Schizoaffective Disorder and Toastmasters

Dawn just sent the following question:

Hi Julie,
I have decided that I will embark on a speaking career about my journey with schizoaffective disorder. Can you give me any suggestions on how to get started?
Thanks,
Dawn

 Hi Dawn,

Absolutely! I started with Toastmasters and was in a club for two years. That is definitely where I would start. I also found it opened a new world of friendship when I was unable to work. I loved it. There are many clubs all over the world- it’s essential to pick a club that fits with your schedule and style. Here are some tips:

1. Find an established club.

2. Check to see how long current members have been there- this is often an indication of a strong club.

3. Ask how many members participate in the contests- not everyone has to do this- but speaking contests are a great way to know if your club is successful.

4. Ask about consistent attendance- this is a great measure of a club as well. If you go to www.toastmasters.org, you can type in a zip code and find a club near you.

Toastmasters changed my life in so many ways. I learned to speak publically of course, but it also helped me lead meetings, mead deadlines and definitely gave me a reason to stay on time and make it to every meeting, even when I was very depressed.

 I am so glad you are going to talk about schizoaffective disorder. I work with many families in my coaching where they have a family member with schizoaffective. I will write a blog on the topic to give people more information.

 Julie

PS:  A quick definition of schizo affective disorder: People with schizoaffective disorder have bipolar disorder along with psychotic symptoms that are separate from the mania and depression. It’s a combination of both illnesses, but is far more on the bipolar side than the schizophrenia side. If you type schizoaffective disorder in the search box on the top right of the page you can find more entries. Thanks to Dawn for the question.

A note from Dawn:

Hi Julie,
Thank you so much for your suggestions and encouragement! I really appreciate them.
Thanks again,
Dawn

Hi Dawn,

I have found that all of the people I know with bipolar disorder and schizoaffective disorder feel better when they are around like minded people with good intentions. This may be hard on anxiety, depression and irritation, but if a person is able to at least go to an event and check it out- it can help the illness get better quickly.

The first book I ever wrote was Bipolar Happens! (It’s on www.BipolarHappens.com) I talk a lot about my journey from staying at home with depression, panic attacks and general pain and negativity to a social life with many friends. It has not been easy and it’s always a struggle, but at least I got out and did things like Toastmasters! Please keep me posted. I can tell that good things are ahead and that you will change the way we think of schizoaffective disorder. The people at Toastmasters will learn a lot!

Julie

Julie