Holding Down A Job With Schizophrenia
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- Опубликовано: 6 фев 2022
- Living with schizoaffective disorder has made it more difficult for me to hold down a steady job. In this video, I discuss some reasons for why this is, and some of the barriers people living with chronic mental illness may face to remaining employed. I also provide some ways for employers to try to address and reduce these barriers and to meaningfully support the mental health of their employees.
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Great video, really informative. I have Avoidant Personality Disorder. Watching in the UK.
I’m 58 schizoaffective snd have been cleaning OR’s part time at night for almost 3 years ( I’m very proud- thanks to finally getting meds adjusted to a good place). I’ve always been envious of people who have been at jobs for years. I had dozens. But cleaning by myself has worked well. Low pay but accomplishment feels good. Still embarrassed because I’ve had jobs where I was in charge of multimillion dollar budgets and here I am. But happiness for how far I’ve come. And proud of all of you folks speaking up. Literally decades I thought it was just me. Thank you.
The value of your work isn't just money. Sounds like you find plenty of value in cleaning. Good for you for finding what works 🌟
I'm so proud of your journey!! Keep on doing the great work. You deserve the happiness and love.
I work in healthcare and this is a critical job.. (Severe mental illness too) Thank you. I am an EMT. Low pay for sure. When I clean my ambulance, I always think, would I be comfortable with my loved one in this truck? I try to do a good job.. The bet I can. I love being an EMT. It saved me. Night shift here too :) We are different lol
I’m 37 and I just had to resign from my job today. I am looking for work that is less stressful. I have sz.
Cleaning operating rooms IS an important job. I did that when I was 16 and couldn’t believe they’d trust a teenager to maintain a clean environment. Cleaners deserve more pay. It’s a very needed part of our society! Also, I actually liked cleaning the OR. To see it all perfect when I was done felt great. I knew the patient who’d be next had a clean and safe environment in part because of me!
I am 44 years old with Bipolar type 1, and I have filled out over 60 W2's in my life. For those not in the US, that's a form you fill out to let the IRS know you work at a place so they can tax you. You sharing this is very helpful. I now work for a Psychiatric hospital, and am going to school to become a mental health therapist.
Thanks for your sacrifices and hard work to help other people in need!
That's awesome, I hope it works out for you. I've also had like 100 jobs or so in my lifetime (I'm 45), so I understand. The job market is kinda ugly, but we just have to keep pressing onward.
I am so happy to read what u have written...I am ur age and I am persuing MSW so that I get a meaningful employment 👍
Wish you good luck and fortune with your goals. You're gonna be awesome
❤️❤️❤️
Been there done that, got the t-shirt.
My last employer found out about my Schizophrenia and I was asked to resign.
Since we’re adding info, 40, schizoaffective, I’ve given up completely on working. Keeping myself out of the hell that is a mental hospital by taking care of my home and cats and sanity is the best I can do. I do more where I can, free. I just hope y’all understand, I’m not a hermit cause I don’t like you…
I am 54, with a household of feline rescues. I consider myself pretty much a misanthrope with some exceptions. I enjoy my solitude and my pretty kitties. I just got released recently from hospital for medication non-compliance. i enjoy welding and fabricating and holding a job, but find it too hard to get along with other workers.
I'm so happy for you!!
I hear you. Feel the same way. Have been wanting to go to school forever! I'm afraid it's probably not going to happen. I'm a schizophrenic and I have to take meds and something always comes up, but I do agree with you, you have to make sure you're okay first.
I have been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, Auditory Processing Disorder, Anxiety, Depression and honestly I would love to never work again. Not only has work contributed to my mental illness but so has my living environment.
@@Weld24_CosmicKat Aw I'm 38 and am the same a total misanthrope. haha. I get ya.
GIRL SAME. I have CPTSD and bipolar 2. Jobs and working have always made up the most stressful area of my life.
