I was diagnosed in 2013 at age 16 while in hospital. I haven't been hospitalised since 2015, almost 5 years. It's a horrible illness to have but there is hope, I live alone and attend university and am under care and treatment and am doing well. I just want everyone to know being diagnosed doesn't mean the end, it can be managed and you can live with it. You can all do it, never hesitate to reach out for help when you're struggling.
You're obviously doing very well, going to University and living on your own, handling your bills and responsibilities. You give me hope for my grown son who lives with me, is finally working and now doing well. I want a normal life for him and hope he can live on his own. I'm very supportive but want to have him be independent.
@@1Queen_Dee seroquel and effexor (note i have the depressive type not bipolar, I believe if someone has the bipolar subtype they take some kind of mood stabliser in lieu of an antidepressent) .good luck to him
Diagnosis of Schizoaffective Disorder is so difficult because it is so uncommon, poorly understood, and rarely researched. Im glad she finally recieved the help she needed.
Right now my fiance is in a psych ward being treated for schizoaffective disorder. This video really helped me to better understand her condition so that I can help her recover. Thank you.
Im so sorry to hear that. He needs support its going to gwt weird for you but dont give up. I have schizoeffective disorder too and my family doesnt want anything to do with me they havent taken the time out to care. Hang in there. Bless you.
I have schizoaffective disorder. I'm 37. I'm writing a memoir about my living with mental illness since I was fourteen. I used to be on meds that made me drowsy in my 20s. Bethany is brave to share her story!
Ayesha Karim I'm 36 and was just diagnosed. It's been so hard. I use a lot of artwork on my channel to describe how I feel but I try to add little upbeat videos too to show the contrast. It's always been hard expressing myself honestly. Fear of the stigma, fear of being judged, fear of getting worse. I hope you manage okay. Support helps.
46 and it's my new working diagnosis (as of a couple days ago). It's a lot to handle just being told. I'm on Vraylar right now, and it doesn't make you drowsy, but it can cause restlessness, which isn't ideal if you already suffer from insomnia, lol. I hope whatever treatment you're in now is going well and the memoir is going well! It sounds really therapeutic in itself.
@@melissagodlewski why you diagonsed first, my daughter recently diagonsed,she entered into 16,just became ill two months ago and I'm scared from anti phsycotics...Can I ask why they don't do brain scan?Why they don't do hormones test or genetic test so they can findout what is the real problem?
Bethany you rock! I am so happy for you. You are a blessing to us all! I have seen this illness in my family and know the pain and confusion of not knowing what is "wrong". But when there is a diagnosis that is the beginning of learning what works best for the situation. Don't ever give up!
Just made peace with my diagnosis again. I’ve (knowingly) suffered with this since I was 20 years old. I’m 28 now. My psychosis is very mild compared to how it used to be, but it still greatly affects my life. It’s hard to come out with this diagnosis because so many people have their own idea of what psychotic disorders are ‘supposed to look like’.
This video is a gift... I had a schizoaffective episode today, and I didn't know how to process it, because I thought I was doing fairly good... But this video I believe God led me to listen to... Thank you for helping me better understand my illness..
I know this is an old post , but Im in the same boat. I thought when they said SCHIZOaffective, they were telling me i was seeing things. This video really did help. Here in Michigan, we have a pretty good mental health system, i just needed to reach out for the help
Most families dont put an effort/dont want to/ dont know how to understand the disorder, therefore they cant really help the person. In fact by misconceptions they can make a person worse. Generally speaking there is lack of genuine love in current society... There should be more education on mental health and general approach to all the people around us.
@@tomaszpilat5840 sometimes in Britain your family is a big part of the problem and they take advantage of the person that is ill like they get the person to sign papers that mean they will no longer have control of their money and in my case they even tried to get me sterilised but my doctor said no and took the matter to court
Thank you so much Bethany, listening to you was like you were speaking just to me! I was just recently diagnosed with Schizoaffective Disorder. I researched this as well as my depression, bi polar, auditory hallucinations and a few others but I am being treated by a very good psychiatrist.
I am writing to share my walk with my mental illnesses. My current diagnoses are Schizoaffective Disorder/Bipolar type, Quiet Borderline Personality Disorder and PTSD. I am a single mother of 3 beautiful boys...ages 14, 12 and 3. I am a survivor of sexual abuse as a child and am also a recovering addict and alcoholic. My first bought of addiction lasted from the age of 16-20 from heroin, cocaine, meth, marijuana, LSD, MGMA and shrooms. I met my fist husband in NA at the age of 21. I became pregnant, and was married within our first 5 months together. Then began our journey as Army wife and active duty soldier. My first marriage lasted ten years to a combat veteran. While he was blacking out repeatedly for four years with PTSD episodes following two combat tours...he traumatized me. I was physically abused, verbally, mentally and spiritually traumatized. Although I had experienced psychosis in the past on a more minimal level...I would have my first full psychotic break the three days prior to leaving my husband at the age of 30. For a three day stretch I could not sleep while experiencing repeated traumatic attacks from my then husband. God appeared to me and told me I would die if I did not leave. I felt his touch, saw him, heard him and felt his warm embracing light as I rocked myself in a corner...before he came back for the next round. This was not my only experience I would have with GOD appearing to me. On day 3, I grabbed a laundry basket with clothes, my two children at that time and my dog...and drove from our station of Fort Campbell, KY, to my home State of MO to my mother's home. I have since remarried and had a third son...and am experiencing my second divorce at this time. For the past seven years I have seen countless doctors in an attempt to receive a proper diagnosis. I have no idea how many different forms of medication I have received in my life, as my mental illness began at the age of 9 years old...as I know now. Since February 2017 alone, I have been admitted to the hospital twice, attended four seperate outpatient and been diagnosed five times with Schizoaffective Disorder, two times with Bipolar I with Psychotic Features, twice with Borderline Personality Disorder, Panic disorder and Major Depression. I have gone from the age of nine years old through the age of 33 before ever receiving a psychotic disorder diagnosis. It was two years ago when I was 35 that I received my first diagnosis of Schizoaffective Disorder. I have gone the majority of my life without answers. No one...not even my family understands me. Five months after leaving my first husband, I became a Probation and Parole Officer with the State of Missouri for 5 years, before I left September 2017...due to being unable to work. I have been on disability for 1 1/2 years now...with long-term disability through my previous employer with the State of Missouri. I have a Bachelor's Degree and hold licenses through the State of MO, but am still am unable to leave my home, except to attend treatment. In the past three years I became addicted to Vicodin, Marijuana and alcohol. My medications have never worked for me unfortunately, therefore, I was desperate to self medicate, in order to find some form of relief. In December 2018, one week before Christmas, my second husband walked out of the home and abandoned me and my children. He could no longer continue in this difficult life that my mental health has brought upon us. My husband took all his income and I have been left to pay all the bills without his help. No child support has been paid to me inorder to help me and my 3 kids get by in 4 months. I live on disability alone, with no health insurance for myself...my bills are $500 a month just for my mental health treatment and medicines. I have tried to return to work 3 times since October 2018, and have lost three jobs within that time due to my mental health deteriorating vigorously. I have tried to work and have made it one month, then another month and the last job 2 months. Since my husband has left and my last attempt at going back to work...my most current episode has lasted a little over 3 months now. Most of what I experience feels like psychosis, negative affects of Schizophrenia and Borderline Personality Disorder symptoms. Unfortunately, my illnesses cycle at the same time together, which makes functioning nearly impossible. Many days just getting out of bed is a miracle. What I know is that I am a survivor. I have overcome a life of active addiction, sexual abuse, 10 years of horrific abuse by my first husband, soon to be two divorces and three extremely severe mental health diagnoses that I battle daily. I have two psychiatrists, a therapist and am in two out patient treatments at this time. I for the first time in my life have received genetic testing, in order to determine what medications will agree with my genetic makeup, and which will not. I feel that hope is here and much needed relief is on the way. I have survived this long and will continue to move forward. Unfortunately, all I have done from age 9 until 37 years old is survive. I want to LIVE and thrive. I want to be the best mother to my 3 sons that are depending on me to be healthy. I must persevere. These boys are my reasons for breathing. Yes I am raising them alone, but luckily I have my mother. I just want you to know there are many of us out here that are hoping and praying for a future free of mental health limitations. I have never written about my experience before on paper, on the internet, nor have I told any friends of my illnesses. There is so much of a stigma attached to mental health that we live isolated and alone with this internal WAR within. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my experience. Nicole
We have an incredible amount in common. The childhood, the marriage to army guy, my first daughter was born at ft Campbell. She was the first wave of Persian gulf babies in 1992. It's been a nightmare. Much love. I'm so glad you have your mom. And your children. Peace be with you.
