“I have had Depression since I was 11 years old and I started experiencing psychosis in my teens. I have Schizoaffective Disorder Depressive type. This disorder is characterized by symptoms of both Schizophrenia and Depression. I experience various types of delusions and auditory and visual hallucinations. The main delusion I experience is that I am the second coming of Christ. I also have high levels of paranoia on a daily basis. The voices I hear are very negative, they comment on my actions/words and they tell me what I should do. I have seen many things as well, which have both fascinated and frightened me to the core.
I have been hospitalized four times. It’s going on two years since my last hospitalization. Mental illness completely dominated my life at many points in my life. It weighed heavy on my spirit. However, it has also broadened my perspective on things and people. It has made me a much more understanding person.
I cope with my illness by taking psychiatric medications, seeing my doctors, going to counseling, talking to my family and staying active. I also have a lot of hobbies I engage in like writing, drawing and reading.
I encourage you to seek professional help if you are struggling. I also encourage you, once you’re in a healthier place, to actively seek out positive people, engage in hobbies and get physically active.
Mental illness makes me feel small, but in speaking out and trying to help others, I feel empowered.”
You can follow Celia’s story on her instagram.
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