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Recovery and Expectations of oneself who suffers from MI.....being realistic

Susan43New Contributor18 May 2015, 3:11 pm AEST

Recovery and Expectations of oneself who suffers from MI.....being realistic

I have enjoyed a career in the community services, after becoming unwell and ending up in Psychosocial rehabilitation. From mental health peer work, to disability support, and most recently into studying to be a Financial Counsellor. I worked as a Telephone Financial Counsellor for 3 months, then was let go. Now I really want to study further into the financial sector and do a Diploma in Commerce at the Age of 43. After my experience as a Financial Counsellor, I feel like I have had a knock back, but I don't want to let it stop me. I know I was let go because of my lack of confidence, which has taken me years and years to build up again after developing Schizophrenia at the age of 21. I find it hard believing in myself again, and thus fell down in a recent dream job.(as mentioned). How much can we dream ? I have high expectations of myself, thus keep pushing myself, but generally I stay in a job for 2 years only. sometimes its hard to accept that maybe I will be on the DSP permanently (I have been on it since 2001 )...so how much do we try and reach for goals as opposed to, well, not ?

I would appreciate any thoughts, other people's experiences in the workplace living with Schizophrenia, thoughts on disclosure of MI, thoughts on personal limits and capabilities when diagnosed with a MI.

5 replies

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In response to: Recovery and Expectations of oneself who suffers from MI.....being realistic

Sunlight_SeenCasual Contributor18 May 2015, 6:03 pm AEST

Re: Recovery and Expectations of oneself who suffers from MI.....being realistic

Hi,

I have been employed by the same employer for over 20 years, in this time I have had moments where I didn't want to work or had eposides early in my working career, where I could not think at work. I was on one type of medication which made me very tired and I had no control over my thoughts, the doctor moved me to a new medication which I am taking now, this makes me feel sick, but a operation when I was an baby, I had hernia which has prevented me from being sick. I am working and still hear voices alot but, keeping busy at work helps keep my mind of things. I am fortunate enough to hold on to a job for so long and live mostly a normal life. I have been diagnosed with mild Schizophrenia since 2002. During the first year it was terrible, on and off work, having episodes, which included being stuck in the house for long periods of time. My parents have been supportive and some friends know about my condition. I have not told many people, as having a mental illness in society in my opinion is not really well received. But is slowly getting more recognition. Hope this helps.

In response to: Recovery and Expectations of oneself who suffers from MI.....being realistic

kristinSenior Contributor18 May 2015, 8:42 pm AEST

Re: Recovery and Expectations of oneself who suffers from MI.....being realistic

Dear @Susan43

A warm welcome to the forums (and to you @Sunlight_Seen)! I don't know that i can help much directly, except to say that perhaps you could look at working from a different perspective - what helps you lead a life which is meaningful for you?

Here's a link to one of the (many) discussions about stigma, work & MI. I hope it helps, feel free to use the search funciton and join in the other conversations! @kenny66 also has struggled with discrimination against MI in the workplace - he hasn't been allowed to get his foot in the door.

Be kind to you - even (especially?) when the workplace isn't.

Hope for leading a meaningful life endures...

Kindest regards,

Kristin

In response to: Recovery and Expectations of oneself who suffers from MI.....being realistic

Alessandra1992Senior Contributor18 May 2015, 9:23 pm AEST

Re: Recovery and Expectations of oneself who suffers from MI.....being realistic

There are some great resources available at Our Consumer Place, one example being Mad Consumer Guide to the Workplace..
It is available online, there is also one for people working with lived experience workers, can't recall the exact title but it might be Mad Guide to the Workplace, a guide for organisations..
The other part of the equation is many people work with mental health challenges. Some supports in the workplace can be invaluable such as creating an Advance Statement for the Workplace..VMIAC www.vmiac.org.au is running a consumer workforce education day on this topic in June.
However, unless you are employed in a declared lived experience role, the decision to disclose is very personal and often depends on the culture of the organisation or industry that you work in. Here's to more organisations proving open and transparent workplace policy around supporting mental health in its workforce through negotiated workloads, start times and 48/52 arrangements..and providing a safe and supportive environment in which you feel your career or work will not be impacted negatively by disclosure to your manager or hr person..

In response to: Recovery and Expectations of oneself who suffers from MI.....being realistic

Susan43New Contributor18 May 2015, 9:31 pm AEST

Re: Recovery and Expectations of oneself who suffers from MI.....being realistic

Thank you guys for your replys...I tend to be a bit of a thinker so these forums are great !! I also have a passion for mental health. 🙂

In response to: Re: Recovery and Expectations of oneself who suffers from MI.....being realistic

NikNikSenior Contributor19 May 2015, 2:53 pm AEST

Re: Recovery and Expectations of oneself who suffers from MI.....being realistic

Hi @Susan43

Welcome to the Forums 🙂

I'm not sure if it's a coincidence, but this week is Schizophrenia Awareness Week, so the timing of your post is excellent.

@Sunlight_Seen , @kristin & @Alessandra1992 all offered great advice, support and insight.

I just wanted to let you know about another discussion happening here where others have shared their experience with schizophrenia. I also strongly recommend reading this very inspiring story of Jackie Lane , who was a CEO before her diagnosis, and talks about how she rebuilt her life, including her career.

Her story has inspired this week's Topic Tuesday (7pm - 9 pm AEST tonight, Tues 19 May), where we are inviting members to share their experiences (good & bad) 'rebuilding' after a diagnosis. I really hope you can join us for that.

Again, welcome to the Forums! You're amongst friends here 🙂

Nik

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