Aren’t you fascinated by the variety of people that come into your life? People surprise me regularly. The most surprise I believe I had was when I worked in a psychiatric hospital. The patients lived there and I worked in active treatment. Most there were diagnosed with Schizophrenia and sometimes had secondary diagnoses like Schizoaffective Disorder.

The following blog is all about Schizoaffective Disorder, what science tells us, from some of my personal and professional experiences, and lastly a program that I am proud to share with you.

#1 Understand The Schizoaffective Disorder Overall

The Mayo Clinic has done an overview of the disorder here.
⁠⠀
Take a look at the overview for a broader understanding of the disorder. ⁠⠀
Its a combination of Schizophrenia and BiPolar Disorder⁠.

Do you know anyone that is diagnosed with Schizoaffective Disorder? I’d love to see how you can interpret the information provided and translate it into compassion for someone you now personally.⠀

#2 Know The Most Common Symptoms of Schizoaffective Disorder.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
Some of the more common symptoms include: Delusions, Hallucinations, symptoms of depression, problems with managing self care⁠.

Getting out of bed and showering can very well be a huge accomplishment for someone diagnosed with Schizoaffective Disorder. ⠀
⁠⠀
Let’s make sure to be extra compassionate towards those that may have some of these symptoms today⁠

#3 Know When To See The Doctor
⁠⠀
When is it appropriate to make an appointment with your doctor? When the symptoms get too much for the treatments.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
Don’t be afraid to communicate with your loved ones and show support when necessary.⁠⠀Sometimes it takes a loved one to recognize the symptoms and get the help for their partner/sister/child/parent/etc.
⁠⠀
I’d love to hear how you support your loved ones below⁠⠀

#4 Know The Complications of Schizoaffective Disorder: ⁠⠀
⁠⠀
Suicide, suicide attempts or suicidal thoughts⁠ are very common…. Call 911 if you’re afraid for your own safety or for the safety of a loved one.
Social isolation⁠…. How about call a friend when you think they might be struggling?⠀
Family and interpersonal conflicts…. Let’s be extra kind to those we work with and go to school with… you never know how their home life is.⁠⠀
Unemployment⁠⠀…. depressing in itself but can you imagine trying to get hired for work and your seeing things and talking to voices in your head? Individuals with Schizoaffective Disorder have to work extra hard to be able to live in society just like average Joes and Janes.
Anxiety disorders⁠⠀…. I’d be anxious too if I was seeing and hearing things… Don’t spook people even if you think they might laugh.
Developing alcohol or other substance abuse problems⁠….. which can lead to more depression and suicidal thoughts or attempts…⠀
Significant health problems⁠⠀… Last thing on an individuals mind with Schizoaffective Disorder is how they can best take care of their own health. Let’s be extra compassionate and kind to all and use positive reinforcement when you see them doing things for their health.
Poverty and homelessness⁠… many are homeless. Let’s be extra kind to everyone regardless of what clothing they’re wearing or the address they reside.⠀
⁠⠀⁠⠀
Agree? Drop your fav emoji to show support below ⬇️ 

#5 If you work directly with people who have Schizoaffective Disorder get this curriculum.
⁠⠀
Move Happy Facilitator Program© was designed and implemented in a psychiatric hospital setting by me for my patients that had Schizoaffective Disorder and other diagnoses.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
My patients reported improved self control of condition, improved fitness, and improved mood after completing the 16-week course. ⁠⠀
⁠⠀
You can get your copy of the program here. ⁠⠀
⁠⠀
40% of the proceeds goes back to supporting mental health event next summer⁠⠀
⁠⠀
TIA 🙏 for your continued support ♥️ 🤗 ⁠⠀
⁠⠀
PS: Don’t forget to tell someone you love them today⁠⠀

So there you have it. Those with Schizoaffective Disorder have a greater challenge keeping things positive in their lives. They have a greater challenge keeping a job, bathing regularly, and even keeping their own life. However, they are some of the most intelligent people that you might come across. Do everyone a favor and be kind to everyone no matter what their background might be.

If you lead group therapy, have a look at the Move Happy Facilitator Program© and email me if you’d like to be a part of the VIP club.

Thank you for reading. If you found any. value in this today, please share it with a friend or family member.

PS: Don’t forget to tell someone you love them today.