Hello everyone,
I’m new to this chat/discussion group, and so I wanted to properly introduce myself. I’m from California, born and raised, and I am currently living with my mother and step-father. I was diagnosed in December 2018 with schizoaffective disorder, which I am told is a combination of schizophernia and bi-polar disorder. I’m 30 years old, single and broke, haha! Last year, I attempted “S” by self-immolation. 85% of my body was burned and I needed multiple surgeries. It’s been really hard, physically and mentally, but I’m doing better. I have been dealing with paranoia, hallucinations and delusions on-and-off for the past 10 years; first onset of symptoms was around 19/20 years old. I’m pretty certain that marijuana caused all these things, but as I have spoken to other people, mostly online, they have argued with me and have insisted that I had schizophernia before I used marijuana. I didn’t have any symptoms before I used marijuana. I took a four-year break while serving in the military and when I got out and went back to college my symptoms resurfaced. Oh well! I enjoy writing, poetry and have a personal blog talking about my recovery as a #burnsurvivor and as someone with mental illness. I hope to learn from you all and hope I can help another person. I’m on twitter, and I do email as well. Anyways, thanks for taking the time to read my post. Oh, and I’m currently on gabapentin and oxycodone for nerve pain and although I’m not taking it right now, I was on lithium and risperdone. The most recent hallucinations I deal with are a clicking sound that comes from inside my eyes, and a small voice from within my nostrils and throat. It’s weird, like a little imprisoned girl crying out for help. Today I started reading The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.