To be fair, they always did, but hunting and gathering are things we excel at. It’s only when you’re forced into a structure that doesn’t fit that we are unable to live. Unfortunately those vital skills are all but gone/useless currently. Some of the top geniuses have mental disorders, it’s the mundane left suffering in their own bed…
Same here. And the anxiety of not being able to perform well any more makes my stress level go through the roof and my mental health deteriorates until I „have to“ quit. It‘s loosely a 1-2 year cycle until breakdown and resignation…
@lindsay I would agree except for the 10 years I worked full time as a dental laboratory technician making dental appliances. I was also raising 3 special needs children alone and was undiagnosed and untreated for mental illness. As long as I had sympathetic supervisors I found my hours at the job to be the most relaxing time of my day.
I struggle with this too. I have Schizoaffective and CPTSD and it can be severely difficult to consistently show up and give it your all everyday. It’s so hard
I’m schizoaffective and I’ve been job hopping since 2015. Good to know I’m not the only one.
I only have bipolar type 1, but I too struggle with job hopping. I've been trying to work on a single place for a long period of time since when I was 15. So I'm 7 years trying and got over 12 different jobs in those years cuz I just can't hold tight enough after a few months.
I am also schizoaffective.Tell me about your Concentration and cognitive abilities...I m having cognitive deficit...Are u going thru same things...
Thank you. It’s not that I don’t want to work, it’s that it’s impossible given the parameters set by any reasonable employer. Read an article once that stated 85% of schizophrenics want to work but are unable.
I'm so glad that I found this channel! I was diagnosed with Schizoaffective Disorder in 2017 and I have had difficulty finding and holding onto a job. I'm glad I'm not the only one 😌
I learned to NEVER reveal my diagnosis to anyone at work, except for very special circumstances. Every time I've confided my diagnosis to my employer, I ended up not having that job much longer.
I have bipolar disorder, I can't stress how dreadful it is to have to try to keep a job for long periods of time. The 5 to 6 months is my limit. I start to lose my mind over staying in one place, having to go there everyday and it sucks. Ppl be judging me like not professional or competent, not a good employee and things like that cuz in there eyes, if you can't hold a job down for at least 2 years, you must not be good enough or have "something wrong".
Even my family say shit like that. I just cannot, it kills me and my suicidal ideation go through the roof when I'm getting close to the 6 months mark of being in a job
I actually have the opposite problem. I have a job that I have been at for years because I decided for my mental health I was going to do what is best for me and not take on more than I could handle because of pressure from society. The downside is I have felt looked down upon quite a lot by family and people my age because I haven't "moved up". I am not a real high functioning person and that is just reality so instead of going through job after job I stayed where I felt I belonged and it has allowed me to stay employed regularly when I know I wouldn't have been at other jobs. The downside is of course the condescension I get from people on a regular basis but as I get older I get better at ignoring that. Thanks for this video I needed it today!
I know how you feel. But the smart people know that everyone has different priorities, so even though you're a bright, capable person, it's important to you to be mentally healthy. And then some people prioritize a certain cause over money. They might make very little working for a non-profit that saves animals' lives, but that means more to them than earning more money and doing a less meaningful job.
Our society is sick and deeply conditioned to always maintain or project a "success" or "moving up" mentality, especially in the job world. I'm glad to have read your comment, to know you're content, and I wish you the best.
It used to just be upperclass people who were condescending snobs with limited introspection/insight abilities, now it seems like it’s most middle income people too. The dirty work takes skill too and is usually more important.
I have hopped through three jobs in the past two years.
It’s always been because of my disability I keep being fired or demoted for being slow.
I know what you mean I have a leaning disability.
I have had a similar problem. There are just too many people who can replace a person who becomes too much trouble for an employer. I am so happy you have found your perfect spot. We have all benefitted from your work here.
This is why obtaining a diagnosis and eligibility for disability is so important
I agree 100 percent. I was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder 2 decades ago and tried holding down a job, but couldn't. I have been on ssdi since then.
Yes. My psychiatrists were particularly difficult to get a clear diagnosis with. I basically had to figure out on my own that my nightly panic atacks were caused by migraine light sensitivity and not "atypical psychosis" as they labeled me.
