Talking with People Living with Schizophrenia - Episode 2: Employment and Working

Welcome to our new series, Talking with People Living with Schizophrenia! Join Lauren, Vicki, and Peter as they discuss topics concerning what it's like to live with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.
In this video, we discuss what our experiences with employment and working while living with schizophrenia have been like. We discuss what we've found challenging, and what has helped us.
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[@LivingWellwithSchizophrenia]

JOIN OUR ONLINE PEER SUPPORT COMMUNITY Schizophrenia Peer Support Community: www.schizophreniapeersupport.com General Mental Illness Peer Support Community: www.onlinepeersupport.com

[@RaysDad]

I think it is important to show people who, except for a mental condition, are the same as everyone else, dealing with their symptoms, their relationships, with the mental health system, and with society in general. Everyone in the world is trying to cope with their individual challenges and limitations. We are all in this together.

[@chapstic593]

keep in mind this is schizophrenia we're talking about. Yes they can live a normal life but that doesnt mean they can do a trade or operate heavy machinery . There's limitations and one of those is the ability to pay attention. Some of that is the illness but a lot of the blame is due to how the medication treats the disease.

[@dannykeko4365]

Yeah Forreal it’s a bit different but thanks for the up bringing

[@laurieberry4814]

I was told to be flexible seven days a week, twelve hours a day. Ridiculous

[@JaceDeanLove]

@@laurieberry4814 find a new job

[@famillioner]

Thanks so much for making this video. According to most studies about 70-80% of people diagnosed with schizophrenia don't work. This is really stigmatising. There are some people who can work because they have very little or no symptoms while on medication but there are others who still experience some residual symptoms or negative symptoms and can't hold a job because of that. There's a spectrum of functionality among people with schizophrenia, there is for instance Elyn Saks who is a professor and a successful published author but then again others can bearly make it out of bed in the morning or care for themselves. Most people with schizophrenia however are unable to work at all and rely on the suport of the government or their relatives.

[@dreamcat9985]

I don't have a job and I feel very guilty and shamed about that. I have schizoaffective disorder. Next week I am going to a hearing to make a testimony about why I can't work and am asking for disability. I am so scared about it. I want to work, but its hard for me. I feel like people think I am lazy and stealing money from the government. I don't want people to ask me what I do for my job because I don't want to say I have a mental disorder. I feel like people know there is something wrong with me.

[@yepsirree]

I can relate. though my symptoms are such that I am able to have a job, it is a very low demand job, and I live in a duplex with my parents. I feel like people may think there is something wrong with me because I am performing below my apparent "skill level", but you know what? I just smile and remind myself that I am doing my best, and doing a good job. us doing our best is often more effort than those who are neurotypical enough to get away with doing "satisfactorily". so, get what you need, and smile at yourself knowing that you're doing a good job, even if it doesn't look like it. try to stay focused on your abilities, and building your support system.

[@sailorstarrr]

Psychosis is so debilitating, it really wrecks your ability to do anything.

[@jacquelineleitch7050]

Fuck em if they can't handle reality.

[@dannykeko4365]

Fuck them folks lol really I understand I pray you get the money required enough to live

[@Peace-lt8bc]

Yes, people do know "something is wrong with us"..sorry I hope all of us get better

[@sailorstarrr]

I had an episode at my last job and had to take weeks off. My manager wanted to know why afterwards but I couldn't bring myself to tell her. Now I'm an independent contractor so luckily when I had my last episode I didn't have to worry about it interfering with my job. I've also done a lot of job hopping (I think around 15 jobs so far).

[@noyoujustus1266]

im in the same boat lol

[@antoniobradley962]

Being a schizophrenic myself it’s great to have this community. We are rare individuals only 1in 💯 people. #papispitfire

[@wildlightarts]

I love this outlook, of being rare individuals, 1 in 100. Beautifully put.

[@laurieberry4814]

Antonio. You’re human

[@tree_alone]

@@laurieberry4814 heh we tricked another one Antonio

[@michaeldeluca5082]

I have schizophrenia and depression. I don't currently work, but I enjoy seeing people who can work..

[@ezcomeezgo1715]

I was recently diagnosed, and your videos have educated me so much. All I can give is my thanks.

[@justinthomas7333]

I have had schizophrenia for 4 years and am just now looking for a part time job. In my state I'm allowed to make $850 a month and still get my social security benefits. However, since last year I have had 2 back surgeries and may need another one soon, so finding a job is a bit harder for me because I need to find mainly a job where I can sit down most of the time.