You really saw god. Your purpose Is to write this story. I’d love to interview you one day. You gave me hope to care for my partner and not give up. It’s been very hard for me. It’s breaking me, but I am learning to be strong and heal for us. I know miracles happen. We’re supposed to go back and save the others, to make our mess our purpose.
its so nice to listen to a person explain what she has gone through, instead of just being treated by doctors who just want to silence the person, she is so brave and courageous for taking a step by step approach to this misunderstood disease. I certainly learned alot. Thank you so much for sharing.
These stories break my heart. Teenage years are tough enough without this tremendous burden. Peace and strength and better days ahead for you, my fellow humans.
thank you! stuggling tonight but was able to take in most after watching 3 times. taking your advice, going back to dr, try again, not give up. my thoughts are a little disorganized right now and I'm too manic to type well but had to say thank you! your fighting spirit helped me and you convinced me how important meds are
I went through this all my life without help until I was 18 but that wasn't the end of the pain. When I was 19 I attempted suicide and was put into a mental hospital where I got proper treatment. My life is fixed now. I'm happy. Watching this video, I started crying with joy because I was reminded of the wonderful people who spread awareness of the disorder. You saved my life. Thank you.
Marcus Lombardo Awwww..Marcus ,I am so happy you are feeling good these days😁😁May your life be filled with love and joy..much love & hugs my friend..spread the love and your beautiful light🤗🤗🤗🤗
Marcus Lombardo fabulous! Bad professionals in my case did not help! Being shouted and discriminated against in psychiatric hospital, scarred me for life! However I know that the few genuine friends out there were so good to me! Best wishes to you to keep healthy and safe!
i just got diagnosed today it explains alot wow i didn't understand whats wrong with me now its so clear to me.. im watching these videos to understand my diagnosis better
It’s so good to have information and perspectives from others going through the same experiences. Especially within our community- it takes a lot of courage to accept a diagnosis and get help. I’m proud of you and I hope you’re living a happy healthy life ❤️✨
My adult daughter has schizoaffective disorder and so does her mother. The illness fully manifested itself when they were in their 20s, but each had issues before. It has been a life changing illness for each of them. This video is very informative and quite accurate.
My entire immediate family was afflicted with severe mental disorder said to be genetically transmitted. Including me, with Bipolar. I am the last survivor. And, for a while they thought I was schizo affective, as my brother was a full blown paranoid schizophrenic. I was so relieved to learn that I was not any kind of schizophrenic, as I had observed many sufferers of schizophrenia and the hell they go through mentally. Being Bipolar is bad enough, but the ups and downs can be predicted and managed, either naturally, as I successfully do, or with proper medication if you can't cope with controlling it. But schizophrenic people have no choice. Medication is their lifeline, once the medical people get the right medication for controlling it for your body, as people may suffer from the same mental illness but their bodies will react differently to various medications used to treat it. And, yes, the worst aspect of mental illness is just not knowing what on earth it is that you have wrong with you, if you are even aware there is something wrong, which many are not and get very angry if you try to suggest they are mentally ill and need to see a psychiatrist for help, especially schizophrenics. With Bipolar, it is not quite so bad. You get really bad lows but you can simply say 'Oh well, I feel like crap but this will pass if I hang in there long enough'. You are aware of how you feel and why and what to expect with all the mood shifts and that gives you a degree of confidence and power to control it, or at least avoid the damage certain moods can cause eg by just going to bed if feeling down and ensuring you cannot access any objects or substances etc easily to suicide on, if it gets unbearably depressing. But, with schizophrenia, it seems people do not have the benefits of such insights. You do need the pills. The right ones, not street drugs or alcohol to ease the emotionsl hell in your head some schizophrenic people have described to me, which I simply could not begin to imagine, even with my Bipolar creative imagination, because I have never had to experience the emotional hell these people experience regularly, without antipsychotics to get it to recede, so they can get a bit of emotional peace and live a decent life. Many think all they need is a good hit of dope or some other street drug. Getting a correct diagnosis is a great relief because you then know what you are up against and can take responsibility for your own mental health to do whatever you must do to protect it eg see the psyche professionals, take the pills specified, eat the right foods, avoid problem people and places, activities etc. These all contribute to determining if you will feel better or get worse. Yes, living with mental illness is very hard. For both the sufferers as well as those they must interact with in daily life, who often cannot cope or stigmatize the mentally ill. But it is possible to win out over its devastating effects and even harness some of its positive aspects, which it can have eg schizophrenic people can be very imaginative and creative and many are very gentle lovable people who like furry animals, I noticed. Bipolars are often pretty smart people. There are many famous Bipolars and also some famous schizophrenics eg a famous Russian male ballet dancer and choreographer who once lived. And some believe the great Dutch painter, Van Gogh was one. But, there is no need to be famous or talented to live a worthwhile life and be a fine human being, even with a mental illness. Get the help and support you need to cope, do your best to manage your condition and ignore those who stigmatize you for being something you had no say in having. One useful strategy I have for when it starts to get me down is to tell myself: OK, I have this curse of a mental illness and people label me crazy and stupid and won't give me a fair go because I am labelled. And it feels rotten. But, hey, it could be worse eg if I were missing a few limbs or blind or had some serious terminal illness, like cancer, which could happen to anybody, like mental illness can, if you get pushed far enough by others eg on the job, at home, in your relationships. I don't worry about serious terminal illness, like cancers any more, like I used to. I figure it relieves one of all the effort needed to successfully suicide, all the pills etc. The cancer does all this for you and you don't have to face court, like you would in some places, for trying to unsuccessfully suicide. Many do not realise suicide is actually a crime in some jurisdictions, but the victim usually gets away with it because they are successful and who's going to try and catch your spirit, as it flies up to heaven or wherever, to bring you to justice or send you the huge medical bill for trying to save you, when you had no desire to be? A sense of humour can go a long way in helping cope with mental illness. Just don't try it on severely depressed non Bipolar types. They don't react kindly to it, I discovered, having been married to one of these types.
Ty you for giving me some real insight into my diagnosis bipolar type schizoaffective disorder. Merry christmas I hope everyone looking at this is enjoying themselves today
Courageous woman growing up in an insane environment. I wish I could meet her and give her a hug. I had a situation like this when I was young. It was terrifying. Thank you for sharing your story.
Beth ❤thank you so much for sharing your mental health issues I love listening to your stories Im a TBI Traumatic Brain Injury Brain injury is dif...😮😮😮😂I love myself we have to I think you are so nice 😊😊
This was so encouraging, my son was diagnosed at 16, he was told by a Dr that he had legal say over taking medication or not 😡 he's now 22 and it has been a struggle ever since to convince him he can choose a better life with help. I'm hoping by sharing stories such as this with him I can get him to change his mind and go back to a Dr. It breaks my heart to see him suffering 😢
My brother is in his early 30s. Got symptoms in late teens. He struggles with this on a daily basis. Some days are better than others. In the last three years he's been dealing with debilitating depression. Also anxiety and panic attacks. Delusions. He goes into the ER every other month. It's tough.
I was "diagnosed" with schizoaffective disorder in Melbourne, Australia, for saying that the medical system, in which I worked as a family doctor, has been corrupted by the drug companies and that they are locking up and drugging more and more people for less and less reason. The diagnosis was changed to "schizophrenia" when I continued criticising the hospital system after I moved back to Brisbane. I have never had hallucinations or been out of touch with reality, but have been injected against my will with "antipsychotic" drugs (a euphemism for dopamine-blocking chemical restraints). The DSM system of psychiatry is fundamentally flawed and the drug companies are making a killing out of it.