@@DeadJack57 Please explain. We're the attacks before bed or during the night? What light source was causing the panic? My partner has extreme anxiety near every evening but we assume it is because he dreads going to work the next day.
The attacks were at sunset. They didn't seem to be caused by anything other than change in light quality. Though, they did include flashbacks to traumatic events in childhood.
Being on disability is not a goal I want. I don’t want to sit home and do nothing and collect a small check.
I have bipolar and I am a job hopper… sometimes I can’t even explain why I left a job I just did. It sucks that they ask you about this on job applications too.
I think the work place itself causes mental illness. I have felt my place of work at times has made me feel I'm losing my mind. You putting yourself out there with these videos I think is inspiring for those of us with mental health issues to take positive action. It seems making these videos is a type of therapy for you. Which is very cool. I wish you and yours the best of health.
Yes!!!
I saw a blow out when I was roughnecking and I became a paranoid schizophrenic afterwards so I agree but now that I am medicated I find work soothes me like it did once before so in that way I don’t agree
I agree which is one of the reasons why I stay in doors. I'll stay inside forever if I could but I have to work to pay this high rent it sucks.
I'm 41, a serial job hopper and ex artist. Now I've disappeared into moving to my childhood hometown to help my parents.... I'm being completely drained. I want it all to be over
I’m a chronic job-hopper too! I don’t have schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder but I do have bipolar disorder and ADHD. Employment often takes such a toll on my mental health that I have no choice but to leave my jobs. With every one, I end up hitting a wall and I simply cannot keep going. Many of these jobs have ended with me quitting suddenly without giving notice, because after I get to this point I literally cannot go to work for another day (let alone two weeks).
I always thought there was something wrong with me, but I’ve come to understand that it’s not me that’s broken, it’s the system that doesn’t accommodate brains like mine. I burn out fast because it’s ten times more work for me to get through a work day than it is for a neurotypical person. I’m doing my best now to get by on part-time employment and even though money’s tight it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made for myself.
Puppies may not be good for schizophrenia mental health but I am autistic and severely depressed and puppy play is an absolute saviour when it comes to my mental health. I’m also chronically I’ll and therapy dogs visiting me in the hospital is one thing I look forward to.
You just won't let yourself be enslaved.
You've been very consistent about making these helpful videos. You clearly can hold down a job.
I'm also a schizophrenic and I think you're unable to notice you're only seeing her do her best at her best when this job is convenient for her. Don't judge a novel by its cover. You're witnessing just the tip of the iceberg.
Unbelievable.... what did you expect? Her to to be licking windows or some shit??
This is the stigma im talking about. I have her illness and prob carry myself the same way some days, but then its ugly head rears and im not able to function.
Just because someone looks fine on the surface doesn't mean they aren't unwell.
@@lostlittleme2959 Watch your mouth. Being insane is no excuse to be rude.
@@stevelevi8327 Wouldn't those be qualities that someone could put to good use as an owner of an independent business, perhaps in partnership with others? Maybe as part of a Co-op?
@@DoreenBellDotan Get off this page if you're going to be condescending .What you said was rude so i aptly responded with the same degradation as you!
Thank you for posting this. I felt alone. I struggled with maintaining a job and with remaining in university. I dropped out of university because of my Schizophrenia and it made jobs difficult.
You are not alone. I also have t
The best part is when people gossip about you at work because of how odd you are
And yet they have no clue you have schizophrenia
The hardest thing for me is how impatient people become when I'm symptomatic. When I get confused easily, my thoughts and behaviors become disjointed, and my memory is fragmented, I want to die because of the way my coworkers and superiors react. I tested out at a college master's level in English when I was 15, yet I can barely get through one chapter of a book when my symptoms flare up, which happens more when I'm distressed. One of the worst examples of workplace symptoms is when I'm trying to communicate, but my disordered speech, flight of thoughts and embarrassment all clash. A few weeks of that and my employers typically look for excuses to fire me. But who's going to believe a schizophrenic? Things they don't tell you when you get diagnosed; People are a lot crueler when they think no one will believe you, then everyone will expect you to accept the "consequences" of your actions during a period when you were medically incapable of even forming or maintaining a coherent line of thought. Oh, but if I were an elder with Alzheimer's instead of a 26-year-old with schizophrenia, at least I'd get more help and be put out of my misery in roughly a decade. But as it is now, I feel trapped by life itself.