[@chadgarrett6947]

Fellow illness keeper here. I've had many jobs over my 38 years of life, but as my illness got worse it got harder and harder to keep one, and I have lost many relationships because of either the stigma, or being on disability because it makes barely enough money to live on. It's not for the lack of trying though. I just can't get hired by a place that I can actually do. No one will give you days off for mental health that will actually hire me, or that I can get to without being able to drive, or have enough money for uber.

[@SydneyScream]

What about finding a passion

[@chadgarrett6947]

@@SydneyScream Art, I has it. I've been trying to make a video game for years too.

[@chadgarrett6947]

@@SydneyScream I wanted to possibly pursue mentoring for mental health. Had been looking into affordable college but my Dad passed away recently, so, been a bit tough and I also just moved from Pennsylvania to California USA. Very different here 😆

[@aikikaname6508]

Other people: Go home because they have a hangover This woman: Has literal hallucinations but still pushes through and completes her shift.

[@SydneyScream]

Privilege in a nutshell

[@RebekahLeaPhelps]

Again, admiration for you all. I’m a parent. Speaking for myself and many others I know I truly believe that people with schizophrenia and the schizoaffective disorder truly need to be on disability. What I’d like to know is what would trigger being out of work? An episode? For instance hallucination? How long does that last? A day? A week? Fatigue? What are the reasons? I’d like to know more about the REASON or what causes the lapses.

[@kelvintse2354]

Relapse can be caused by lack of sleep or an increase in stress. Avoid work that is stressful. If your child enjoy his job, he will succeed at it. Hallucinations that can be countered through cognitive strategies should not be a concern. However, a change in medication might be necessary if hallucinations grow frequent and unbearable.

[@sailorstarrr]

Often caused by stress or major change. Some triggers for me were being away from my sister when she was giving birth, trouble with school and relationships, moving out or switching jobs, losing sleep, and my mom's death. You really don't know exactly what the trigger is going to be.

[@shoconno]

What I'm loving about this series so far is that it is not solely a discussion about how difficult daily life can be living with schizophrenia and/or schizo-affective. The wonderful thing is that these talks are rimmed with a silver lining -- the daily struggles are discussed, but then progression, positive change, and hope are highlighted. Keep up the great work!!

[@10huskys]

I just started working at a gas station yesterday ....I am so quiet paranoid and scared. I'm very slow too....bad at counting money quickly....they dont know I have it .....I'm scared to let them know.

[@MsBeeLyons]

Finally, working professional people like me. I often cried because I didn’t want to end up like most of the people in my support group. Don’t get me wrong my support group are beautiful souls but they’re broke and struggling, homeless or on drugs. I would get so depressed being there at times. I’ve worked my ass off to get where I am and because of my illness I must work harder to be normal. Sure I’ve made mistakes ( because of my hallucinations) but I wouldn’t dare mention my mental flaw, I’m sure if my department knew they would fire me.

[@JaceDeanLove]

Sadly, 75% of homeless people have a mental illness in America. Shows how failed our healthcare is

[@sprinkles611]

Hi I have shizoaffective disorder and I keep it to myself. I don't trust telling. It's my business and I feel safe keeping it to myself. I work and I love what I do but to be honest it's hard for me to work with people, I love working alone and that is exactly what I do. The first 30 minutes of my shift I do have co-workers around but after they leave it's a breath of fresh air honestly I truly believe that I can function fine. I do take my meds. I just don't like working with people they have nasty attitudes and are so evil and that makes my condition worse I rather work alone it's much better. Outside of work I'm the same way. I don't socialize because for me it's safe staying to myself I love it. It gives me peace, clarity and comfort. When I work with people I always get irritated or job hop.

[@alijane6675]

Excellent contribution to your growing library. Well done, Lauren😊 You're quite good at drawing out your guests, and you're getting so comfortable on camera. Looking forward to more.

[@missmonaebaebae]

I have schizophrenia haven’t worked in four years. I gave up on ssi and started working three weeks ago and now i hear im approved for ssi but i want to keep moving around even with the hallucinations.

[@AnthonyPooran]

Watching this and hearing the dialogue between each of you has been instrumental in my realization that I'm not the only one. I feel a little better knowing that i can make it work.

