Receiving a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder can bring mixed emotions. For many, it explains years of confusion and suffering. For others, it can feel frightening or even like a loss.

You might feel:

- Grief for the version of your life you thought you'd have

- Relief at finally having an explanation

- Fear about the stigma and unpredictability of the illness

- Anger about how long it took to get diagnosed

It's important to remember that your diagnosis is not your identity. It's a clinical tool-one that helps guide treatment and support.