FORUMS

Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.

  • 47,612Members
  • 1,358,869Posts
  • 1,400,000Visitors
Something’s not right

Not many role models

ElynCasual Contributor

Not many role models

I'm not quite sure why I'm posting here but thought it might be good to vent a bit if nothing else.

I don't really know anyone personally who also has schizophrenia, and I don't have many role models or know of many stories of people who have this illness and have still been successful. Growing up I'd been told I was smart and that was the best thing about me, now I'm not quite sure I'll ever be able to hold down a full time job. I mean I'm studying full time so hopefully I'll be able to eventually, I think I just wanted to know if there are other people in a similar position or if there are people who have this illness but are able to work in a professional field and be financially independent? Keen to hear if that's possible and if others have done this before.

27 replies

21 - 27 of 27
123

In response to: Not many role models

Triumph750Contributor

Re: ÌRe: Not many role models

Ok. If I'm not welcome. Please delete my profile. Thank you.

In response to: Re: ÌRe: Not many role models

FloatingFeatherSenior Contributor

Re: ÌRe: Not many role models

Hi @Triumph750,

My name is FloatingFeather and I am one of the peer support workers at SANE. I just saw your message and I apologise for how the message response reads. I know @tyme and they are really very kind and inclusive. I can assure you that this would have been a typo and nothing more. Please accept our apologies. I have no doubt the message meant to say you are part of the family.

I hope you are okay and if you have any questions / comments please let us know.

Warm regards,

FloatingFeather

In response to: Re: ÌRe: Not many role models

Shaz51Senior Contributor

Re: ÌRe: Not many role models

hello @Triumph750 , how are you going today after our chat last night

I agree with @FloatingFeather ,

about @tyme

In response to: Re: ÌRe: Not many role models

hanamiSenior Contributor

Re: ÌRe: Not many role models

@Triumph750 you are more than welcome here!

I hope you stick around. There are so many inclusive and supportive people here including @tyme .

Hanami

In response to: Not many role models

Unknown userMember

Re: Not many role models

I also was given that diagnosis in my early 30s. I've still managed to hold down work as a teacher. I'm not teaching at the moment. I had a break down from stress about a year ago. I'm in my early 50s now and this is the first time I've needed to stop work. Instead of work I have started a PhD.

It can be done. You need to find work that is the right fit for you. Something that is not too stressful or triggering. Think very carefully about whether you will disclose your illness at work. I did once twenty years ago and I was bullied. As a result I never have disclosed again. Only disclose if you need extra support. Otherwise it is none of their business.

So, I've had relationships, I've held down jobs, and now I'm studying. It can be done. Thinking of you. x

In response to: Re: Not many role models

ElynCasual Contributor

Re: Not many role models

@Former-Member and @TenLetters thanks for your replies. Good to hear that many people whether well known or personal stories have managed to live well even after a diagnosis such as this one.

That's upsetting that disclosing such an illness can have negative consequences, I reckon it can be difficult dealing with stigma, I'm sure it still exists. Glad to hear everyone's stories of resilience and hope though, it really seems to me that a good life is possible even with this illness.

Edit: also wanted to add that from first hand experience, it can be very difficult at times. I hope everyone here is doing okay 🙂

In response to: Re: ÌRe: Not many role models

Triumph750Contributor

Re: ÌRe: Not many role models

Thank you.
I understand.
21 - 27 of 27
123

SANE Forums is published by SANE with funding from the Australian Government Department of Health.

SANE Forums does not provide crisis support.
If you need immediate assistance, please see available crisis services.

Learn more about SANE and SANE services at sane.org

Back to top
SANE logo
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care NSQDMH Accreditation logo

Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.

Donate Now
Aboriginal flag
Torres Strait Islander flag
LGBT flag
Transgender flag

SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.

SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

Back to top
SANE logo
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care NSQDMH Accreditation logo

Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.

Donate Now
Aboriginal flag
Torres Strait Islander flag
LGBT flag
Transgender flag

SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.

SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

SANE is a public company limited by guarantee and registered tax-exempt charity with DGR (Deductible Gift Recipient) status.

Charity ABN 92 006 533 606. Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. SANE, PO Box 1226, Carlton VIC 3053.