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Safe Zone

Over the years, I’ve gained insight on living with schizoaffective disorder. Identifying my triggers, warning signs and needs. Living with a diagnosis is challenging. The greatest trigger - excessive stress. 

How can we maintain balance when life is stressful? Can an individual ever classify themselves in a “safe zone?”


Your Support Network is Crucial

Since my diagnosis in 2007, and periodic medical setbacks, I’ve recognized how I'm susceptible to highly intense situations that can upset my balance. In the past, I didn’t consider myself fragile. I thought I could control my illness and for 11 years I did. Yet, I couldn’t outrun, deny, nor overlook the breath of chaos that eventually came back to consume my mind and create havoc for me and my family. I’ve had three hospitalizations and two arrests. 


Based on my experience, the greatest antidote to controlling breakdowns is having a strong support system, but what does that mean?


Mobilizing your support network and being prepared for a crisis. My last breakdown in 2023 could’ve turned my world completely upside down. Despite my breakdown, I was fortunate to have my inner circle of family and friends to help me. They worked together getting me into treatment, coordinating care for my child and two dogs.


Fighting Back

How can we handle crises? 


Having a crisis plan in place will undoubtedly ensure a safety net for yourself and family. That means having access to information such as the contact for your nearest loved one, doctor’s office and other pertinent information. A psychiatric advance directive will identify decision makers when you’re extremely unwell. 


However, every state doesn’t recognize these plans. There is an informal psychiatric advance directive that will help guide your support network - the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) developed by Mary Ellen Copeland. I’ve utilized my WRAP and motivated peers to create theirs. I’ve witnessed the effectiveness of it by seeing health professionals follow the plans.


Conclusion

Finally, I’ve come to the conclusion that my condition will continue to plague me in cycles. Even though I’m in a good mental space I’m still vulnerable to medical setbacks. I won’t consider myself in a safe zone; ever.


However, I can minimize the chaos symptoms create. I’m not fearful of being hit with the symptoms of schizophrenia because I have a strong support system. Unlike before, I’ve come to realize I can’t prevent crises but I can prepare for them by letting others know my needs, preferences and important information. 


Therefore, we might not be able to win battles but we can still win our wars.
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