Sara Paulsen

Follow Next to Me: Hope for Schizoaffective Disorder Sara Paulsen

Publisher Marketing: Follow Next to Me: Hope for Schizoaffective Disorder is a memoir that provides a hand to those separate from reality. At 19, I was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. This is not a self-help book. It is an honest story about the events and turning points in my life. I believe this book will be an eye opener for the entire community. Also involved are lesbian issues, suicide, self-mutilation, and the tale of my imaginary friend Follow. I take a close look at the current mental health stigma. Social stigma is characterized by prejudicial attitudes and discriminating behavior directed toward individuals with mental health problems as a result of the psychiatric label they have been given. In contrast, perceived stigma or self-stigma is the internalizing by the mental health sufferer of their perceptions of discrimination and perceived stigma can significantly affect feelings of shame and lead to poorer treatments outcomes. I have a B. A. in psychology, as well as, studio art with a minor in gay and lesbian issues from Whitman College. Also, I have a M. S. in health information management from The College of St. Scholastica. This extensive education allows me to be as accurate with the facts as I am with my emotions. I hope to awaken readers to a world both familiar and bizarre. This is a story about strength and internal belief.