Living with schizoaffective disorder – with Sally Littlefield

Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people

09/15/25

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50m

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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.*

Previous Episode

Identity, horror and artistic expression – with Tas The Artist

September 1, 2025

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48m

Content note: This episode discusses abuse in a religious cult, gender dysphoria, body dysmorphia, and the negative impact of U.S. current events on marginalized people.

Tas The Artist is an autistic, queer, disabled and deaf graphic artist, illustrator, and advocate who blends storytelling with a passion for accessible design. Tas supports fellow members of their community through vocational coaching, developing adaptive curriculum materials and advocating for workplace accessibility. Whether they are creating a surrealist horror piece or working in advocacy, Tas brings a thoughtful, inclusive, and innovative approach to every aspect of their professional life.

During this episode, you will hear Tas talk about:

The unique circumstances of how they discovered that they are autistic
What their childhood was like growing up as an undiagnosed autistic child in a religious cult
How were they able to leave the cult and "deprogram" themselves
How they discovered their passion for art, and how art helps them process their trauma
What drew them specifically into the horror genre for their art
Their experience with progressively losing their hearing in adulthood, and processing their hearing loss through their art
Their work in digital accessibility and design, and how to make art more accessible
The impact of current events on their life

Learn more about Tas and their work at TasTheArtist.com or on LinkedIn.

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!

Next Episode

Deaf and OCD representation in audio drama — with Caroline Mincks of Seen and Not Heard

September 29, 2025

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35m

Caroline Mincks is a writer, director, and voice actor who is best known for their audio drama "Seen and Not Heard," which is about navigating hearing loss as an adult. Seen and Not Heard features disability representation, including deaf, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and autistic characters. Caroline also works as a consultant, assisting other creators in making their shows accessible to as many people as possible.

During this episode, you will hear Caroline talk about:

How their own experience with hearing loss inspired them to create "Seen and Not Heard"
How they use sound design to help listeners better understand what it's like to interact with the world as a deaf person
Using their lived experience with deafness, OCD and autism to write their audio drama's characters
Challenging stereotypes and misconceptions about deafness, OCD and autism
How they cast voice actors for their audio drama
The importance and impact of authentic disability representation in media

Listen to Seen and Not Heard on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts, and follow the show on BlueSky and Tumblr.

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!