Gayle's autoethnography and academic achievements despite having a schizoaffective disorder

Abstract

The focus of this paper is to inspire mature-age students with a mental illness to return to higher education study. Being involved in education can give them an academic purpose, boost self-esteem and contribute to a fulfilling lifestyle. The attainment of a university degree can lead to increased wellness. I intend to outline my story as an example of what can be achieved. The methodology I have utilized in this paper is autoethnography. This approach connects the personal to the culture. It is usually written in the first person where the "subject" is the researcher. Readers are asked to "relive" emotional happenings by referring to intimate narratives and journal entries of the author. A schizoaffective disorder or psychosis is the mental illness I have been diagnosed with which will be highlighted in my research. It includes the concurrent symptomology of schizophrenia and a bipolar disorder. Detrimental life experiences are recognized to accompany this severe psychiatric disability. Therefore, a protective medical plan is necessary to reduce the risk of future total relapses. This regime includes psychotropic medications, psychotherapy, hospitalizations in times of crises and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Of significance here is the importance of my story of educational success.