hi! I suffer from Schizoaffective disorder as well. It has majorly impacted my life as well. I still struggle with some of the symptoms but I am much more 'aware' than I was at one time. I heard we get better at dealing with it in our 50s - which is how old I am - 51. I think that we can take a positive out look at the affect it has had on our lives by saying we have survived it - we can see it as a badge of courage in a way. I think at the middle age years we look back and assess our lives and mortality simply because of our stage in life. So I think in part these thoughts are colored by our experience with illness but also the thoughts ARE NORMAL for most every at the middle age stage of life.
This is just my perspective. I don't know how old you are. But I hope you can see some of the positive achievements you've made! :) You're here to tell! We may not have a typical arc to our lives that we see in the media but there are lots of people 'out there' like us. Sending peace!! Welcome to the board!

Hello Ook. Welcome to DS.

I most certainly can relate to what psychosis does to a social life. Perhaps the hardest part is what it does to my personal security and self-esteem. Even when I see potential social opportunities, I'm afraid to go for it because of all the self-doubts.

It helps to be able to talk about ^it^ in places like this one. If nothing else, it makes me feel less alone with the phenom.

Welcome to DS ook…… There are more people with Schizoaffective disorder that come to the Bipolar Board....

This board is pretty quiet.... We'd love to have you if you want to check it out.... Big hug....xo

malibumark, that is interesting. I am 42, but that makes sense. I guess I look around at other people my age and it really is starting to have an effect. I used to be able to shrug it off because I was trying but I haven't gotten where I wanted.

arfie, yeah that is a lot of what I am talking about, my work history too, absolutely destroyed. It does help to talk to people who relate. Helps a lot really.

SunClouJD, I think I will thanks

I can relate, I have done some great damage to my life. My self esteem and reputation are have taken major blows from my twisted mental thinking. I have only been treated for Schizoid disorder for about 14 yrs, Im 50 now but the left over wreckage of my life is hopeless at times. I feel, at times I have no reason to go on, but with meds and therapy I do seem to carry on. I try to live in today's but the haunting s of yesterdays are always in the shadows of my mind, driving me deeper into paranoia and depression. I have to keep faith that things are OK right now, and with help I can face life with a measure of success. Thanks for your share.

It's nice to hear when people can relate.

I'm a mother of a son with Schizoeffective disorder, who is now 40 and has been hospitalized at last 35 to 40 times since 2015. The reason for repeat hospitalization is not taking his medication. I hope that some day he will realize he needs medication. My goal for him is to have his own apartment. He hasn't been out of the hospital long enough to get to this goal. Any words of encouragement?