“I have a lot of time to myself which can be quite damaging and lonely.”

I’ve been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar, which ultimately led me to be diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. My symptoms are manic/depressive mood changes, hallucinations (visual, auditory, tactile and olfactory) and chronic low motivation. It’s also been identified that I have a thought disorder relating to the psychosis, as well as disorganised speech and memory problems.

At the time of my first episode of psychosis I wasn’t aware that anything was wrong until I was admitted into a psychiatric hospital and given medication against my will. After I was treated I realised that I hadn’t been very well and began to accept my newly established diagnosis.

I got my diagnoses whilst In an inpatient setting, and I had various medications including anti-psychotics and mood stabilisers and benzodiazepines. I was offered ECT treatment (electroconvulsive therapy) however this did not go ahead due to Covid at the time. I was referred to the Early Intervention in Psychosis team, who offered me therapy in the form of CBT-P tailored specifically for psychosis, which helped a great deal with identify early warning signs.

I’m currently taking Amisulpride and Lithium for my mental health which is working well. I am open about my mental health to those close to me, and the reaction I have received has all been very positive and supportive, which is pleasing. I haven’t thankfully faced any sort of prejudice or stigma attached to my diagnosis.

My illness has affected various aspects of my life including education and work. I was taken out of school to go into hospital at the age of 16, and again in college when I was 21. During education I received support from the pastoral care team who were lovely and non-judgmental. As a result of my symptoms I have been classed as ‘not fit to work’ at the moment, therefore I have a lot of time to myself which can be quite damaging and lonely. I also suffer from delusions that of which are a lot more powerful and prominent. 

When not taking medication, so it’s very important that I’m consistent in taking them. These delusions can vary in content from being paranoid in nature to completely random, and the same goes for my voices in particular.