50 yr old male with Borderline Personality Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I relate to this video soooo much. The mental health stigma is real. The instability is real.
I found this video informative. I have jumped around with jobs , living arrangements all my life. I would do well for a while, then crash and burn and walk away from everything.
Asking for accommodations is a nightmare. They shine a flashlight on your limitations and manufacture problems to justify that you are not performing or being productive.
Bipolar I here. I just turned 30 and have been fired from every job I’ve had. That’s been horrible especially working my way out of the housing projects I grew up in and overcoming all kinds of other barriers and traumas...I was so excited for my life as a teen/early 20s because I’d proven to myself that nothing can hold me back from the life I want...and then my first manic episode and hospitalization and addiction and....well now I have a stable job with FMLA for the bipolar and I’m getting married and on medication and everything is still so effing hard. I’m in pain and mental anguish every day. All of my providers keep telling me that this version of me is sooo much better than where I was. But I’m still hurting. I want to live a good life, but this society almost makes it easier for you to just “be crazy”. That’s my rant. Sorry.
Lauren you should definitely not feel any shame around this. I've been dealing with mental health issues for my entire adult life and the only reason I am financially stable right now is because my wonderful husband was able to create a family business for us. I was never able to keep a job longer than a year or two when working at regular jobs. Stigma is real, coming out of hospitalization and dealing with symptoms are all a huge problem!
Thank you for this very important topic. I too was a serial job hopper and could not complete my Bachelors Degree because of the stress involved.. I always felt alone in this, it’s nice to know others go through the same reality.
Im 30 years old, I got diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder 9 years ago. Since then I've had around 20 jobs. My last job I struggled really hard to keep up with it and had to be hospitalized. I got out two months ago and now going back to school for social work. I was doing pretty well with my classes but now I feel like I may not be able to keep this going. I think I might be headed towards psychosis. Its so depressing and frustrating because I feel like I can never stick to things like a regular functioning person.
I recently lost my job due to a manic depressive episode. It was awful, and its been a month and im ashamed because i couldnt see how far gone i was until after i was able to sit for a week after i was fired... my new boss had been awful and reminded me of an abuser i had, it made everything worse... i am so so ashamed. Im now looking for health insurance and i broke down today.
I am 55, Bipolar I and DID and I too have had many, many jobs.....41 jobs since 1984.
My biggest issue is those few SOBs at work who find out somehow or maybe they can tell somehow that one has a serious, chronic mental condition and then... play games, put roadblocks and try to get you fired.
I can't be the only one who has exp. this at work.
Same. Well said!
I hate that I am so jealous that someone with a chronic mental Illness can have a partner and family...it just seems so foreign that someone could actually love someone like me. I’m sorry
You are enough. You are capable and deserved to be loved and respected the way you are.
I have schizo affective disorder.I worked on job for 15 years and my current one for 7. I have been symptom free for 14 years now. Except for depression. I never met anyone that was a high functioning schizo affective. Thank you for your videos.
I am 50 with schizophrenia and have worked odd jobs like cleaning, coffee cart and industrial factory work. Menial jobs but they gave me a bit of income and experience on a resume. I am now interested in wellness and fitness programs at a community college to hopefully apply to sometime. thank you so much for sharing your life struggles with mental illness and the stigmas surrounding it.
I don’t even have schizophrenia but I have severe anxiety and depression coupled with alcoholism. Fuck. This made me feel a lot better. I’ve had 18 plus jobs at the age of 28 and I resent myself for it. Everyone thinks I’m a loser and it turns into me hating myself for not being able to keep up with everyone else.
Don't beat yourself up.
Four years ago I retired from a 30 year career in accounting. (Called highly functional bipolar). I was looking forward to a new career in retail sales. My first job lasted six months, my second job for three months, and my final job for two months. I had just started a six-week TMS treatment program. I went to work one day right after a treatment. It took me twenty minutes to ring up a two blouse sale. I broke down into tears and clocked out and went home. I turned in my notice the next day. I still struggle with how I went from a 30 year career to a failed sales associate. Luckily I have a wonderful family and grandchildren.
