Memory Loss, Schizoaffective Disorder, and Me

As a schizophrenic, the hardest thing for me was losing my memories. Like you said, you can't pinpoint events, but you remember how said events made you feel. It's also hard for me to talk to people because of this. I have nothing to say because I literally don't remember what happened during the day or week. There's no story to tell, and that took some time to get over. It still makes me feel like there's something wrong with me.

When I was hospitalized one of the things doctors were telling us patients is that every time you have an "episode" you lose some of your "abilities", and that should be one of the reasons why one shouldn't stop taking meds. I'd say after my last manic episode 14 years ago my short-term memory was damaged but not terribly. By the way 14 years later I'm 120 pounds overweight and constantly tired and catatonic but I still prefer that to being manic or depressed, but that's just me. Thx for the video and Happy New Year to you and everyone here :)

I had a manic episode that took me out to Alaska. I barely remember getting there. But I loved being there.

My memory loss is so severe I forget events for years then suddenly remember them. I used to like to read but now I have difficulty retaining information. As soon as I read a sentence it goes away.

Your videos help me. I thought I was the only one who started losing their memory. I used to be known for having a fantastic memory. Now, people will mention things that happened in my past, and I have no memory of them.

This was a well done video. I have mentioned on some of your other videos that I have schizoaffective disorder Depressive Type. I usually am depressed but sometimes I am just kind of ...well...nowhere. Not up not down just down the middle somewhere. Some kind of Euthymia I guess. Anyway, for me my memory is compartmentalized. When I am having a normal mood, I don't remember anything that happened when I was depressed. And when I am depressed, I don't remember what happened when my mood was normal. So all the time half of my memories are missing and unaccessible. That is my take on it :)

My 27 year old son got diagnosed with esquizo affective disorder a month ago. I'm beyond devastated by this diagnosis. It gives me hope you seem to have a normal life. Thanks for the info.

I can't remember all I have forgotten.

My memory has also been hamstrung by my schizoaffective disorder. I often have to check and double, even triple check things because i just cannot remember often. Thanks for your videos, its good to hear from someone who can relate. Cheers!

I stumbled across your channel looking for something that had nothing to do with mental health. Must have been fate! Something told me to check your channel out...and I am glad that I did. My mother has schizoeffective disorder and it seems to be a topic that is hard to find reliable information on. I have Bipolar disorder, so I struggle at times myself, but recently my mother's memory has gotten so horrible that at times she cannot remember certain things that happened the day before. It had really begun to terrify me. I feel better after seeing this. I needed to see this. Thank you.

You're such a good person. Since I've always been somewhat disabled, I'm used to this. I don't have strong emotions and can mostly laugh and cry. My memory has been whack for a while. I know that an average person will get like 70% of the material, and I will have to work harder for 30% of the material. I'm still learning. Yes, there are times when I think about the ocean or a group home that had a nice garden. I am annoyed that I am harassed about getting a pension. They have no low. I'm a "parasite," but I'm also not allowed to do anything that brings success. I must live in poverty for insulting Zheani. Your sin? Do you have any fucking idea? I chill in an adult facility. I'm not allowed to shine. I'm used to it. The ones who say they're fixing us is even worse. They all know about the brain now, but they won't share. We're in that phase.

You are such good vibes! Thank you for sharing your experience and ideas. 💖

You are a Godsend! My son, 38 yrs old has had Schizoaffective disorder for his entire adult life. I never understood why he constantly forgets things. Extremely frustrating to me. I thought his meds were making him drowsy, or lazy, or …. Thank you! Can’t wait to hear all your videos.

Thank you for taking the time for this 🧡

This was incredibly informative and helpful. Thanks Kit!

This is the most relatable thing I’ve watched in as long time. Immediately subscribed ❤

Thanks for the video, Its....reassuring to hear someone who is going through the same things.....describe them and still be positive. So Thank You again.

Thank you so much for opening up about your experiences with memory loss, and sharing your insights into how and why they happen. As an Avatar fan, I loved "everything changed when the mania attacked." XD With what you described about manic episodes, with your brain running faster than your thoughts can keep up, it makes a lot of sense that you would have gaps in your memory during them. Also that short story assignment sounds so scary - I would have cried too if something like that happened to me, because it's such a stark way to realize that your memory wasn't what it had always been. It was great to hear about how both your medications and your record-keeping in Notion/your calendar help you counterbalance your memory loss. I also love how remembering the feelings you experienced in certain moments, even if you don't remember the details, makes it easier for you to cope. It's awesome that you've found ways to live a fulfilling & enjoyable life with your memory loss, & I think hearing about that is going to help so many other people who deal with the same thing. :)

This was really helpful 👏 🙂 you are making great videos and are a great soul. ❤

I just found your channel and really enjoy your content! I recently got diagnosed with epilepsy, which affects my memory and since my diagnosis I have just generally been very absent-minded. It mostly affects my short-term memory and I often forget "smaller" things. I've always been absolutely terrified of forgetting things or losing big chunks of my memories. This video really helped me with the fears regarding all of this, even though we don't have the same disorder.