Content note: This episode describes my guest's experience with psychosis, delusions, and suicidality / suicide attempts.

Sally Littlefield is a national speaker and mental health advocate dedicated to changing how the world understands schizophrenia. After experiencing a 10-month long psychotic episode that led to a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder, she returned to work in communications and fundraising roles at three mental health nonprofits. This professional experience deepened her insight into trauma, stigma, and systemic barriers faced by people with serious mental illnesses.

Sally's writing has appeared in Slate, STAT News, and Psychology Today, and she has been featured in national media such as the Associated Press and the television network A+E. Now a full-time advocate, she offers talks and trainings focused on stigma reduction, recovery, and mental health crisis de-escalation. Her mission is to promote empathy, dignity, and understanding for people with schizophrenia.

During this episode, you will hear Sally talk about:

• What schizoaffective disorder is, and how it differs from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
• Her experience of hospitalizations, misdiagnosis, and the prolonged psychotic episode where she believed her life was a hyperreality psychological experiment
• How society dehumanizes and dismisses people with schizophrenia spectrum illnesses
• Finally accepting that she has schizoaffective disorder and deciding to become a mental health advocate

Learn more about Sally and her work at SallyLittlefield.com, on LinkedIn and on Instagram @schizophrenicsally.

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.

Read the episode transcript.

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*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*