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Real members of MyDepressionTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

For those living with schizoaffective disorder, how has it impacted your life? How did it impact your relationships and employment?

A MyDepressionTeam Member asked a question 💭
Detroit, AL

I myself was psychotic for probably 10 years in which I self isolated and lost all my friends, and also lost my career because I was living with delusions.

December 7, 2025
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A MyDepressionTeam Member
March 26
A MyDepressionTeam Member

My employment was affected because I was living in delusions and couldn't interpret reality from fiction. I also had grandiose delusions. I had a delusion where I was being watched everywhere I went with video surveillance and I was being watched on the internet and everything was monitored. The delusions were really intense. I had severe paranoia so I didn't want to stay in touch with any of my friends. I wish there were more conversations about delusions so people could recognize them and would know to get help.

December 7, 2025
A MyDepressionTeam Member

Yep

March 26
A MyDepressionTeam Member

I have delusions with my bipolar. I get manic and think all kinds of things that are not true. I was once convinced that Blake Shelton was coming to pick me up. I packed my bags....twice while my caretaker tried to talk me down. Blake is not even my favorite. I spent 20 years in country radio. No paranoia though...

March 26
MyDepressionTeam

How has schizoaffective disorder impacted your relationships and employment?

Your experience of self-isolation and losing connections during psychosis is something others understand deeply. A MyDepressionTeam member shared how depression affected their relationships: "Depression's biggest impact has been on my Show Full Answer

How has schizoaffective disorder impacted your relationships and employment?

Your experience of self-isolation and losing connections during psychosis is something others understand deeply. A MyDepressionTeam member shared how depression affected their relationships: "Depression's biggest impact has been on my relationships. Currently, I'm going through a divorce. My soon to be ex-husband also suffers from depression. We handle our depression very differently."

Communication patterns can shift significantly. Some people struggle with wanting to communicate out of fear of saying the wrong thing or upsetting someone, while others may internalize everything, which can strain relationships.

Regarding employment, maintaining work can be particularly challenging. As one member honestly shared: "Getting a job isn't the problem. It's being able to keep it. At my last job, I was taking anywhere from two to 10 days a month off from calling out due to depression."

Some jobs might not work out due to stress levels or symptom management. However, many people do find success with the right support, accommodations, and treatment. Jobs that offer quiet environments, flexibility, and structure tend to work better for some.

If work becomes too overwhelming, focusing on self-care, building skills through training, volunteering, or exploring hobbies can open new paths forward. You're not alone in this journey.

December 7, 2025

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