Living with schizoaffective disorder – with Sally Littlefield

Living with schizoaffective disorder – with Sally Littlefield

Author: Carolyn Kiel September 15, 2025 Duration: 50:18

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.

Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player.

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes.

Support or sponsor this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds!

*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.*


Hosted by Carolyn Kiel, Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people moves past the snap judgments that so often define how neurodivergent people are perceived. Each conversation here is an invitation to listen deeply, exploring the nuanced realities of entrepreneurs, artists, advocates, and other neurodivergent individuals as they share their own experiences in their own words. You’ll hear personal accounts that challenge stereotypes, not through abstract arguments, but through the vivid details of lived experience-the unique pathways to creativity, the challenges navigated in work and relationships, and the personal definitions of success and well-being. This podcast creates a space where identity is explored with authenticity, highlighting the strengths and perspectives that arise from thinking differently. Tuning in means connecting with stories that are as diverse and dynamic as the neurodivergent community itself, offering genuine insight into mental health, societal norms, and the richness of human cognition. Carolyn guides these discussions with a focus on depth and connection, ensuring every episode goes far beneath the surface to celebrate the vibrance of neurodiversity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
Podcast Episodes
Autistic-led autism research - with Dr. Kana Grace [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:17
Dr. Kana Grace is a research psychologist, advocate, Specialist Mentor, and educator, specializing in the mental and physical health of neurodivergent people. Currently, Kana is an Honorary Research Fellow at the Centre…
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) - with Patti Kasper [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:26
CW: Mentions of suicide and experiences with the criminal justice system as it relates to FASD. Patti Kasper is a Neurobehavioral Coach and Trainer who provides staff development training and coaching services to support…
Working in the creative industry with Tourette's – with Ian Otto [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:53
Ian Otto is a Senior Producer with experience in animation, motion design, immersive, visual effects (VFX) and post production. After working in Berlin for many years, Ian now lives in Copenhagen, Denmark, where he is Se…
South Asian Mental Health Stories – with Mrinal Gokhale [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:51
Mrinal Gokhale is an author, speaker and creative consultant based in Wisconsin. She has collaborated with organizations and media outlets such as Brown Girl Magazine, ADDitude Magazine, Medical College of Wisconsin, and…
Dissociative Identity Disorder – with Crystals Multifaceted [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:21
CW: Mentions of suicidality Crystals Multifaceted is the founder of Multifaceted Journeys, where they use their lived experience of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) / plurality and healing with complex trauma and dis…
Autistic and Black – with Kala Allen Omeiza [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:33
Kala Allen Omeiza is a prolific author at the intersection of race, culture, and autism. Her latest book, "Autistic and Black: Our Experiences of Growth, Progress, and Empowerment," has received widespread acclaim for it…
Working in tech as a Black autistic woman – with Martina Kuzenski [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:00
Martina Kuzenski is a late-diagnosed autistic woman who received her autism diagnosis at age 28 near the end of her Master's degree program. She is an IT Specialist for the U.S. federal government. She shares her experie…
Hiring people with Down syndrome - with Joshua Hoskins [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:03
Joshua Hoskins is a 25 year old man with Down syndrome who lives in Tamworth, England with his parents. He loves his family and friends, and his hobbies are horse riding, boxing, musicals, supporting Newcastle United Foo…