize with and understand those around us with schizophrenia. good job!

[@lordfuzi7168]

I didn’t know this was a thing! I have been experiencing it for the past years a lot and get constantly blamed and judged for it. Thanks for sharing.

[@kaliamymckenzie6118]

You are a absolute warrior Hun, please don't give up we all need you, we all are proud of you🌹🖤❤️

[@cvetlica_11]

Thank you so much, this helps me understand my mom so much more.... I was so hurt as I child, I thought she just doesn't care, have never heared about this symptom before and now I understand her journey with schizophrenia so much more...

[@vpo3656]

I hope you feel better soon. Your videos help so many who can relate to your experience.

[@gtrslgr]

You have been so much help to me as I am a spouse working with my wife to get her to take her meds and even realize she is having issues. I’m amazed that you are able to recognize the issues you’re having or at least believe what your loved ones are telling you. My wife is in the BHU now and she continues to talk about things that are not within reality. It’s a great comfort to watch your videos and see someone who recognizes her issues and even tries to help others. Thank you thank thank you.

[@rachelpepper5149]

Thank you for sharing Lauren. Your videos are so informative, and must help so many people who are desperate to understand and be understood. You are inspirational!

[@donpetruzzi1010]

God bless you! I have subscribed to your channel months ago. I take care of my 25 year old son who also deals with this. Your videos are extremely helpful.

[@abandonedchanneld8031]

Content creation has helped me a ton with my flat affect, a lot of people say they don't even notice it and it makes me really happy! It's something that needs more awareness and thank you for putting this video up!!

[@jcwm01]

What an amazing person you are.

[@suzannealsop3394]

I have had flat effect with my illness also and this video has helped to show me how I might come across to others at times. Thank you for sharing 💚

[@rainbowunicorn8929]

I admire that you are able to understand and explain what's going on with you, it's not easy.

[@jmk1962]

Thank you so much for posting this video Lauren as people sometimes struggle to believe you have SZA when they only see you posting when you are well so it's good to see both sides. Sometimes your nearest and dearest can see flat affect before you do as they care about you so much. Hopefully this will pass soon. Hugs x

[@anaceja7075]

Thank you for your continued sharing on this plant form. You are doing so much in educating families with loved one who want to understand more.

[@blubbblubb6239]

Wow, super interesting insight! Even though I'm not having schizophrenia, I think I have flat affect, which may be one of the reasons I am struggling to socially connect and to be seen with my negative emotions.

[@johnarmlovesguam]

Thank you for speaking on this topic. Courage and compassion you.

[@chrissylekas]

you are continuously so articulate and inspiring & bright 😍🌞💕

[@sisyphusvasilias3943]

Now that you have explained your experience the impact is very noticeable in comparison to your affect range in your prior video. Very generous of you AGAIN to share for our benefit. Greatly appreciated.

[@elaineedwards2530]

This is the third video I've watched of yours, and sweet girl, I want to tell you that you are absolutely lovely, and brave. The first video was of you with Rob and your baby, and I saw such joy in you, then the next I watched was your very first video, (which broke me heart), and then this was the third, and most current. My son-in-law is a psychologist in the Calgary area, and he has opened my eyes to mental health issues and so has my own daughter, who suffers with anxiety. Bless you for caring enough to share your experiences with other people, like myself, who have no idea the agony of your illness. All I can tell you is that I admire you, so much, and all those like you and my daughter, who are beautiful beautiful people who get lost in a world they do not deserve. I hope you can feel a big hug from me, right now.

[@GeorgiEmbaid]

Thank you for this and every video. Sending you a hug from Venezuela

[@stephanievanhees3668]

What comes to mind is the courage you have to show and explain, My partner goes through this as well... And often I thought and felt like maybe he just wanted to be alone.. however that is not the case.. you have helped me with more awareness and much needed information... Thank-you for being you..

[@lmcedwards669]

Thank you so much for your videos, @LivingWellwithSchizophrenia. I'm a mental health nurse and working solely on acute admissions wards. It helps so much to listen to your content. As you'll understand, acutely unwell people can find it so hard/impossible to describe how they are feeling. You are genuine and your experiential knowledge is valuable to so many people - health professionals, those with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, their friends and family and anyone who wants to learn more. 🌟🌻

[@elhamk945]

Thanks for sharing. It is an eye opener the simple and clear way that you described. Now I know I experience that quite a bit. It is strange to people around me as I am usually a very expressive person.

[@jolenefetterolf4771]

Thank you for posting this video and all of your videos. We appreciate you. I experienced PMDD ( Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) With varying intensity as I got older. PMDD was debilitating and one of the biggest symptoms was flat affect and depression. My cycles were intense emotionally, and physically painful leading up to my period. I had 1 week a month that I felt clear and stable. I knew I was experiencing flat affect, as I was a shell of myself, like a zombie. My voice had no inflection and I could not even smile, not even to force it. I was depressed, to the point of feeling suicidal at times. My husband was able to pin point when it was happening. He would help me recognize that my negative thoughts were not true and that it was going to pass. He would positively self talk. God, he was so amazing. I had a partial hysterectomy in 2017 due to fibroids which also helped the PMDD drastically. Mental health disorders come on so many different forms. Thank you for sharing yours. You’re helping so many people. 🐝Jojo

[@johnwarren6110]

Excellent. My son has had serious schizophrenia for 25 years. We need more examples like this to help us understand.