This is shocking. I thought this type of thing only happened to ordinary workers who dare suggest there might be corruption going on in their work places. Mental illness is often used as a convenient tool for disposing of employees or others in a circle who happen to disagree and dare to speak their mind publicly, when it is perceived as a threat to certain interests there wishing to defend or cover up their own or connected individual's behaviour. The typical starting point they use to get rid of you is to label you paranoid, if you dare suggest that you are being unfairly targeted or silence or discriminated against, for daring express some controversial opinion. Now, as an expert, you would know that paranoia is only a symptom of another possible mental illness, not a mental illness in its own right. It could be a symptom of an underlying major psychosis, like schizophrenia or a neurosis like clinical depression, which is different from Bipolar. Or it could be simply a Paraoid Personality Disorder. It is very vague. And it suits the powers that be to have it that vague because, really, it could go any direction. Thus, if you shape up and think as they want you to, it becomes nothing serious and they keep you on. But, if you refuse to shape up and be as they want you to be, paranoaia can be used to progress you to more serious punishment for nonconformist thinking they perceive as a threat to their own interests. You get 'promoted'. To some more serious pyshotic status, real dangerous stuff, like paranoid schizophrenia that will require powerful obligatory mind altering medication to control the illness you may not even have. What they want to control is You, because they find your challenging behaviour, comments etc threatening to their own interests, but they could ner never dare say that openly. So they claim it is your MENTAL ILLNESS, they want to control, not your personality that is annoying them. Once you have such a formal assessment and diagnosis by a psychiatrist of their choice, not yours or an independent third party one, you have two choices. Take the prescribed mind altering drugs for an illness you may not have in reality. Or be g orced out of your job. With such a diagnosis, even by a corrupt practitioner, it becomes virtually impossible to ever get another professional job again, no matter how good you were and still are at what you do. The downhill spiral into poverty, social ostacization from professional former peers sets in and, if you were not mad, you become mad. Because you were 'pushed' ie shafted. Some such victims of shafting suicide, others turn to crime, a few are brave enough to try and tough it out living on welfare, in welfare housing. It is bad. But, if you take care of yourself and your own health and learn how to draw emotional support from all the poor invisible 'little folk' who have little education and may be pretty rough, even though it will feel uncomfortable as a former professional to live this new poor lifestyle, you will not only pull through but discover a far richer, more rewarding life, emotionally at least, but also in other ways, than high professional status, with all its long hours, study, obligations, restrictions, codes of conduct etc could ever offer. But you do need to have a very tough non conformist streak in you to survive such a change ie turn lemons they threw at you into the sweetest lemonade no amount of money or professional status could ever buy. How do I know such things? Been there...
Diagnosed with this by veterans hospital. Did 12 years in military. Got my honorable discharge. Alcoholic family growing up. Got VA disability. Doing better.
You are truly Bethanny an amazing person. Keep going the way you are, and never forget people love you. GOD loves you and is always there for you. All you have to do is talk to him. He will listen. GOD is amazing try not to forget that. Be proud of yourself, you deserve it. YOU GO GIRL!!!!!🙏➕❤❤❤❤💞
My mom developed trust issues with me and punished me constantly. She wouldn't give me a key to the house, and I was stuck outside for a while. Ironically, my sister had to let me in. Dysfunctional family. I love my sister, and our relationship has improved. We don't talk about certain things in the past. She's going to be my next guardian, I believe. She's the smartest of all of us. We accept things.
for a person who has it medicine is very important to take don't listen to people who aren't Drs they don't have a degree. use your mind it took me a long time to stay with the help I relapsed allot and had to episodes. I have come a long way to even learning to control my anger better and taking medicine to deal, cope with the voices paranoid symptoms voices and confusion. your going to be okay personally my faith as a chrstain helps as well or else I would have over dosed or shot my self in the head. Believe me when I say the right meds will help you they even have DNA test the Dr dose a swab and the company sends back a packet they send the Dr. help is out there. God bless and peace be with you 💛✌sorry for gramer.
I have schizoaffective bipolar disorder my parents are my support I'm coming off my worst break ever a med change and psychiatrists change one ford behavioral health treatment would leave me physically disabled as well this nightmare won't end I face a lot of stigma in AA left for dead by the church
I have schizoaffective disorder. I have also complex PTSD, Asperger's, and anxiety issues. I was born from rape. My mother wanted to abort me because of the cost of giving birth to me. She managed to have the funds, but I rarely saw her because she was working and going to school at the same time. On top of that, you try to live in a 2-bedroom apartment with 6 adults and me inside it. When I was six, I had a "dad" that abused me a lot. I was falsely accused of being a "troubled" child. Hence, I was a foster child of the ward for 3 years. Then, my cousins started to lecture me about everything I was doing slightly wrong, like they were my parents.
My Brother was diagnosed as schizoaffective. He went through everDx you can think of. I say it stated in his early teens Finally during an extended psych stay Drs found a trio of med worked. He spent 6 years in a state hospital and died in an out patient sheltered housing In 21 during Covid
Thank you for your comment. We are so sorry to hear of your brother's passing and its circumstances. If you believe you or anyone in your family might benefit from grief counseling please reach out to our partners at Team Wellness Center who offer free mental health services. We wish you all the best.
I'm at wits end now. I can completely concur with you on this disorder. I keep trying, but it still goes on. For so many years now. I'll keep on trying inwill
Way t' go Beth!! My dear Wendy was finally diagnosed with S.Aff. Dis about 10 years after her symptoms appeared. Many experts had her pegged wrong, like Bethany. This victory happened in Ottawa Canada under Dr. Cole in the Ottawa Civic Hospital back in 1997. The best years of Wendy's life followed until Alzheimer's eventually took her down. Dr. Cole was ahead of her time.
I have scizoeffective disorder Daily battle dealing with thoughts that fight/work against me. Beth story has giving me inspiration With sum1 who knows what I am dealing with & to keeping working to better myself thru it!
I relate so hard to her talking about being in band class and hearing her name over and over. I have the same thing happen to me when I'm severely stressed..
im looking for a new therapist cuz i couldnt trust anymore and the meds just made me feel zombie like plus they made me have super nose bleeds and i was dead like!! its sad that moment you feel you couldnt trust the therapist ..I havent sen a therapist in months and im off meds , what helps me get through is exercise, music and video games and boxing !!! it helps me cope with my life!! i believe my episodes are trails from a higher power to see what type of human i am !!!! this mindset has set me free in a way to better cope with the demons!!!!
I'll always remember my first snap (first of many). Seventh grade picture day. Was at a manic high and dropped completely bottom. Curled up under a desk and didn't move til a councilor took me to the hospital. Was just recently diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder - bipolar type.
i am being diagnosed in uk schizoaffective disorder and thanks to professionals mcr petermorgans and dr amjad dr hannah my new support network for saving my life
Bethany boik. after all you have been through, you must be the best person in the world. you must be special. I admire your courageous struggle. by telling your story, you give other people hope. thank you for sharing.
It is unfortunate, yet comforting to know there are others dealing with this disorder. Just as she said, when the doctor told her her the diagnosis, she said she felt as if everything made sense...That is how I felt, absolutely making sense while reflecting back on my life, my past, some relationships, my emotions, my identity that I never figured out how to compose or whst it would consist of. I'm not crazy, just have neuro/psych issues, it doesn't make me a horrible person. I want to give others the same compassion I would want, whether they suffer from the disorder or not.
It wasn't until I was 30 years old that I was diagnosed as having schizoaffective disorder. My current psychiatrist believed that I may had the condition since in my teen years. I could go on, but Iet's just say that I have only started to get a handle of it now and I am about to be 50 years old.
My daughter suffers from this mental illness. She is under treatment and doing well. One thing Bethany didn't mention is that when a person is very young, say under the age of 18, this is sometimes misdiagnosed as ADD, or ADHD. My daughter dealt with that, but finally having the correct diagnosis, is doing well. Thanks for this great video.
When my doctors thought I had bipolar when I was young I was put on Latuda that made me so drowsy I flashed through a year. This is something I relate with so very much and I’m so relieved to have something I relate to. I have conversion disorder and I think I will bring this up to my therapist so I can get proper treatment.
Thank you for a well produced and very informative video. I want to better support a friend who struggles with this disorder on a daily basis and your video gave me a great deal of valuable insight. Thanks again.
