Hello! My name is Kelley. I was born, raised, and still reside in Florida. I’m in my early twenties, currently unemployed, living at home, and working my way (slowly) through school.
In January / February of 2008, I suffered a month long psychotic breakdown. I was eventually diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder (depressive type) and since then have been working with medication and counseling in order to lead a healthy, stable life again.
I’m obsessed with researching things, especially when it comes to things that impact my own well-being (selfish as that sounds, but I think it’s pretty true for everyone), and while looking up information on schizoaffective disorder, I noticed that there barely existed anything about it, least of all any sort of first hand account. My hopes in creating this blog are to inform people about this disorder and connect to others who are affected as well, either through their own struggles or that of a loved one.
The title of this blog is taken from the title of a Manic Street Preachers’ song (see sidebar).
August 3, 2009 at 9:50 pm |
Hi, Kelley. My name is Anneke, and I found your blog because I am doing some research on schizoaffective disorder. I’m 23 and I’m taking a class in grad school about psychiatry. Our assignment was to read an autobiography by someone with a mental illness and then write a paper on it. I was wondering if you had ever read the book “Sex, Violence, and Schizophrenia” by B.W. Miller. He was diagnosed with schizophrenia at first, but his diagnosis was later changed to schizoaffective. I have found schizoaffective disorder to be really confusing to understand and diagnose. Anyway, that is the book I chose to read, and I know this seems sort of random, but I would love to know what you think about it. I hope you don’t feel like I am asking this to just use your opinion for the paper-it’s actually due tomorrow so that wouldn’t work anyway. I just felt compelled for some reason to hear more of your story, and see what you thought of that book. So, if that’s too weird, no worries and no pressure. Hope you have a great night!
August 30, 2009 at 6:58 pm |
Hey, Anneke!
I’ve never heard of that book, but I’m interested in reading it. It looks like it’s self-published though, so I’ll have to buy a copy when I can. I’m not sure when that will be, but I’ll definitely read it and let you know what I think! Thanks for the recommendation!
September 10, 2009 at 12:48 am |
Hi K: I’m Crazy Mermaid. I had my psychotic break/nervous breakdown/involuntary commitment to a mental hospital right around the same time as you did. I am actually writing a memoir about my journey, working title I Thought I Was A Mermaid. I’m also writing a blog, like you. crazymer1.wordpress.com. I was wondering if I could link my blog to yours.
Also, I just bought Surviving Manic Depression by E. Fuller Torrey, recommended by a friend. I’ll let you know what I think.
September 13, 2009 at 3:18 pm |
Hello!
I’ve linked your blog from mine and don’t mind at all if you link to mine! I hope you’re doing better now and think it’s great you’re keeping a blog / writing about your experiences in order to helps others