My Story | Living with Schizophrenia

Summary

Lauren shares her journey with schizoaffective disorder, a combination of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Diagnosed at 25, she faced challenges from her teens, including depression, hallucinations, and suicidal thoughts. Despite multiple hospitalizations and treatment trials, she found stability through medication, self-care, and support. Lauren now embraces her condition, advocating for mental health awareness and sharing her story to inspire hope for a fulfilling life with mental illness.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Lauren was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder at 25, which is a combination of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
• 🏠 She had a seemingly normal childhood with a supportive family and active involvement in school and extracurricular activities.
• 🔄 During high school, Lauren began to experience a shift in her mental state, becoming more withdrawn and losing interest in previously enjoyed activities.
• 💊 After high school, Lauren was prescribed antidepressants but found them ineffective and eventually stopped taking them.
• 🎓 Lauren pursued higher education with a focus on social work, but her mental health struggles continued, leading to feelings of disconnect and social awkwardness.
• 🆘 Lauren faced severe depression and made multiple suicide attempts, which resulted in hospitalizations and further mental health deterioration.
• 🩺 She underwent various treatments, including ECT (electroconvulsive therapy), but experienced little improvement and significant side effects.
• 👨‍⚕️ Lauren's diagnosis was refined to schizoaffective disorder after experiencing a manic episode and psychotic symptoms, which provided some relief in understanding her condition.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Despite her struggles, Lauren found love and support in her partner Rob, who helped her navigate her mental health challenges.
• 👶 Lauren became a mother, which she initially feared due to her illness, but has since found to be a stabilizing and fulfilling aspect of her life.
• 🌱 Lauren and Rob started a YouTube channel to share their experiences and educate others about mental health, which has contributed to her self-acceptance and understanding of her condition.

Q & A

What is schizoaffective disorder?

Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health condition that combines symptoms of schizophrenia with a major mood disorder, such as bipolar disorder in Lauren's case.

When was Lauren diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder?

Lauren was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder in 2016 at the age of 25.

What was Lauren's childhood like before her mental health issues became apparent?

Lauren's childhood was mostly happy and untroubled. She lived with her family, had friends, and was active in school and extracurricular activities.

How did Lauren's mental state change during high school?

During high school, Lauren became more withdrawn, lost interest in school, and generally felt adrift, marking the beginning of her mental health struggles.

What led Lauren to seek professional help for the first time?

Lauren sought professional help after experiencing extreme sadness and despondency, which led her family doctor to prescribe antidepressants.

Why did Lauren decide to pursue a degree in social work?

Lauren felt a spark of excitement about pursuing a degree in social work and believed that the school she transferred to was the best fit for her.

What was the turning point that led to Lauren's first hospitalization?

The turning point was when Lauren felt that the only option she had was to take her own life, leading to her first suicide attempt and subsequent hospitalization.

What was the outcome of Lauren's first experience with electric convulsive therapy (ECT)?

Lauren's first experience with ECT did not improve her condition and left her with memory deficits, adding to her feelings of despair.

How did Lauren's relationship with Rob impact her life?

Rob was supportive and understanding when Lauren disclosed her mental health struggles and diagnosis. Their relationship grew, leading to them getting married and starting a family.

What has been Lauren's experience with motherhood and how has it affected her mental health?

Lauren has found motherhood to be a protective factor for her mental health. Despite the challenges, she has felt more stable since the birth of her son, Theodore.

How does Lauren currently manage her schizoaffective disorder?

Lauren manages her schizoaffective disorder through medication, self-care routines, and by focusing on building a stable life for herself and her family.