I too have experienced some of these things. I learned in the Christian Holy Bible that there is an invisible war on Earth involving evil demonic spirits who can speak into our ears all manner of thoughts, depression, anxiety, dreams; and most importantly they want to keep us from a real relationship with our God through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!!!! The Lord helped me in this battle and can help anyone who will believe God. Please listen to my story on UA-cam at: Hearing Voices: real help and understanding. Praying for you, Carol
Tonome Tonome. Try something called a Community Srvice Board, it's called different things in different places. Also call Health and Human Sevices for info, and try your hospital ER. Either call or go there. Hopefully they can get you the info and help you need.
I signed signed up for Medicare. It took several months to go through. But i get referrals to doctors or therapists or physiologist. And my insurance covers it all. Even my medications.
Great to hear she improved her life . It would have been more helpful if they gave some information on medications that helper her despite the fact that the medication may have different effect on different people.
I never think I have it severe, maybe moderate but every time I go to a therapist or help they say it’s quite severe and I’m kinda confused about it but I believe it, I’m self aware enough for me to know things I do look different to how I see it and I don’t notice things I might do
Only recently is it becomeing a self realization as i live with others who have Bi pola and depression,anxity etc, that i have been miss diagnosed for the last 24 years. This is why my family can not see my childhood as one with ill mind. They now blame it all on my later drug addiction. Im very frustrated with them all as i once again have to rise above them and let them go on as i know i have no controle over them just me. Im close to end as even now im clean long time and well cared in a home. You see im still locked in battle even if they see the light and see them selves. Im tiered so very tiered BUT i keep waking up in the mornings.
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I was diagnosed with skitzoaffective disorder in 2019. It honestly explains alot from my past when I think about it now, like some episodes I've had in the past have left me believing that everyone is out to get me or I'm out to get myself. I have had times in my life where I'll have a full argument in my head during a serious meeting or during my job because my thoughts become very unorganized and I start thinking irrational things that make my moods change.
Well I lost my 18 year old son . My only sweet son. In the pandemic lock down. My dad passed homeless on the streets with mental illness and my grandpa and then my ex husband had bipolar and then my daughter tried suicide at 19 and then 5 years later I lost my 18 yay old son? I raised my son well .. this hurts. He is such a good boy. He's resting now until he ressurection thanks to Jehovah God and Jesus I can see and hold him again by me livinv as a servant to the just HIGH
Continuing on with this sad saga, I was bullied in high school and no counselor there would want to even get close to me. I had barely graduated from high school in a normal sense. I have experienced racism almost all my life. I was misdiagnosed so many times that I was just not in the here and now. If that was not enough, I was getting a lot of "nonsense" from my former family doctor, my former dermatologist, my former dentist, a pharmacist, and a psychologist. They all scoff at me and they were thinking that I was "sub-human." Especially when that psychologist broke the patient confidentiality rules by telling my abusive "dad" about my situation.
When I came back from my dad's, I was psycho. I'm not going to get into that, but it hurt our relationship. I was underweight, and she was poor but gave me 3 dollars a day to eat. She felt guilty. I used to cling to her and scream when I had to go back to dad's. She wasn't a drunk then but had issues losing me and not being able to stop the abuse at the time. She couldn't get me help because my dad had custody of me, and he refused as it might have cost a dollar. It's like, my poor sister is going to die. My sister was disappointed because she looked up to me as a small child. She tried to knock me out a few times, too. My mom turned her guilt against me and punished me constantly instead of asking me to help her. I didn't help out with that at all. All those snotty teachers who looked down on them should have just gotten us family counseling.
I have it, I was considered bipolar type 1 but now its schizoaffective disorder. Everyday seems a new challenge I try hard but it makes everything difficult even easy things in life.
Sighs … my son was diagnosed when he was 14 when he was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. It’s been tough . I feel like like he’s doing a little better now but he is still experiencing “spiritual attacks” he says. He is constantly walking back n forth through out the day . Sighs … I pray that he will get better and be able to manage his life as he enters into adulthood.
Thank you for sharing your experience (and your son's). If you would like more information about the free counseling services offered by our partners at Team Wellness, please let us know. We wish you and your family all the best.
My son also pace back and forth a lot. It is so hard to accept and keep going after your precious son is diagnosed with a mental illness. Why, what did I do wrong, what could have done to avoid? I keep asking those questions.
i thought i was bipolar but my cpn told me i have Schizoaffective, i get mania, anxiety or depression, im adopted my mum is schizophrenic my dad has bipolar, glad im well for now. most of the time life is HELL. btw i get visual hallucination not voices, i see myself dying in horrific scenarios etc
Me too ! I have skitsoeffective disorder. Bipolar and phycosis episodes. I had a "ah-haa" moment. I was in denial for 2 years . one day I went and saw my doctor and he was like what is your diagnosis? And I said manic bipolar with phycosis episodes and was like no you have skitsoeffective disorder Lol!! I try to be positive about it but I suffer when I get to that part of my cycle and I have many symptoms
It is really good when medical professionals genuinely care and do not threaten and intimidate you, as had happened to me! One of the worst psychiatrists I had ever seen thought being religious meant grandiosity! Stuff him! The Lord heals, period! Get used to it or bugger off I say!
I was diagnosed in 2013 at age 16 while in hospital. I haven't been hospitalised since 2015, almost 5 years. It's a horrible illness to have but there is hope, I live alone and attend university and am under care and treatment and am doing well. I just want everyone to know being diagnosed doesn't mean the end, it can be managed and you can live with it. You can all do it, never hesitate to reach out for help when you're struggling.
You're obviously doing very well, going to University and living on your own, handling your bills and responsibilities. You give me hope for my grown son who lives with me, is finally working and now doing well. I want a normal life for him and hope he can live on his own. I'm very supportive but want to have him be independent.
Thanks to Dr idume I got cured using his herbal medicine and now I’m better and normal 👇👇👇
ua-cam.com/video/-gB94W1ZTAo/v-deo.html
Thank you 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 for the inspiration and I’m proud of you 👏🏿
What medications are you taking? Im trying to find a balance for my son.
@@1Queen_Dee seroquel and effexor (note i have the depressive type not bipolar, I believe if someone has the bipolar subtype they take some kind of mood stabliser in lieu of an antidepressent) .good luck to him
Diagnosis of Schizoaffective Disorder is so difficult because it is so uncommon, poorly understood, and rarely researched. Im glad she finally recieved the help she needed.
Exactly, well said.
Right now my fiance is in a psych ward being treated for schizoaffective disorder. This video really helped me to better understand her condition so that I can help her recover. Thank you.
Did she recover? My ex broke up with me because of the mania and delusions :-(
Im so sorry to hear that. He needs support its going to gwt weird for you but dont give up. I have schizoeffective disorder too and my family doesnt want anything to do with me they havent taken the time out to care. Hang in there. Bless you.
Amanda Inman How old are you?
@@amandainman402 why they don't take out permanent treatment?..mean anti phsycotics are dangerous?
Why they dont do hormones test or genetic test?...Why they dont findout what's wrong with the brain?
I have schizoaffective disorder. I'm 37. I'm writing a memoir about my living with mental illness since I was fourteen. I used to be on meds that made me drowsy in my 20s. Bethany is brave to share her story!
Ayesha Karim I'm 36 and was just diagnosed. It's been so hard. I use a lot of artwork on my channel to describe how I feel but I try to add little upbeat videos too to show the contrast. It's always been hard expressing myself honestly. Fear of the stigma, fear of being judged, fear of getting worse. I hope you manage okay. Support helps.
We wish you all the best and hope you will reach out to Team Wellness Center if it makes sense for you.
@@melissagodlewski Thank you for your honesty about the stigma surround mental health. We wish you all the best and please know we are here to help.
46 and it's my new working diagnosis (as of a couple days ago). It's a lot to handle just being told. I'm on Vraylar right now, and it doesn't make you drowsy, but it can cause restlessness, which isn't ideal if you already suffer from insomnia, lol. I hope whatever treatment you're in now is going well and the memoir is going well! It sounds really therapeutic in itself.
@@melissagodlewski why you diagonsed first, my daughter recently diagonsed,she entered into 16,just became ill two months ago and I'm scared from anti phsycotics...Can I ask why they don't do brain scan?Why they don't do hormones test or genetic test so they can findout what is the real problem?