You are amazing and so true❤
Thank you for helping to understand my son who has schizoaffective disorder ...
I have been a serial job hopper and am now on disability. I've been anticipating returning to the job community. Hopefully it will go better.
I dropped out of high school at 14 and I have had more jobs than my 58 years, I totally get it. Yet when I have liked a job, or even loved I have been able to hold for a while, I think my record was 3 years, but I had a ton of sick days, but a forgiving boss due to my excellent job skills LOL. A ton of 1 day stints, the shortest quite a lot, usually lunch time, and just never went back. I am now on disability, but I wish that I had dealt with my issues when it all started, instead of going through life self medicating and just failing at so many things because of it. Thanks for being brave and speaking out on your good days through these videos, especially at a time when the world is in chaos and those with these kind of issues is under that extra stress which amplifies the issues that exist.
T H A N K Y O U. Thank you. Most jobs are just so stressful. If not the job in and of itself, then the bullying behaviour or toxic environment or inhumane expectations that surround you. Then if/when you're "unwell" you get overlooked, belittled, watched, monitored, criticised and stigmatised which only makes the former worse.
Very well said.
It is sad that people that don't have a mental disability don't get it at all and just make things really hard for you.
I've had a manager basically call me "crazy" to my face, in front of people. Unfortunately, there's nothing HR will do
I’m 38 and have had 10 jobs in the 13 years of my professional career. I have anxiety and depression but I think the main reason many of my jobs have been so short lived is because they are brutally awful and relentless. I work in the mental health and healthcare field with a master’s degree and counseling license. The way professionals are treated and expected to “suck it up” when dealing with constant short staffing, secondary trauma from holding space for clients, and being worked longer and longer on-call hours with no respite…it’s unacceptable.
I finally am in a position as a part time hospital discharge planner where the environment is mostly good and once I walk out at 4pm I’m done for the day. But the pressure is still high for the 8 hours I’m there.
I’ve just realized that most work for other people is going to be difficult in some way so this is the best I’ve seen and there’s no point in looking elsewhere.
This video hit the nail on the head. Every employer should be required to watch this. Thanks Lauren, from a fellow serial job hopper.
I am a 27 year old schizophrenic patient who is trying to hold down an Accounting career. Thank you for sharing that job hopping is a normal situation when one is living with a mental illness. I am grateful that you mentioned flexibility as this is current benefit I am enjoying from my current employment with a boutique accountancy firm in my locality here. I do concur that there are days I am symptomatic and unable to give my best efforts at work. My employer also knows about my condition and tries not to press me too hard, however stigma is always there as people tend to label me as crazy and unable to be a performer.
I am grateful to you. I am grateful to Rob. You are changing lives.
I know exactly what you're going through. Ive worked multiple jobs and left due to my mental health.
Hi from Malaysia. Im also a Schizoprenia since i was 20 years old and today im 30 years old. Im glad i found this video. Because im also planning to resign and do other job. Im glad im not the only 1. Thank you for making this video. Sending u love from Malaysia. ❤
The only job I had that was OK with all of this was when I worked in a call center with a bunch of therapist caseworkers. They were all so compassionate! The CEO was a psychiatrist with an MBA. It was awesome.
I know you don't know me but not my name is Shawn Mason and I deal with bipolar one disorder with major depressive disorder and major anxiety disorder thank you for your RUclips channel you give me a lot of comfort and knowing that I'm not the only one because I live in Arkansas and this is a state that really doesn't understand mental illness in my family doesn't understand mental illness and I feel so alone in the world thank you for giving me comfort and knowing that I can watch you and know that I'm not the only one we're not bad people but I can't convince my family of that but at least I can listen to your videos and know that I'm not a bad person
You're not alone Shawn
@@adhdandme2023 Thank you Flowj
You sound sweet
I have schizoaffective disorder with major depression and I also live in Arkansas and I feel just the same.
