Living with Schizophrenia and working

Hey all,

Good luck with job search. I suggest dont rush into it. Take opinion of psych, doctors and counsellors, who will tell you if your ready for it or not. I was clinically diagnosed last year, around February. I was in Byron Bay with my friends, when I suffered psychotic episode. I got help and rest is history.

At the time i was living with my parents, but due to conflict and trauma, I was ordered to move out and live on my own. i couldnt afford to so i lived with friend. Centrelink were instrumental in my recovery. They helped me out. They suspended me from looking for work as i was yet to "stabilise" on my medications.

In America they have job agencies that help people with mental illness, train them, fix up their resumes and find them jobs. I went looking for similar job agencies where I live and found one. They helped me out. They fixed my resume, trained me how to answer well at interviews and stuff. With in 2 and half months, I got the job. At first it was all about survival. It was tough but well worth it.

I dont have liberty to inform my work about my illness. Frankly speaking, if you have the skill to do the job, really whats the point of them knowing other than it jeopardising your job. It pays well, I saved up as much in the last 3 months. So if I get sack tomorrow, I can survive next 6 months with out pay.

Make health your number 1 priority. I have spent most of my life adding value in life of others, trying to make a difference, now its rather ironic I am trying to save mine. Thats life I guess. If you dont look after yourself then you pay dearly for it. One day i hope to become Peer Specialist - an advocate for people with mental illness and that has now become my survivors mission.

I highly recommend, PHAMS - personal help and mentors. Also, I recommend attending, GROW support groups which are held weekly 2 hours on Wednesdays. They dont judge you and are great support.

Hi

Having been in your position i just wanted to say well done. I have only worked partime but can relate. Have two alarms helped me. sometimes i find it easier to get up even earlier and allow time for coffee. I have a very supportive workplace which helps. i am glad i disclosed. Any way what you are doing is worthy of congratulations. Take care

@Griff25

lad it has worked out for you.

The question of whether or not to disclose about mental illness in workplace is huge. Some community attitudes are better but there are risks as well.

@rimemariner29

Just a little thought. Awareness of the passing of time is a big issue for me and I have clocks in every room of the house, except the kitchen cos my son took out the round clock face with its annoying ticking sound cos he was recording.

When rushing to work can you reframe the feeling from being "paranoid" a heavily loaded MI term to something else that resonates with you .. more specific to the effort and work and concern you are extending in trying to be on time ... eg., thinking of Alice in Wonderland's rabbit "I'm late" or whatever.

Hope its working out for you.

I have taken time off from work. Its tough, mental illness has alot of stigma, it causes more problems if you discuss it with your boss who doesnt understand and isnt very helpful. It was never an option hence why i have gone on a break. Once i get that itch to work again, I will start looking..For now its just rest.