Bethany you rock! I am so happy for you. You are a blessing to us all! I have seen this illness in my family and know the pain and confusion of not knowing what is "wrong". But when there is a diagnosis that is the beginning of learning what works best for the situation. Don't ever give up!
Just made peace with my diagnosis again. I’ve (knowingly) suffered with this since I was 20 years old. I’m 28 now. My psychosis is very mild compared to how it used to be, but it still greatly affects my life. It’s hard to come out with this diagnosis because so many people have their own idea of what psychotic disorders are ‘supposed to look like’.
This video is a gift... I had a schizoaffective episode today, and I didn't know how to process it, because I thought I was doing fairly good... But this video I believe God led me to listen to... Thank you for helping me better understand my illness..
I know this is an old post , but Im in the same boat. I thought when they said SCHIZOaffective, they were telling me i was seeing things. This video really did help. Here in Michigan, we have a pretty good mental health system, i just needed to reach out for the help
@@anglynn4300 would u like help.... No cost just msg
Bethany is amazing! No biological support. I can't believe it. She's such a sweetheart and so smart!
Most families dont put an effort/dont want to/ dont know how to understand the disorder, therefore they cant really help the person. In fact by misconceptions they can make a person worse. Generally speaking there is lack of genuine love in current society... There should be more education on mental health and general approach to all the people around us.
@@tomaszpilat5840 sometimes in Britain your family is a big part of the problem and they take advantage of the person that is ill like they get the person to sign papers that mean they will no longer have control of their money and in my case they even tried to get me sterilised but my doctor said no and took the matter to court
I have commented on this video for years and when I get this way this video helps me realize I'll be ok
Thanks so much for your comment. We are glad that this episode is helpful to you.
Thank you so much Bethany, listening to you was like you were speaking just to me! I was just recently diagnosed with Schizoaffective Disorder. I researched this as well as my depression, bi polar, auditory hallucinations and a few others but I am being treated by a very good psychiatrist.
I am writing to share my walk with my mental illnesses. My current diagnoses are Schizoaffective Disorder/Bipolar type, Quiet Borderline Personality Disorder and PTSD. I am a single mother of 3 beautiful boys...ages 14, 12 and 3. I am a survivor of sexual abuse as a child and am also a recovering addict and alcoholic. My first bought of addiction lasted from the age of 16-20 from heroin, cocaine, meth, marijuana, LSD, MGMA and shrooms. I met my fist husband in NA at the age of 21. I became pregnant, and was married within our first 5 months together. Then began our journey as Army wife and active duty soldier. My first marriage lasted ten years to a combat veteran. While he was blacking out repeatedly for four years with PTSD episodes following two combat tours...he traumatized me. I was physically abused, verbally, mentally and spiritually traumatized. Although I had experienced psychosis in the past on a more minimal level...I would have my first full psychotic break the three days prior to leaving my husband at the age of 30. For a three day stretch I could not sleep while experiencing repeated traumatic attacks from my then husband. God appeared to me and told me I would die if I did not leave. I felt his touch, saw him, heard him and felt his warm embracing light as I rocked myself in a corner...before he came back for the next round. This was not my only experience I would have with GOD appearing to me. On day 3, I grabbed a laundry basket with clothes, my two children at that time and my dog...and drove from our station of Fort Campbell, KY, to my home State of MO to my mother's home. I have since remarried and had a third son...and am experiencing my second divorce at this time. For the past seven years I have seen countless doctors in an attempt to receive a proper diagnosis. I have no idea how many different forms of medication I have received in my life, as my mental illness began at the age of 9 years old...as I know now. Since February 2017 alone, I have been admitted to the hospital twice, attended four seperate outpatient and been diagnosed five times with Schizoaffective Disorder, two times with Bipolar I with Psychotic Features, twice with Borderline Personality Disorder, Panic disorder and Major Depression. I have gone from the age of nine years old through the age of 33 before ever receiving a psychotic disorder diagnosis. It was two years ago when I was 35 that I received my first diagnosis of Schizoaffective Disorder. I have gone the majority of my life without answers. No one...not even my family understands me. Five months after leaving my first husband, I became a Probation and Parole Officer with the State of Missouri for 5 years, before I left September 2017...due to being unable to work. I have been on disability for 1 1/2 years now...with long-term disability through my previous employer with the State of Missouri. I have a Bachelor's Degree and hold licenses through the State of MO, but am still am unable to leave my home, except to attend treatment. In the past three years I became addicted to Vicodin, Marijuana and alcohol. My medications have never worked for me unfortunately, therefore, I was desperate to self medicate, in order to find some form of relief. In December 2018, one week before Christmas, my second husband walked out of the home and abandoned me and my children. He could no longer continue in this difficult life that my mental health has brought upon us. My husband took all his income and I have been left to pay all the bills without his help. No child support has been paid to me inorder to help me and my 3 kids get by in 4 months. I live on disability alone, with no health insurance for myself...my bills are $500 a month just for my mental health treatment and medicines. I have tried to return to work 3 times since October 2018, and have lost three jobs within that time due to my mental health deteriorating vigorously. I have tried to work and have made it one month, then another month and the last job 2 months. Since my husband has left and my last attempt at going back to work...my most current episode has lasted a little over 3 months now. Most of what I experience feels like psychosis, negative affects of Schizophrenia and Borderline Personality Disorder symptoms. Unfortunately, my illnesses cycle at the same time together, which makes functioning nearly impossible. Many days just getting out of bed is a miracle. What I know is that I am a survivor. I have overcome a life of active addiction, sexual abuse, 10 years of horrific abuse by my first husband, soon to be two divorces and three extremely severe mental health diagnoses that I battle daily. I have two psychiatrists, a therapist and am in two out patient treatments at this time. I for the first time in my life have received genetic testing, in order to determine what medications will agree with my genetic makeup, and which will not. I feel that hope is here and much needed relief is on the way. I have survived this long and will continue to move forward. Unfortunately, all I have done from age 9 until 37 years old is survive. I want to LIVE and thrive. I want to be the best mother to my 3 sons that are depending on me to be healthy. I must persevere. These boys are my reasons for breathing. Yes I am raising them alone, but luckily I have my mother.
I just want you to know there are many of us out here that are hoping and praying for a future free of mental health limitations. I have never written about my experience before on paper, on the internet, nor have I told any friends of my illnesses. There is so much of a stigma attached to mental health that we live isolated and alone with this internal WAR within. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my experience.
Nicole
We have an incredible amount in common. The childhood, the marriage to army guy, my first daughter was born at ft Campbell. She was the first wave of Persian gulf babies in 1992. It's been a nightmare. Much love. I'm so glad you have your mom. And your children. Peace be with you.
Saludos desde España, te deseo lo mejor
Or d.I.d? Disassociation?
Why is hard to leave your home?
You really saw god. Your purpose Is to write this story. I’d love to interview you one day. You gave me hope to care for my partner and not give up. It’s been very hard for me. It’s breaking me, but I am learning to be strong and heal for us. I know miracles happen. We’re supposed to go back and save the others, to make our mess our purpose.
'the little engine that could' 😊 this brave woman saved herself through pure determination. Bravo 👏🏻
Thank you for your comment. She is a remarkable person!
its so nice to listen to a person explain what she has gone through, instead of just being treated by doctors who just want to silence the person, she is so brave and courageous for taking a step by step approach to this misunderstood disease. I certainly learned alot. Thank you so much for sharing.
These stories break my heart. Teenage years are tough enough without this tremendous burden. Peace and strength and better days ahead for you, my fellow humans.
thank you! stuggling tonight but was able to take in most after watching 3 times. taking your advice, going back to dr, try again, not give up. my thoughts are a little disorganized right now and I'm too manic to type well but had to say thank you! your fighting spirit helped me and you convinced me how important meds are
I have depressive Schizoaffective Disorder and it's hard.
Jesus loves you. Understand
Would u like to b helped
@@DK-sg3oe I would like to be helped 🙏🙏🙏🙏
I went through this all my life without help until I was 18 but that wasn't the end of the pain. When I was 19 I attempted suicide and was put into a mental hospital where I got proper treatment. My life is fixed now. I'm happy. Watching this video, I started crying with joy because I was reminded of the wonderful people who spread awareness of the disorder. You saved my life. Thank you.