I could not hold down a job before I had medication, and the medication really helps. It doesn't always work, and it's always very uncomfortable for me if I have an episode at work. I have filled out my Equal Employment Opportunity form as disabled for every job I've had since diagnosis, but no employer has ever reached out to ask me about providing accommodations. At my current employer, I have openly spoken with my boss and coworkers about my disorder. I've had to take time off unexpectedly only once when I had an episode, so I feel fortunate for how often that has occurred. Especially if people are already comfortable with you or have come to appreciate you, I feel like speaking openly about mental illness helps to reduce stigma. I am also fortunate to have employer provided health insurance that makes my medications cost $0 even though I'm on 4 and am living in the US.
Thank you Lauren for doing these.
This is meaningful to me as the mother of a young adult child with mental illness.
My mom was fired from her job because she was too slow after having a long and difficult depressive period. I wish her former employer would have been more accomodating and understanding. I remember her crying because she truly gave her very best. She then found another job and recovered from her symptoms very well.
Dear Lauren, you are already tremendously contributing to society in many ways. Being a mother in the most beautiful but most difficult job to do . Raising children properly will give them confidence to be better human. Being a supportive spouse for Rob is also great things to do to empowering him to face life adversities. Your dedication to produce excellent videos content on your channel and sharing them with the entire planet via YT is wonderful. It is unfortunate that in this age, being productive working at a job is how we feel we are being judged on how we contribute to society.
Stay away from corporate jobs and look more into family run businesses which may not pay as much but you may find better stability, flexibility and support.
Good luck and thank you for caring enough to share your feelings.
Pl from Dallas TX
I’m glad I’m not alone . For the life of me, all my jobs have been toxic and my anxiety was ata an all time high. I would jump from job to job, I had every excuse not to go to work, it’s like I couldn’t even get out of bed. I called on a constant basis with an excuse…. It’s so hard
You’re absolutely spot on! This is not only for mental illness but single parents, caretakers of those with mental illness or chronically ill as well. I would love to see a therapist, but insurance does not cover it. After all we have gone through with COVID, that should be covered by all insurance policies.
This world still has a long way to go to create work flexibility, benefits & accommodations but it all starts with awareness & education. When you have a mental or chronic illness, it does not mean you cannot work, but when there are inflexible employers or bosses, it becomes a setup for failure for those with already difficult life challenges. We have brilliant minds that create incredible technology, I’m sure we could come up with solutions if we all understood how much better our world would be if we found ways to help one another succeed.
I love the way you deliver your information. You are very talented in the manner you speak. I’m learning your vocabulary so I can better communicate to others about my journey. ❤
Fellow job-hopper here. Thank you for this. My mental illness symptoms make it hard for me to spot red flags and I've ended up in many toxic jobs. I've finally found the courage to check that "disabled" checkbox on job applications. I found that it's just better that people know there's something up with me right away, instead of them finding it out the hard way later. I've got a new job now. Hopefully it'll last. Hopefully, I'll want it to.
Do you think you have been passed over for jobs because you let them know about your mental illness??
As someone who has a child with schizophrenia, I can attest to the job hopping and need for taking mental health breaks that last for days, weeks, months. However, I work in management for a prosperous health corporation and can tell you that there's no way we could accommodate the needs he has (or someone similar). There are important deadlines and ppl's health and recovery that depend on our employees being available every day. So I think with some careers, it's impossible to make those modifications, and the person has to be creative on what they can do-- just like this RUclips career you have developed! I really appreciate your posts and videos!
I commented about this in another of your videos. You have FOUND your calling! You are a natural TEACHER & COUNSELOR and a GREAT HOST! I too was a job "hopper". Do you KNOW what STRESSED me out MORE than almost anything? Going to a job interview, that's what. However I did NOT want to work with "customers" I didn't want to sell things I didn't BELIEVE in.
I’m 29 and have OCD/PTSD/EDs. I’ve spent the majority of the last decade job hopping. I feel very self conscious about my chronic inability to maintain work, but I’m learning to accept that I’ve been through lots and healing takes time. I’m about to graduate and have been freaking out, so this made me feel so much less alone. Thank you!!
