3 upvotes, 1 direct replies (showing 1)
Ok so, I have what's called schizoaffective disorder. Basically I have a milder form of schizophrenia where instead of being in that state all the time, it's episodic. Same general symptoms, I just get a break from them.
I had my onset at about 18. However, I had my first audio hallucination at about 14. The vast majority of what I deal with is visual.
At first, I didn't realize the stuff I was seeing wasn't real, and it was terrifying. My boyfriend at the time helped me figure it out once the episode passed, and then I went off to the hospital for a bit. It was tough sometimes trying to figure it out, but by 22, I pretty much always knew my stuff isn't real. Doesn't stop it being scary or even stop me reacting to it, but I know it's not real.
As for knowing I was different, I mean. I went my whole life previous having a normal (aside from adhd) brain. I knew something wasn't right after the first full episode.
Comment by HollyHolbein at 05/02/2025 at 23:49 UTC
2 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Thanks. That’s so fascinating. I am sorry that it was such a scary experience for you. My cousin has schizophrenia (I only just learnt that’s different in these comments) but he doesn’t tell us anything about it. We only know he has it because he was hospitalised and diagnosed. I think a lot about how it must feel to be him.