Today I want to come out. I have schizoaffective disorder. A condition that is characterized by both bipolar(mania and depression) and psychosis-schizophrenia symptoms. I hear things, yes. I see things, correct. Am I worthy of respect and kindness? Also yes #WorldHearingVoicesDay

I would like to tell a little bit of my story, in hopes that someone in the void reads this and either feels a little less alone, or realizes that psychosis does not mean insanity, or a life of isolation cast out from the community. We deserve love, kindness and respect.

I hope you read this. I hope you listen. This is a little bit of my story, it’s one of thousands. We exist, and we have value.

It started out when I was little, but I got a bipolar dx at 18, and #schizoaffective dx at 20. My condition makes life hard, but the stigma makes it much worse than any symptom. I face extreme discrimination w/doctors, peers, and teachers. Disclosing my dx is something..

I very rarely do. I am also am dx with #Fibromyalgia, #chronicpain, and am #Autistic, attempting to get a formal dx, which is nearly an impossible feat in the U.S.

I am #Disabled, and being such has led me to severe med trauma. Why?

Over the past 7 yrs I have been ignored, belittled, degraded, and only treated w/ a “chaperone” in appointments. If I go into an office alone, I am sure to come out w/o treatment.

W/o being accompanied, docs are set on every symptom being a side effect of meds/dx/mental state. I am nearly 25, and am treated like I am 12.

The reality of having psychosis is that disclosing your dx means that stigma will always follow.

I live for the day for when this is not the case. A day when stigma on psychosis does not live in every fiber of our society. A day when my dx is met with understanding, and respect.

From now on I will be open about my mental health on my feed. I don’t want to hide anymore, and my page will consist of mental health advocacy as well as physical.

If you don’t like that, unfollow me. But my dx is not something to be ashamed of, and I won’t be anymore.