I’ve gotten this twice. Once from a psych ward doc who was actually really helpful in that he noticed I was experiencing a manic episode, but decided I was bipolar without taking my history of several pure psychotic breaks at all. That was when my diagnosis was changed to schizoaffective bipolar type. The second time was when I was legally required to meet with a child psychiatrist (I was 16 at the time) before getting ECT. He said the same thing, but I was like… Well… I’m on medication… When I’m off medication I start rambling and eventually become catatonic… How eloquent is a catatonic person? And how many schizophrenics do you usually see outside your medical school textbooks, Mr. amphetamine pusher? (I know for a fact he pretty much only treats ADHD and is a dick from other people who had him). But at least 7 other doctors all declared I was either schizophrenic or SZA so I’m inclined to stick with that label. Diagnoses are ■■■■■■■■ I think…
So how about you? Are you eloquent or suffer with more cognitively impairment?
I am diagnosed with both sza bipolar type and cognitive impairment. But, I don’t know if I am eloquent or not. That is not for me to say. I would guess that I am.
In my earlier days some doctors or therapists or the rare person I would reveal my diagnosis to would tell me that if they didn’t know or if I didn’t tell them that they couldn’t tell from talking to me that I was schizophrenic. In the board & care two years ago some woman who had been there longer than me told me I was the sanest one there. So I clucked like a chicken flapped my arms and walked backwards to 7-11 for my fifth soda of the day.
Yes, I believe I am well-spoken. However, I majored in English, so that helps. When I don’t know people, I tend to resort to a lot of big words. Heteroclitic is my favorite.
I’m well spoken and most folk are surprised. Hard to hide though. I was a captain at my cricket club when I was psychotic. I guess a lot know but most are still surprised.
I had a pdoc tell me I couldn’t have sz because of how well I came across and that it’s must be borderline pd. Which we all know is ■■■■■■■■. Five years later and he believes me now that he’s known me long enough to have an informed opinion and not just a book cover view.
One thing I have learned is that the only people who really understand sz are the ones who have been alone with it in a dark corner of the room, crouched in fear and torment. That’s my experience anyway.
There are a lot of opinions out there, but very little actual knowledge. So, to say you are too eloquent seems just very silly to me.
I actually had a psychiatrist told me she was impressed at how well-spoken I was, and that most of her patients didn’t have enough insight into the disease to use the correct terms for symptoms.
Nope never got that one. I’m not very eloquent. I think a lot but don’t speak very fluidly out loud. Although that said I’m probably eloquent “for a schizophrenic”. Because honestly a lot of people with sz aren’t eloquent. As well as I never tell anyone I’m Sz anymore
I was turned away from hospital when I was suicidal and psychotic because I was able to hold myself together enough to have a coherent conversation. They didn’t believe me.
I’ve never really had this experience. Though the only people that really know about my problems have seen me psychotic. But now I live normally, and I think people are a lot more open minded to mental illness now. When I was talking about my diagnosis to a friend from school and instead of her disbelieving me she went on to talk about all the mental disorders she had as if my diagnosis made her more comfortable to be open.
I don’t believe I’m eloquent, even for a schizophrenic. I have trouble formulating my thoughts into words, and even typing on this site can be tough sometimes. But I don’t have word salad or anything, so I guess I come across as “well-spoken”. I certainly don’t consider myself that, though.