[@layotheleprechaun]

Fair play on making this video when you're feeling down. You're helping a tremendous amount of people. Keep doing what your doing and hope you get better soon :)

[@xmanganimex]

This is a great example of the miscommunication flat affect can cause! She specifically said she's feeling normal and not feeling bad or struggling, but we aren't convinced because she's not showing it in her face. I also hope this symptom resolves for her and for Rob's sake!

[@KP-ov3mg]

I so greatly appreciate these videos and getting the chance to learn what it's like living with schizophrenia. You can read about it all day but actually seeing the face behind the diagnosis is so enlightening.

[@deneilenash6578]

i just want you to know that you have courage and strength to open up and share your brain with the world! I use this channel a lot when doing my group sessions. So many times they have connected with the things you are saying👏👏 i cant thank you enough for helping my group and KEEP IT REAL #keepingitreal

[@melissamitchell3586]

How do you come out of the flatness

[@snowdest]

Thanks you for sharing! Love your videos and your candor.

[@simonkormendy849]

Sorry to hear that you're not having the best of a day, I can't even begin to imagine what you must be going through, when I was younger a psychologist told me that he thought I might have something called Asperger's Syndrome, later-on in 2010 I got diagnosed with minor depression, at the time I knew something wasn't quite right with me, I just couldn't put my finger on it, anyway, hope your day gets a lot better for you.

[@Con_blue]

Really interesting to document a symptom as it is happening! Thank you for educating us🙏💜 P.S you are gorgeous with or without blunted affect!💗

[@kms3063]

It’s so amazing how you are able to articulate during the symptoms and witness yourself ! You are a true brave warrior !!!🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@elizabethconroy7665]

Thanks Lauren Can hear the flatness in your voice Hope it passes soon Love your hair Hugs

[@btpuppy2]

Thank you so much for this video because it makes you believable. Pretty much every video you have made makes me wonder if you really have schizoaffective disorder because you come across as completely normal and unlike anyone I have seen that has this. As you feel comfortable, please continue to let people see what some of the challenges really look like so we can better understand you and the illness. Making videos where you are 100% together really isn’t an accurate depiction. Thanks again!

[@tbunnyshy1]

I am just scratching the surface. You explained what I am feeling so well. Not sure what the future holds but I am looking into it. Thank you

[@denisebanto3185]

Thank you for sharing! It IS valuable. 🥰❤️😇

[@juliannewman8720]

It's also very important to understand this is a side effect of medication that treats this illness as well!

[@williamkraemer8338]

Thanks for this most informative post.

[@jonedeep4.1atxr1.7]

THANK YOU FOR THE VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION IT REALLY HELPS 💯

[@pajamacladangel9920]

This is great. This is really helpful. Thank you.

[@godfreycarmichael]

I think everyone experiences something like this to one degree or another. I know I do. Sometimes I feel irreparably isolated and unable to connect. It is a sharply painful feeling. Thank you for sharing so earnestly about your life. You will never know all the good you have done.

[@msawyer983]

Thank you so much for sharing, I learned a lot from listening :)

[@epicmage82]

I totally understand this. I'm like this several times a week. I usually have a perception shift too. That's when things look more like through a first person view through a camera, my balance is off, and it gets harder to talk too.

[@Dizzydollie7]

I’m on the autism spectrum and experience flat affect and blunted affect most of the time. Thanks for this video on a different perspective

[@picture-you]

Same.

[@marysedespres3916]

Finally I can use a word for this. I was just diagnosed with schizophrenia affective disorder. I'm primary bipolar type 1. Thank you

[@pearcat6496]

Thank you for sharing.

[@qd_w]

Thank you for sharing. I experience this also ♥️

[@giovanni1039]

Thank you for this. I was unaware of flat affect, until you explained it. My family and I used to watch home videos of when I was 5-7 years old, and I noticed that my voice was very flat, very monotone, even when I was playing around. Somebody I am working with to find work also told me that I should try to sound like I have more emotion for a job interview. I always noticed this "flat affect" in my voice and with my emotions. My niece told me I sound like the polar bear in the cartoon show "We Bare Bears". I thought that bear sounded cool though when I first heard him, but I have to admit that I wished a little bit to sound like I have more emotion. All I know is that I'm happy when I'm happy, even if I do have a monotone voice.

[@tomastruskauskas4327]

You are awesome! I do not feel that alienated after watching your vid 😊💚👣

[@koffinkat666]

I hope you feel better Lauren

[@NoName-xx8zq]

I've been aware of this in myself back to childhood but didn't know it was connected to my schizophrenia or had a name and definition. Thanks for doing this vid it will help alot knowing this is something. I'll be able to deal with it better!