Marcus Lombardo Awwww..Marcus ,I am so happy you are feeling good these days😁😁May your life be filled with love and joy..much love & hugs my friend..spread the love and your beautiful light🤗🤗🤗🤗
were do you go for treatment
Marcus Lombardo thank god am so happy for you god bless you peace be with in you
God Bless!!
Marcus Lombardo fabulous! Bad professionals in my case did not help! Being shouted and discriminated against in psychiatric hospital, scarred me for life! However I know that the few genuine friends out there were so good to me! Best wishes to you to keep healthy and safe!
Bethany is amazing! so inspirational!
We think so too!
I agree
i just got diagnosed today it explains alot wow i didn't understand whats wrong with me now its so clear to me.. im watching these videos to understand my diagnosis better
I am m
It’s so good to have information and perspectives from others going through the same experiences. Especially within our community- it takes a lot of courage to accept a diagnosis and get help. I’m proud of you and I hope you’re living a happy healthy life ❤️✨
You are so brave Bethany. Thank you for sharing your story.
Thank you for being so vulnerable and sharing your story. This has made so much sense to me and I will talk more with my Dr and therapist.
I love all of the bright and loving courageous ppl who have struggled ..I understand all too well ..much love and support !!🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
The same thing happened to me, Jesus talked to me and told me things to do. Thank you for posting this for awareness. Jori
Jori Nunes What did Jesus did you? I have a strong faith in God too
The same thing happened to me. I have schizoafftective disorder too.
I was told that I would get the stigmata and I waited for it for 2 years. I take risperidone now and I'm better right now
My adult daughter has schizoaffective disorder and so does her mother. The illness fully manifested itself when they were in their 20s, but each had issues before. It has been a life changing illness for each of them. This video is very informative and quite accurate.
Thank you mi healthy mind. What an amazing young woman to have come so far.
My entire immediate family was afflicted with severe mental disorder said to be genetically transmitted. Including me, with Bipolar. I am the last survivor. And, for a while they thought I was schizo affective, as my brother was a full blown paranoid schizophrenic. I was so relieved to learn that I was not any kind of schizophrenic, as I had observed many sufferers of schizophrenia and the hell they go through mentally. Being Bipolar is bad enough, but the ups and downs can be predicted and managed, either naturally, as I successfully do, or with proper medication if you can't cope with controlling it. But schizophrenic people have no choice. Medication is their lifeline, once the medical people get the right medication for controlling it for your body, as people may suffer from the same mental illness but their bodies will react differently to various medications used to treat it. And, yes, the worst aspect of mental illness is just not knowing what on earth it is that you have wrong with you, if you are even aware there is something wrong, which many are not and get very angry if you try to suggest they are mentally ill and need to see a psychiatrist for help, especially schizophrenics. With Bipolar, it is not quite so bad. You get really bad lows but you can simply say 'Oh well, I feel like crap but this will pass if I hang in there long enough'. You are aware of how you feel and why and what to expect with all the mood shifts and that gives you a degree of confidence and power to control it, or at least avoid the damage certain moods can cause eg by just going to bed if feeling down and ensuring you cannot access any objects or substances etc easily to suicide on, if it gets unbearably depressing. But, with schizophrenia, it seems people do not have the benefits of such insights. You do need the pills. The right ones, not street drugs or alcohol to ease the emotionsl hell in your head some schizophrenic people have described to me, which I simply could not begin to imagine, even with my Bipolar creative imagination, because I have never had to experience the emotional hell these people experience regularly, without antipsychotics to get it to recede, so they can get a bit of emotional peace and live a decent life. Many think all they need is a good hit of dope or some other street drug. Getting a correct diagnosis is a great relief because you then know what you are up against and can take responsibility for your own mental health to do whatever you must do to protect it eg see the psyche professionals, take the pills specified, eat the right foods, avoid problem people and places, activities etc. These all contribute to determining if you will feel better or get worse. Yes, living with mental illness is very hard. For both the sufferers as well as those they must interact with in daily life, who often cannot cope or stigmatize the mentally ill. But it is possible to win out over its devastating effects and even harness some of its positive aspects, which it can have eg schizophrenic people can be very imaginative and creative and many are very gentle lovable people who like furry animals, I noticed. Bipolars are often pretty smart people. There are many famous Bipolars and also some famous schizophrenics eg a famous Russian male ballet dancer and choreographer who once lived. And some believe the great Dutch painter, Van Gogh was one. But, there is no need to be famous or talented to live a worthwhile life and be a fine human being, even with a mental illness. Get the help and support you need to cope, do your best to manage your condition and ignore those who stigmatize you for being something you had no say in having. One useful strategy I have for when it starts to get me down is to tell myself: OK, I have this curse of a mental illness and people label me crazy and stupid and won't give me a fair go because I am labelled. And it feels rotten. But, hey, it could be worse eg if I were missing a few limbs or blind or had some serious terminal illness, like cancer, which could happen to anybody, like mental illness can, if you get pushed far enough by others eg on the job, at home, in your relationships. I don't worry about serious terminal illness, like cancers any more, like I used to. I figure it relieves one of all the effort needed to successfully suicide, all the pills etc. The cancer does all this for you and you don't have to face court, like you would in some places, for trying to unsuccessfully suicide. Many do not realise suicide is actually a crime in some jurisdictions, but the victim usually gets away with it because they are successful and who's going to try and catch your spirit, as it flies up to heaven or wherever, to bring you to justice or send you the huge medical bill for trying to save you, when you had no desire to be? A sense of humour can go a long way in helping cope with mental illness. Just don't try it on severely depressed non Bipolar types. They don't react kindly to it, I discovered, having been married to one of these types.
I hope you are doing well, Annemarie.💖
Thank you Bethany. You are so strong, intelligent and beautiful.
Ty you for giving me some real insight into my diagnosis bipolar type schizoaffective disorder. Merry christmas I hope everyone looking at this is enjoying themselves today
Poor Bethany. You didn’t have the childhood you deserved. I’m so glad found the help you needed, and hope you continue to do well.
Awesome video
Courageous woman growing up in an insane environment. I wish I could meet her and give her a hug. I had a situation like this when I was young. It was terrifying. Thank you for sharing your story.
Thank you for your wonderful comment - she is courageous!
Beth ❤thank you so much for sharing your mental health issues I love listening to your stories
Im a TBI Traumatic Brain Injury
Brain injury is dif...😮😮😮😂I love myself we have to I think you are so nice 😊😊
Thank you for your comment. Our guest is an inspiring person!
This was so encouraging, my son was diagnosed at 16, he was told by a Dr that he had legal say over taking medication or not 😡 he's now 22 and it has been a struggle ever since to convince him he can choose a better life with help. I'm hoping by sharing stories such as this with him I can get him to change his mind and go back to a Dr. It breaks my heart to see him suffering 😢
Thank you for your comment. We wish you and your son all the best and hope this episode can be of help.
i am highly thankful to the manchester great community
My brother is in his early 30s. Got symptoms in late teens. He struggles with this on a daily basis. Some days are better than others. In the last three years he's been dealing with debilitating depression. Also anxiety and panic attacks. Delusions. He goes into the ER every other month. It's tough.
I was "diagnosed" with schizoaffective disorder in Melbourne, Australia, for saying that the medical system, in which I worked as a family doctor, has been corrupted by the drug companies and that they are locking up and drugging more and more people for less and less reason. The diagnosis was changed to "schizophrenia" when I continued criticising the hospital system after I moved back to Brisbane. I have never had hallucinations or been out of touch with reality, but have been injected against my will with "antipsychotic" drugs (a euphemism for dopamine-blocking chemical restraints). The DSM system of psychiatry is fundamentally flawed and the drug companies are making a killing out of it.
Romesh Senewiratne-Alagaratnam Arya Chakravarti big pharma is evil... especially in your country with vaccines
yup evil, they tried to do that to me 5 years ago ..
