Author: Nova October
E14 – Why Validation Matters
Emotional validation is all about recognizing, understanding and expressing acceptance of another person’s feelings. By doing this, you’re creating space for that person to experience these emotions and process things without fear of judgement or rejection. You make them feel like their feelings matter. Validation is a fundamental human need, yet it’s often misunderstood or dismissed… Read more
E13 – Understanding Psychosis, Religious Delusions and How I am Healing
Living with long-term psychosis can be an intense and isolating experience, especially when symptoms like religious delusions and paranoia take center stage. For individuals who experience these symptoms, reality may feel blurred and overwhelming, with thoughts and perceptions that seem profoundly real, yet difficult to share with others. Religious delusions—beliefs that one has a divine… Read more
E12 – Open Doors
Hello! Welcome to my blog. I wanted to share with you my story. My name is Nova October and I am a single mother living with: ADHD, Depression/Anxiety and Schizoaffective Bipolar Disorder, Type 1. I am 38 years old and I have been living with and treated for mental illness since I was 8 years… Read more
E11 – Childhood Trauma and “People-Pleasers” in Adulthood
Many of us have experienced times when we’ve gone out of our way to make others happy—agreeing to things we didn’t really want, or putting aside our own needs to keep the peace. But what if this people-pleasing habit goes deeper than we realize? For many adults, the drive to please others is more than… Read more
E10 – Understanding Schizoaffective Disorder vs. Schizophrenia: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to mental health, there’s a lot of terminology that can get confusing. Two terms that often pop up in discussions are “schizoaffective disorder” and “schizophrenia.” While they may sound similar and share some overlapping features, they are distinct conditions that require different approaches to treatment. Let’s break it down in an upbeat… Read more
E9 – Understanding the Spectrum: Bipolar Disorder, Mania, and Schizoaffective Disorder
Hello, amazing readers! 🌟 Today, we’re diving into an important topic in mental health: bipolar disorder, particularly mania, and how it compares to schizoaffective disorder. Both can be complex and often misunderstood, but by breaking them down, we can foster greater awareness and compassion. So, let’s get started! What is Bipolar Disorder? Bipolar disorder is… Read more
E8 – Exploring the Mind: Understanding Psychosis and Mania
Hello, wonderful readers! 🌼 Today, we’re taking an exciting journey into the realms of psychosis and mania. These terms often come with a cloud of misunderstanding, but we’re here to shed some light on what they really mean, how they manifest, and why understanding them is so important. So, let’s dive in! What is Psychosis?… Read more
E7 – Understanding the Mind: Anxiety, Paranoia, and Delusional Thinking
Hey there, lovely readers! 🌟 Today, we’re diving into a topic that affects many of us at some point in our lives: the differences between anxiety, paranoia, and delusional thinking. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they each represent distinct experiences. So, let’s break it down in an upbeat and approachable way! What is… Read more
E6 – Understanding Schizoaffective Disorder: Statistics, Suicide Rates, and the Experience of Living with the Condition
Schizoaffective disorder is a complex mental health condition that combines symptoms of schizophrenia—such as delusions and hallucinations—with mood disorder symptoms, like depression or mania. This dual nature can make it challenging to diagnose and treat. In this blog, we will explore some statistics regarding schizoaffective disorder, examine suicide rates associated with the condition, discuss the… Read more
E5 – Understanding Schizoaffective Bipolar Disorder: Diagnosis and Treatment
Schizoaffective bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition that combines elements of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Characterized by mood disturbances and psychotic symptoms, it poses unique challenges for those affected. In this blog, we will explore the diagnosis of schizoaffective bipolar disorder, its symptoms, and the available treatment options. What is Schizoaffective Bipolar Disorder?… Read more