[@jmk1962]

You might possibly be autistic as a lot of ASD people are like this. There is an online autism test. Takes about 10 minutes to do and it gives a score at the end which indicates whether you are likely to be autistic or not. Might be worth doing one?

[@marlenebtagelman2451]

Thank you, Lauren.

[@maryannscott5567]

Yesterday I was so excited about a good news story about a local business I like. I was going to share the news with my bf but he thought I was going to tell him bad news bc my affect was the opposite of happy/excited, he said. It's frustrating.

[@kelseymariebell1357]

Thank you for sharing! I am filling out a mental status exam for a made up case/client played by an actor for my MSW, and I know the affect terms, but, struggle to really see with people, and, wonder about culture with this! Thank you for sharing!

[@yahainHotPink]

Thank you for sharing. 🌹

[@sourgummiez]

These ranges are also partly just because we’re human. Sometimes we will be drained, exhausted or hormonal and it can mix with this

[@bettybert9819]

I sometimes suffer through something similar to that as a result of my depression diagnosis. Even the sweet smile of that little Teddy would not elicit a smile from me when I’m having one of those days. Thank you so much, Lauren. ❤️

[@ThornyRoseV]

Dont compare the affects of depression to this disease. Its really ignorant.

[@nnnaominicole]

@@ThornyRoseV Mental illness occurs on a spectrum. This is most definitely true for illnesses such as depression and schizophrenia. There may be some people with schizophrenia that do not experience flat affect often and people with depression that do experience it often. It happens to be a very strong symptom of major depressive disorder and treatment resistant depression. I am in no way saying that schizophrenia is not a very serious illness, but depression occurs on a spectrum and is sometimes serious enough to lead to symptoms even worse than flat affect.

[@bettybert9819]

@@ThornyRoseV ….. I’m not ignorant, Rose, and I’m not comparing anything. Perhaps you weren’t able to comprehend my comment. I said “similar”, NOT comparative! Since my precious granddaughter suffers from schizophrenia, I am fully aware of the difference. It’s you who are the ignorant one.

[@ReineDeLaSeine14]

I don’t have schizophrenia but I do have bipolar and I’m autistic. This is something I experience sometimes and it’s frustrating the way people react to it.

[@melissahauke8682]

I have flat affect or even no affect at all very often and it's so hard and stressful to play "normal". At moments I feel like I can't move any muscle, I lay in my bed holding my phone, my hands and fingers go numb, my extremes are cold and numb, I breathe shallow, I forget to blink so my eyes start to water. In such moments I'm so blunt I won't go feed my animals. It feels like being hollow and deflating.

[@wabysarusrex5635]

Yeah I feel this , great video thanks for sharing :)

[@whattowatchrightnow]

I have this. its almost like being detached from myself. But, I think it's depression in my case. I am anxiety-ridden but I dont think its reaches the level of Schizophrenia. I hope. Thank you for sharing

[@justavideodiary]

Very interesting and useful insight into the daily life struggles, thanks

[@bdegrds]

I have Autism and I'm usually this way. Didn't know it was called something

[@stuarthdoblin]

You're so brave to share; a truly heartfelt inspiration for the rest of us. Disregard if not helpful, but I notice your speech being held back - as if by a 'presence' other than you in your jaw muscles, as if your jaw is acting on its own, and your thoughts from your mind are being impeded by whose ever in your jaw. Odd I know, so don't listen if it makes no sense.

[@shelbymachado8712]

I deal with flat affect commonly as an autistic too.

[@someonegetsteve]

Interesting! Perfect description of flat affect and forcing your face to emote. Yes, I can see it in your face - it particularly takes expression away from the eyes. I have family with schizoaffective depression and have had bouts of flat affect myself; It's like your inner emotions aren't able to be reflected in your face, that connection becomes broken. But I doubt a person who doesn't watch you regularly would see anything particularly wrong... it's usually family and close friends that pick up on it.

[@darrylkyle5544]

Just to let you know, I have a friend who is schizophrenic and he has dumped me as a friend. Very painful for me. However your videos have helped me understand what he is going through. You have directly helped me cope with this loss. I thank you so much. Feel good about what you are doing on KZbin.

[@mrsmrs1200]

The same happend to me once, it ripped my hart completely. After a month, called me back and it was such relief for me to take him back into my life. We see each other again, but I miss him as he was before the illnes came.Feel compleetly broken because he suffers, but want him in my life tremendously😭

[@MrsbVSG]

I used to go through it at work and was constantly asked if I was feeling okay or if something was bothering me when I was feeling fine. Way back in my school days I had tried put for pom squad and was picked only as an alternate because I "didn't smile enough". I couldn't have been more excited during tryouts and never understood why that happened until I started getting help as an adult.

[@jaeldavison9916]

My husband is frequently flat, but totally unaware of it. Sometimes he doesn't speak to me for days. I try to be gentle and encouraging, he has enough to be dealing with. But it feels so per on all and I find it hard to deal with