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Recovering schizophrenic

ISNContributor29 Oct 2014, 4:12 pm AEDT

Recovering schizophrenic

Hi. I've had schizophrenia and mania (schizo-affective disorder) since I was 17. I'm 48 now and I've had over 25 psychotic episodes. I am mostly recovered thanks to a great psychiatrist. I want to work as a peer support worker. Does anyone have any tips?

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In response to: Recovering schizophrenic

Alessandra1992Senior Contributor29 Oct 2014, 8:20 pm AEDT

Re: Recovering schizophrenic

In South Australia you can do a Certificate 4 in Peer Support.
In Victoria you can join VMIAC and there is also the Centre of Excellence in Peer Support..
You can look for positions on ethicaljobs or jobseeker.org.au

Hope this helps, also google Sandy Watson. Sandy has written some powerful presentations on peer work, peer workforce and what is the difference between peer work, consumer consulting and other lived experience positions.
There are also organisations such as Neami or MIF that will list jobs on their websites too.

In response to: Recovering schizophrenic

ISNContributor29 Oct 2014, 8:42 pm AEDT

Re: Recovering schizophrenic

Thanks Alessandra. I will look into those. 😄

In response to: Recovering schizophrenic

CherryBombSenior Contributor29 Oct 2014, 9:15 pm AEDT

Re: Recovering schizophrenic

Hi ISN,

That's great that you're wanting to help others. Your personal experiences gives you important insights, understanding and compassion towards MI, which can be pretty powerful skills/knowledge to have working in the field.

@Harry may have some advice on what courses are available, and also ideas on where you might be able to volunteer. I believe he's done a few courses and volunteered in a few places.

What state are you in, ISN? I may be able to point out organisations that run volunteer programs in your area.

In response to: Recovering schizophrenic

ISNContributor29 Oct 2014, 9:24 pm AEDT

Re: Recovering schizophrenic

Thanks Cherry. I've been blessed with very mild schizophrenia and incredible resilience which has enabled me to bounce back with a smile on my face countless times. I have no symptoms right now and feel I have a lot to offer those on the road to recovery.

In response to: Recovering schizophrenic

ISNContributor29 Oct 2014, 9:33 pm AEDT

Re: Recovering schizophrenic

I'm in NSW.

In response to: Re: Recovering schizophrenic

CherryBombSenior Contributor29 Oct 2014, 9:57 pm AEDT

Re: Recovering schizophrenic

That's awesome, ISN!

I'd love to turn to you for advice sometime to learn about strategies to stay well. There may be a few members on the forums who may be able to share and learn from your experiences.

I'm based in VIC so I'm not the greatest with services in NSW. MIFA might have a volunteer program. I believe they have one in VIC but not sure about NSW. They have a helpline that you can call, which could point you in the right direction.

@NikNik any ideas of services in NSW that run volunteer programs?

In response to: Recovering schizophrenic

ISNContributor29 Oct 2014, 10:10 pm AEDT

Re: Recovering schizophrenic

No worries CherryBomb.

I think my main advice to people would be to know yourself and trust yourself. You know best what makes you happy. If 100 people are telling you you can't do something and you feel you can then you can. Don't be scared of authority including sadistic nurses and doctors - fight for your rights. Try to stay positive and fight to be the happiest you can. And try to get some support.

In response to: Re: Recovering schizophrenic

PeppiPattySenior Contributor30 Oct 2014, 1:18 am AEDT