Lived Experience Forum

[SamB12]

Hi, 

I want to aske people with schizophrenia about their jobs, current, past or planned.  Currently I am not working and I live with my parents, but I am planning to move out in 2023 and one of my aims for that year is to look around for what jobs I might be able to do. 

I Managed to get a Bachelor of Science while I was in my 20s, but I have never used it to get a job.  More recently I worked in a work shed that was shipping out to ebay.  I enjoyed my relationships with the Boss and the other workers, but I had to stop going in as I was very confused about whether I had schizophrenia or Terrible Anxiety.  That lead me to living at home with my parents while I sorted my head out and got some good medication.  

If you are out there with schizophrenia and you work a job (particularly something in Environmental Science, or something in Digital art) I would like to hear from you.  Please tell me how/if you handle the bad days and break through psychosis, and what your employer was like when you told them that you are schizophrenic.  

[maddison]

Hey @SamB12 

I can't answer your question! I hope another member might be able to give you more specialised info. I wanted to quickly reach out & say thanks again for sharing. Mentioning your past work & future plans is positive & encouraging I think.

I think the questions you pose are great.

My only tip (as someone lacking in knowledge of the things you mention) would be,  that if your potential employer lacks the ability to be open people's differences, they are not worth your time.

Interesting topic,  to disclose or not? I appreciate your insights & hope you can get some better info from other members.

[Patchworks]

Hello @SamB12 

My latest diagnosis is schizoaffective disorder and I have been told I have schizophrenia previously. Anyway, I have held jobs most of my life since I was old enough to work. I get hallucinations, delusions and paranoia, negative symptoms and depressed. Every workplace except 1 government job that I have disclosed "psychological problems" to has let me go. I've experienced unfair dismissal and other times I've left, resigning due to not feeling capable enough after a psychotic episode. 

My most recent hospitalisation I took leave and negotiated a less stressful position for when I went back to work. Unfortunately I went back too soon and I was symptomatic but was able to mask it somewhat by working from home a lot, staying a bit isolated. Since then I have changed antipsychotic medication and it's going much better. I think I got resistant to the old one as I'd been on it over 8 years.

Anyway what I am saying is think carefully about whether or not you disclose your illness. You are only obligated to tell your employer about disability or illness that affects your ability to perform the tasks of the job, as far as I understand. 

Do you have a mental health professional? Talk to them, or your GP, about getting a job and if any accommodations are needed or not. In my recent experience I didn't disclose to my boss but HR were aware I'd had "problems with my mental health" and they helped me set up working arrangements to suit me. I'm in the public sector,  government job, so they're more understanding of diversity. 

I wish you well on your path, it's not easy but it's worth it I reckon as employment can improve confidence and reduce isolation. 

[TuxedoCat]

Heya @SamB12! And thank you @Patchworks for sharing your story and your wise advice ❤️ 

@SamB12, I can't answer your question directly, but I just wanted to share this thread with you Topic Tuesday// Living a Meaningful and Fulfilling Life with Schizophrenia// 

It's a conversation that was had between one of our peer workers and their experience on schizophrenia and recovery, including their experiences of working. I thought you might find it useful ❤️ 

With my own mental health, I've often found it useful to talk about my needs and solutions to those rather than name my diagnosis. These are often called "reasonable accomodations or adjustments". For example, saying I need to have extremely clear directions for tasks and lots of breaks during the day (instead of one longer break). These probably aren't the same as what you might use though You can read more about it here.

Any of this useful?

[Rita12]

Hi,

I don't know whether you will get a chance to read this or not now as your post was in 2022.

When I did my volunteer work, I told the boss I had schizophrenia - unfortunately he told others and I just left it to God. I went in and am Still going in as I have a purpose in life, like you do, no matter what people say and believe or not believe that you have schizophrenia.

On second thoughts, please don't divulge you have this as it does not help as workers try to check you out etc.

I have been through this but luckily I am doing a certificate 4 in Mental Health now - and it talks about stigma and bias and how people unfortunately don't still understand Mental Health.

If you find a job, make sure it is supportive of your condition, hours etc and I am praying for you.

Deep down, I feel why you ask these questions in your post as others may not have believed you and told you instead you suffer anxiety?

I am glad you left and pray you find a place where you can be more private - which I am intending on doing as well.

Rita