This is shocking. I thought this type of thing only happened to ordinary workers who dare suggest there might be corruption going on in their work places. Mental illness is often used as a convenient tool for disposing of employees or others in a circle who happen to disagree and dare to speak their mind publicly, when it is perceived as a threat to certain interests there wishing to defend or cover up their own or connected individual's behaviour. The typical starting point they use to get rid of you is to label you paranoid, if you dare suggest that you are being unfairly targeted or silence or discriminated against, for daring express some controversial opinion. Now, as an expert, you would know that paranoia is only a symptom of another possible mental illness, not a mental illness in its own right. It could be a symptom of an underlying major psychosis, like schizophrenia or a neurosis like clinical depression, which is different from Bipolar. Or it could be simply a Paraoid Personality Disorder. It is very vague. And it suits the powers that be to have it that vague because, really, it could go any direction. Thus, if you shape up and think as they want you to, it becomes nothing serious and they keep you on. But, if you refuse to shape up and be as they want you to be, paranoaia can be used to progress you to more serious punishment for nonconformist thinking they perceive as a threat to their own interests. You get 'promoted'. To some more serious pyshotic status, real dangerous stuff, like paranoid schizophrenia that will require powerful obligatory mind altering medication to control the illness you may not even have. What they want to control is You, because they find your challenging behaviour, comments etc threatening to their own interests, but they could ner never dare say that openly. So they claim it is your MENTAL ILLNESS, they want to control, not your personality that is annoying them. Once you have such a formal assessment and diagnosis by a psychiatrist of their choice, not yours or an independent third party one, you have two choices. Take the prescribed mind altering drugs for an illness you may not have in reality. Or be g orced out of your job. With such a diagnosis, even by a corrupt practitioner, it becomes virtually impossible to ever get another professional job again, no matter how good you were and still are at what you do. The downhill spiral into poverty, social ostacization from professional former peers sets in and, if you were not mad, you become mad. Because you were 'pushed' ie shafted. Some such victims of shafting suicide, others turn to crime, a few are brave enough to try and tough it out living on welfare, in welfare housing. It is bad. But, if you take care of yourself and your own health and learn how to draw emotional support from all the poor invisible 'little folk' who have little education and may be pretty rough, even though it will feel uncomfortable as a former professional to live this new poor lifestyle, you will not only pull through but discover a far richer, more rewarding life, emotionally at least, but also in other ways, than high professional status, with all its long hours, study, obligations, restrictions, codes of conduct etc could ever offer. But you do need to have a very tough non conformist streak in you to survive such a change ie turn lemons they threw at you into the sweetest lemonade no amount of money or professional status could ever buy. How do I know such things? Been there...
Finally, an intelligent UA-cam channel about mental illness that doesn’t throw us under the bus.
Thank you for your comment. You just made our day!
This was a wonderful informative video.
God bless this woman and the professionals who helped her and help others.
Diagnosed with this by veterans hospital. Did 12 years in military. Got my honorable discharge. Alcoholic family growing up. Got VA disability. Doing better.
Thank you for your comment. We are sorry to hear of your childhood trauma and commend you for sharing your story.
You are truly Bethanny an amazing person. Keep going the way you are, and never forget people love you. GOD loves you and is always there for you. All you have to do is talk to him. He will listen. GOD is amazing try not to forget that. Be proud of yourself, you deserve it. YOU GO GIRL!!!!!🙏➕❤❤❤❤💞
Hearing the truth about about the symptoms is like reliving episodes that bring on even more emotions.
I was diagnosed with Schizoaffective . I thought they were telling me I was crazy and seeing things. Now i understand a little more
My mom developed trust issues with me and punished me constantly. She wouldn't give me a key to the house, and I was stuck outside for a while. Ironically, my sister had to let me in. Dysfunctional family. I love my sister, and our relationship has improved. We don't talk about certain things in the past. She's going to be my next guardian, I believe. She's the smartest of all of us. We accept things.
for a person who has it medicine is very important to take don't listen to people who aren't Drs they don't have a degree. use your mind it took me a long time to stay with the help I relapsed allot and had to episodes. I have come a long way to even learning to control my anger better and taking medicine to deal, cope with the voices paranoid symptoms voices and confusion. your going to be okay personally my faith as a chrstain helps as well or else I would have over dosed or shot my self in the head. Believe me when I say the right meds will help you they even have DNA test the Dr dose a swab and the company sends back a packet they send the Dr. help is out there. God bless and peace be with you 💛✌sorry for gramer.
I have schizoaffective bipolar disorder my parents are my support I'm coming off my worst break ever a med change and psychiatrists change one ford behavioral health treatment would leave me physically disabled as well this nightmare won't end I face a lot of stigma in AA left for dead by the church
Amazing lady 🥰
This is very helpful to those who have this illness.Thank You
I have schizoaffective disorder. I have also complex PTSD, Asperger's, and anxiety issues. I was born from rape. My mother wanted to abort me because of the cost of giving birth to me. She managed to have the funds, but I rarely saw her because she was working and going to school at the same time. On top of that, you try to live in a 2-bedroom apartment with 6 adults and me inside it. When I was six, I had a "dad" that abused me a lot. I was falsely accused of being a "troubled" child. Hence, I was a foster child of the ward for 3 years. Then, my cousins started to lecture me about everything I was doing slightly wrong, like they were my parents.
God bless u same thing with me my story a little different God Bless U 💘💯💯💯
My Brother was diagnosed as schizoaffective. He went through everDx you can think of. I say it stated in his early teens Finally during an extended psych stay Drs found a trio of med worked. He spent 6 years in a state hospital and died in an out patient sheltered housing In 21 during Covid
Thank you for your comment. We are so sorry to hear of your brother's passing and its circumstances. If you believe you or anyone in your family might benefit from grief counseling please reach out to our partners at Team Wellness Center who offer free mental health services. We wish you all the best.
I'm at wits end now. I can completely concur with you on this disorder. I keep trying, but it still goes on. For so many years now. I'll keep on trying inwill
Dont give up!! I know the pain of schizoeffective disorder its so lonely and weird when the world doesnt make sense.
Way t' go Beth!! My dear Wendy was finally diagnosed with S.Aff. Dis about 10 years after her symptoms appeared. Many experts had her pegged wrong, like Bethany. This victory happened in Ottawa Canada under Dr. Cole in the Ottawa Civic Hospital back in 1997. The best years of Wendy's life followed until Alzheimer's eventually took her down. Dr. Cole was ahead of her time.
I have scizoeffective disorder
Daily battle dealing with thoughts that fight/work against me.
Beth story has giving me inspiration
With sum1 who knows what I am dealing with & to keeping working to better myself thru it!
Thank you for your comment. We are glad to hear you were inspired by the our guest - she is remarkable!
hey my hero from a long way . I am proud of you and the process we mk much love from one spider web to another
Great ..... Public Awareness ..... Education!
I relate so hard to her talking about being in band class and hearing her name over and over. I have the same thing happen to me when I'm severely stressed..
im looking for a new therapist cuz i couldnt trust anymore and the meds just made me feel zombie like plus they made me have super nose bleeds and i was dead like!!
its sad that moment you feel you couldnt trust the therapist ..I havent sen a therapist in months and im off meds , what helps me get through is exercise, music and video games and boxing !!! it helps me cope with my life!! i believe my episodes are trails from a higher power to see what type of human i am !!!! this mindset has set me free in a way to better cope with the demons!!!!
I'll always remember my first snap (first of many). Seventh grade picture day. Was at a manic high and dropped completely bottom. Curled up under a desk and didn't move til a councilor took me to the hospital.
Was just recently diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder - bipolar type.
Take your meds and take good care of your health. I have schizoeffective disorder too 10 years now do things that are positive
i am being diagnosed in uk schizoaffective disorder and thanks to professionals mcr petermorgans and dr amjad dr hannah my new support network for saving my life
Thank you for your comment. We are so glad to hear you have found the help and support network you need!
If they can't get to a level of self awareness of having this disorder, life is complete hell. It is a terrible, abusive, rollercoaster.
Thank you for your comment and insight into this mental health issue.
Bethany boik. after all you have been through, you must be the best person in the world. you must be special. I admire your courageous struggle. by telling your story, you give other people hope.
thank you for sharing.
Bethany boik. I am so sorry for your misery, loss, suffering and painful feelings. I feel your pain.
my mind mirror you.
It is unfortunate, yet comforting to know there are others dealing with this disorder. Just as she said, when the doctor told her her the diagnosis, she said she felt as if everything made sense...That is how I felt, absolutely making sense while reflecting back on my life, my past, some relationships, my emotions, my identity that I never figured out how to compose or whst it would consist of. I'm not crazy, just have neuro/psych issues, it doesn't make me a horrible person. I want to give others the same compassion I would want, whether they suffer from the disorder or not.