Congratulations on graduating, that's a huge accomplishment!!
It takes a lot of courage to speak on a topic like this. Good job. And thank you.
This youtube channel job that you have gives way more service and is way more useful to the society than most regular 9am - 5pm jobs. These videos are extremely well put together, the information and data are well researched + you offer a first hand experience. I think this is a true vocation. You are an educator.
I'm Schizophrenic but mine is mild, I feel lucky that stress wouldn't automatically put me to the mental hospital anymore. I'm still in college studying and preparing for a career. For my future, sorry to hear about your harsh Schizophrenic symptoms. Hopefully your situation gets better, including you in my prayers. Somehow my situation got better (Jesus healed me), although mines became mild. It is still an illness, sadly. I'm still optimistic though.
I have had 8 jobs and now finally in 2022 I haven't had a job since last year. I got fired from 3 jobs and the last 5 jobs I left it. And I do believe due to Schzioaffective disorder and PTSD. I relate to your story. Thank for sharing. So this year I'm gonna try draw to draw SSI or Disability since I did try to work and just having trouble to do so. Meagon
i was diagnosed with adhd, took a job that required focus, good working memory etc and i was overwhelmed and performed poorly. Merely unloading department store trucks on a line with multiple items to seperate. I resigned in triumph because i surrendered to my condition and didnt feel the slightest inadequacy. Im 57 and went through a life of chaos. I took a pay cut to do hotel laundry and that suited me optimally. The season got slow and im now working with developmentally disabled which i will try to use to my advantage as far as acceptance/responsibility is concerned. Sometimes i wish my condition was a severed limb. At least the problem is right there to see instead of a head like a haunted house. Im up for the challange though and this channel has been a great help. Thank You & God Bless.
Your an inspiration to me! I really admire your bravery to share your experiences. I'm like the male version of you in az. Your a success story. Im a success story too! living with schizoaffective disorder for over 20 years. Its been a long road. Its awesome to know i'm not alone. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.👍👍👍
This hit a chord with me. I am presently on leave from work recovering from cptsd, and in a human rights battle with my workplace due to their refusal to accommodate. The stigma is still a very real problem
Thank you for sharing your story.
Thank you for this video, I needed to hear this ❤
I been working as a McDonald's Janitor since March 2022, and most days I just dont have the mental strength to keep working there everyday, even though my hours are VERY short due to college students being away for the summer. Hopefully I will have more hours real soon though, but honestly? Not looking forward to it as it will just drain more of my mental stamina I fear.
I don't know how to "spice things up" at my work place, as it is the same routine day in and day out, but I am trying very hard to sustain myself from having mental episodes. Even mental breakdowns.
I am very thankful I held a job this long, as I dont normally have delusions or hallucations. But I do hear voices every now and again. It is exhausting to live sometimes.
You are wonderful. Thank you so much for your channel. 💜
I thought I was the only one
Running from problems don't like dealing with people get embarrassed about missing work from schizoaffective.
I’m 22, I was diagnosed with schizophrenia at 19. It is a day to day struggle for me. Your videos have really really helped me. I didn’t know that other people feel/experience the EXACT same things as I do. It made me feel less alone in this world. Thank you ♥️
Thank you for this video.
Wow you are very inspiring.!!! Love your content!
I got fired from several jobs from 2009-2020, not all at once, but different intervals, did WFH for 41/2 years, but went back to the office due to isolation, in 2019, was fired from 3 jobs, until my previous position from 20-2022, and my present position, I currently WFH(which I wasn't happy about at first). My employer knows I have an illness, and I let them know what reasonable accommodations I need to do my job. I used to be afraid to let them know because I feared it being used against me, and so was fired under "other reasons". My last employer before this one was the best; the only reason I left was because my performance suffered due to the calling system we were using, and I saw the writing on the wall, and with current one going on a year in May. Thank you for your honesty, that has made me honest in educating others, and not feeling shame for being "different".
Great advice and wisdom! Thank you!
