My Mental Health Diagnosis Is Important to Me

My mental health diagnosis is important because it validates my experience and makes my mental illness feel real. Schizoaffective disorder accurately describes my symptoms. I wanted a name and to know it can be treated.

My Evolving Mental Health Diagnosis

When I first received a mental health diagnosis, I was staying at an eating disorder clinic. At the time, I was diagnosed with bulimia and bipolar disorder. A few years later I received my schizoaffective disorder diagnosis.

I know medications treat symptoms and that their effectiveness can vary from person to person. However, it is important for me to have a name for my illness.