Thank you for your insightful comment and for sharing your experience.
ty Bethany, honorable discharged vet proud single daddy schizoaffective...Interesting, I also believe it stemmed from childhood...peace and gods luv
i agree. mine did.
i’m going to a psych ward soon for this disorder this is helping me understand it better
It wasn't until I was 30 years old that I was diagnosed as having schizoaffective disorder. My current psychiatrist believed that I may had the condition since in my teen years. I could go on, but Iet's just say that I have only started to get a handle of it now and I am about to be 50 years old.
Is it due to just trying different medications for so long? I also have a form of schizophrenia
Been there Beth thanks for your help
My god, the impact of trauma
God-bless Healthy minds
Thanks for your comment - and appreciation of what too many take for granted!
My daughter suffers from this mental illness. She is under treatment and doing well. One thing Bethany didn't mention is that when a person is very young, say under the age of 18, this is sometimes misdiagnosed as ADD, or ADHD. My daughter dealt with that, but finally having the correct diagnosis, is doing well. Thanks for this great video.
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@@BipolarCorner I have a very similar story
When my doctors thought I had bipolar when I was young I was put on Latuda that made me so drowsy I flashed through a year. This is something I relate with so very much and I’m so relieved to have something I relate to. I have conversion disorder and I think I will bring this up to my therapist so I can get proper treatment.
God bless you Bethany I have the same diagnosis and it ain’t easy
Thank you for a well produced and very informative video. I want to better support a friend who struggles with this disorder on a daily basis and your video gave me a great deal of valuable insight. Thanks again.
You never recover. Every day sucks.
Thank you for your comment.
It's been years being able to hear what someone else it's happening to thanks for the broadcast
Thank you for your comment and for watching!
I too have experienced some of these things. I learned in the Christian Holy Bible that there is an invisible war on Earth involving evil demonic spirits who can speak into our ears all manner of thoughts, depression, anxiety, dreams; and most importantly they want to keep us from a real relationship with our God through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!!!! The Lord helped me in this battle and can help anyone who will believe God. Please listen to my story on UA-cam at: Hearing Voices: real help and understanding. Praying for you, Carol
Do you got a link?
I've been in this same situation and they too diagnosed me with schizoaffective disorder @13 n still have it @the age of 25.
Brian Jones so true!
Where is all this money coming from?
"Keep trying different doctors, keep trying different . . ."
When you're diagnosed with a mental illness you qualify for assistance
Does that answer your bewilderment ?
Tonome Tonome. Try something called a Community Srvice Board, it's called different things in different places. Also call Health and Human Sevices for info, and try your hospital ER. Either call or go there. Hopefully they can get you the info and help you need.
Cynthia Allen Thank You
I signed signed up for Medicare. It took several months to go through. But i get referrals to doctors or therapists or physiologist. And my insurance covers it all. Even my medications.
@@javierr.castillo1101 this system is in America?
Best video ever
Great to hear she improved her life . It would have been more helpful if they gave some information on medications that helper her despite the fact that the medication may have different effect on different people.
I never think I have it severe, maybe moderate but every time I go to a therapist or help they say it’s quite severe and I’m kinda confused about it but I believe it, I’m self aware enough for me to know things I do look different to how I see it and I don’t notice things I might do
Only recently is it becomeing a self realization as i live with others who have Bi pola and depression,anxity etc, that i have been miss diagnosed for the last 24 years. This is why my family can not see my childhood as one with ill mind. They now blame it all on my later drug addiction. Im very frustrated with them all as i once again have to rise above them and let them go on as i know i have no controle over them just me. Im close to end as even now im clean long time and well cared in a home. You see im still locked in battle even if they see the light and see them selves. Im tiered so very tiered BUT i keep waking up in the mornings.
Thank you for your comment. We are glad to hear the show resonated with you and wish you all the best with your mental wellness. Please reach out to us if you would like help connnecting to services.
How brave Bethany is, proud of her
I was diagnosed with skitzoaffective disorder in 2019. It honestly explains alot from my past when I think about it now, like some episodes I've had in the past have left me believing that everyone is out to get me or I'm out to get myself. I have had times in my life where I'll have a full argument in my head during a serious meeting or during my job because my thoughts become very unorganized and I start thinking irrational things that make my moods change.
Thank you for your comment and for helping to forward the conversation about Schizoaffective Disorder.
Wow....what a wonderful and strong person!!!
Well I lost my 18 year old son . My only sweet son. In the pandemic lock down. My dad passed homeless on the streets with mental illness and my grandpa and then my ex husband had bipolar and then my daughter tried suicide at 19 and then 5 years later I lost my 18 yay old son? I raised my son well .. this hurts. He is such a good boy. He's resting now until he ressurection thanks to Jehovah God and Jesus I can see and hold him again by me livinv as a servant to the just HIGH
Thank you for your comment.
Continuing on with this sad saga, I was bullied in high school and no counselor there would want to even get close to me. I had barely graduated from high school in a normal sense. I have experienced racism almost all my life. I was misdiagnosed so many times that I was just not in the here and now. If that was not enough, I was getting a lot of "nonsense" from my former family doctor, my former dermatologist, my former dentist, a pharmacist, and a psychologist. They all scoff at me and they were thinking that I was "sub-human." Especially when that psychologist broke the patient confidentiality rules by telling my abusive "dad" about my situation.
When I came back from my dad's, I was psycho. I'm not going to get into that, but it hurt our relationship. I was underweight, and she was poor but gave me 3 dollars a day to eat. She felt guilty. I used to cling to her and scream when I had to go back to dad's. She wasn't a drunk then but had issues losing me and not being able to stop the abuse at the time. She couldn't get me help because my dad had custody of me, and he refused as it might have cost a dollar. It's like, my poor sister is going to die. My sister was disappointed because she looked up to me as a small child. She tried to knock me out a few times, too. My mom turned her guilt against me and punished me constantly instead of asking me to help her. I didn't help out with that at all. All those snotty teachers who looked down on them should have just gotten us family counseling.
I have it, I was considered bipolar type 1 but now its schizoaffective disorder. Everyday seems a new challenge I try hard but it makes everything difficult even easy things in life.
I love this video for years now
What an amazing young woman. She certainly had all the cards stacked against her where her mental health was concerned.
We completely agree. We were honored to have her on the show.
I look up to her so much.
Bethany is unbelievable.She took care of herself.
Sighs … my son was diagnosed when he was 14 when he was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. It’s been tough . I feel like like he’s doing a little better now but he is still experiencing “spiritual attacks” he says. He is constantly walking back n forth through out the day . Sighs … I pray that he will get better and be able to manage his life as he enters into adulthood.
Thank you for sharing your experience (and your son's). If you would like more information about the free counseling services offered by our partners at Team Wellness, please let us know. We wish you and your family all the best.
My son also pace back and forth a lot. It is so hard to accept and keep going after your precious son is diagnosed with a mental illness. Why, what did I do wrong, what could have done to avoid? I keep asking those questions.
i thought i was bipolar but my cpn told me i have Schizoaffective, i get mania, anxiety or depression, im adopted my mum is schizophrenic my dad has bipolar, glad im well for now. most of the time life is HELL. btw i get visual hallucination not voices, i see myself dying in horrific scenarios etc
Me too ! I have skitsoeffective disorder. Bipolar and phycosis episodes. I had a "ah-haa" moment. I was in denial for 2 years . one day I went and saw my doctor and he was like what is your diagnosis? And I said manic bipolar with phycosis episodes and was like no you have skitsoeffective disorder Lol!! I try to be positive about it but I suffer when I get to that part of my cycle and I have many symptoms
Thanks, hope you're doing ok now. I'm pretty down
It is really good when medical professionals genuinely care and do not threaten and intimidate you, as had happened to me! One of the worst psychiatrists I had ever seen thought being religious meant grandiosity! Stuff him! The Lord heals, period! Get used to it or bugger off I say!
wow! i sympathize with Bethany Bolk, she is so nice and brave.
Honestly, I don't know why three button suits aren't fashionable anymore. The host sports a very good one.
What blood tests have you ran on these people? And what other tests have you conducted in their behalf?