Sadly the problem is on such a deeper rooted level as most companies and jobs do not have the intention of the workers at the forefront but maximizing productivity with longer hours and working weeks in order to make as much money. Truly we live in a sick society where it is normalized to disregard our wellbeing and health for work.
My mum always taught me to see a job as "an exchange". You are working for them, in order to receive from them. This has to balance out, You are not put on this earth to give up yourself, your time, your health, your energy - for a job.
Here's to hoping for a world where businesses and companies truly invest in employers well beings and needs...
I dont have a certain diagnose, different doctors differently looked at me, some supposed that I have ADD/ADHD, PTSD, only depression or anxiety disorder, also schizoaffective, because I have a lot of Symptoms, but especially without proper therapy I have a big problem with going to job every time I have to, so yes I agreed 100% with You that employers should provide mental days break, especially if someone has papers from psychatrist. Greetings and thank you for this RUclips canal
Thank you for addressing this topic
I'm unmotivated today to even get out bed & going to work
I woke up depressed
I think I'll have a mental health off day
You and your channel mean so much to me and my family
You are so well spoken. Thanks for sharing.
I love your channel. This has been my experience.I’m looking into options that will assist me to work for myself. Thank you 😊.
Thank you for this video. I am now retired, but I was also a serial job hopper in my day! Thank you for the re-education!
you are amazing!! i adore and respect you very much !!!
Dear Lauren; I m so glad you made this video. Thank you for making me aware it’s NOT just me. I’m thankful for you that RUclips etc is working for you. If I had two nickels to rub together as dad would say, I’d donate to help keep you guys up and stable. I appreciate your channel and YOU both more than I can say.
😕🤨😕 mental illness and being 👩🏻🦽physically disabled I have enough yrs possibly on this planet where I see myself being homeless again due to having been physically ill, plus mentally ill, ……………..
which none of it’s getting cared for due to where I live and I’ve just recently exausted any other options of where else I could live. ((My only living family who also happens to love me has dementia and now Covid and is in Ed. And I can’t even physically get to him. And he can’t talk on the phone. As he’s confused and not himself. It’s awful. I’m tittering on the edge. It’s a huge hell show.))
…………and then huge 15 yr gap in my resume. I’m now not even employable. It’s something that makes me personally feel like what’s the point to any of this. Like can I catch a little break?
Oh Covid told me to screw off lol.
Excellent!
Lauren you are a legend. What amazing stuff and so insightful and incredible
I have severe anxiety which caused me to get fired from my last job. I want to work but the idea of having an interview is one of the most (if not the most) anxiety inducing situation I can put myself in and even if I do get hired I have anxiety about the first day and every work day after that. Never gets better and I always have an irrational fear of getting fired which makes it difficult to focus on tasks at work which inevitably effect performance and how I look to other people which leads to piles and heaps of more anxiety. I want to work and contribute to something meaningful rather than sitting at home all day feeling like a burden because I still rely on family financially. I recently realized I need to find a low stress part time job with a compassionate employer who sees and believes in my abilities and I've come to terms that I will probably always need to rely on others for money because the idea of having a fulltime job and living independently gives me so much anxiety. It's so hard having mental illness.
I feel the same. For me it's social anxiety. It always deteriorates.
I’m so glad you have a means to work, sending you a virtual hug 🤗
I've recently been through returning to work due to my psychosis. This video is really helpful thank you
You are awesome.
Oh my God I'm not alone with this so grateful for you and this content
I am really happy you've not only created this space to support others living with mental illness, but that it's also afforded you a job that is realistically possible for you
I'm so glad I found you Lauren. So many things I can relate to
What’s amazing is that you find ways to connect with anyone and everyone regardless of your mental health! I’m blessed to have found your channel.
Lauren, I can hear the struggle in your voice when describing your performance struggles in past workplaces. I'm also so impressed by your self-awareness in this capacity as well as the diligence you've put in to build up this channel to support yourself and meaningfully contribute to society , as you said.
I am a MSW student hoping to be a clinical social worker, have been a fan of your channel for years now, and your videos are always informative and honest. Thank you!