[@wombats5754]

I initially started watching your videos as I was interested in learning more about Schizophrenia/Schizoaffective Disorder from a person living with the illness, as I am generally interested in mental health topics as a person living with General Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder - when those topics are presented in a healthy way. What I didn’t anticipate, is how much your videos would help me accept the fact that I need to accept my physical limitations as someone who lives with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which is a genetic disorder that makes my joints dislocate easily along with various other issues. Needless to say, I have a fair bit of pain, physical limitations, and triggers that exacerbates my symptoms and pain, but I always seem to have a hard time accepting this. Weirdly, I had a much easier time accepting my mental illness than I do my physical one, as I feel as if through medication and grounding techniques, I have a much easier time coping with my mental illness than I do my physical one. Your person first and self compassion approach has helped me start reframing my understanding of my physical illness in a way that - for the lack of a better term - ‘physical illness creators’ just couldn’t quite manage, and you relating your story about how you sometimes push back against people that are trying to help you because you can fear/feel a loss of control helped me define the confusing feelings that I have regarding people jumping up to help me if they perceive I’m struggling physically with something. I’m angry about it them interceding no matter how well intentioned, but rationally I understand that whatever I’m trying to do is beyond my physical limitations. I started watching to learn about your journey, and ended up learning about myself along the way. Thank you Lauren, from the bottom of my heart 💜

[@silmarilasmr6801]

Wow, all you guys are so strong. I also suffer from schizoaffective. Very helpful.

[@Pajamalamalamalama]

Excellent video once again. I appreciate you bringing other people on the channel and humanizing these stigmatized conditions.

[@Squabetty]

Getting rid of “SHOULD”. I think that is one of the best things I learned in therapy 30 years ago.....still actively managing should thoughts, though it is much easier now. As a collector os all things “stuff” I am now working on managing my could statements..... lol. Thank you, all of you, for your openness and honesty. A true gift to the you tube masses.

[@hansoloyolo1839]

This series about working with schizophrenia really resonates with me. I appreciate your efforts in making these videos.

[@anitagomez9100]

Love the way you all explained this thank you !

[@aquacat_]

Hi! I find your channel and this series in particular very insightful. I have always been interested to learn about schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. I am autistic and can relate to a lot of your challenges and struggles, even though our conditions are very different. Looking forward to your next video 😊😊

[@somiaraza9212]

I fininaly found people that share the same experience as me. I always struggle at work with over working myself pluse with negative thoughts . I have mental and learning disabilities (dyslexia). Prayer and love to everyone xxxx

[@halo8783]

I don't tell anyone that I have schizophrenia due to a bad experience....I once told a recruitment agency I have experienced psychosis and they sent me to a job interview a hour a way when it was closed.....never called me again and won't respond to job requests. You can also imagine the responsibility I have being an electrician and doing my job correctly....nobody would want me to work for them due to liability. I still have symptoms even while on my meds (brexpiprazole) and just try ignore them.

[@peggycallahan8632]

My sister had a medical condition.that she couldn't get disability for and would get sick so often she couldn't keep employment.... I know my sister was very intelligent. and struggled with how people perceived her in the this situation.Dont give up! A job or home responsibilities is only a piece.i still try to find my other pieces with social interaction

[@erintaniguchi9028]

Thank you for making these videos. Really enjoying this series so far. I have schizo affective disorder and am considering disclosing to my employer. Talking with my therapist and mental health team about it first, of course.

[@andreaocampo6848]

Hi, my name Andrea , I am a mother , my daughter has schizoaffective Bipolar disorder, I really love your videos there very educated for me I learn to much about it. Thank you for doing this kind a videos.❤

[@chrisgering1226]

Just watched this with my son who is living with similar life circumstances. He really appreciates the candor of people living through this, thank you!

[@ShannonSchoppema]

Great topic!

[@gwenharsulla7604]

This channel was what I have been waiting for. Thank you for the ones who share about their mental illness. I just had an intervention with wanting to take my life but seeing and listening to this changed my perspective so thank you.

[@Steve_V1066]

This is a great topic, and such an important thing to cover. Thanks for the info Loren!

[@teesharif2839]

Great video! Thanks for doing these episodes Lauren!

[@rachelsmith5622]

Really appreciate your work, Vicki, Lauren and Peter! Helpful video, liked watching it and enjoyed your sharing about your experiences with employment! Be blessed!

[@hey34]

THank you for this... I feel so much better about myself and my life choices/actions. At least now I know my failures (which I take responsibility for) are linked to my condition.

[@michellehuggard7887]

Thank you for this video. It was very helpful.

[@fbpliegorrivero8869]

Lauren, congratulations. This KZbin channel of yours is amazing, really good.

[@JERRODDHANKS]

I am doing this and that is ok ... that's great!!

[@gregdescant4121]

Thanks!

[@NaeGotLocs]

Thanks for this.

[@Toyon95]

So many thoughtful things said. The woman in the middle came across being incredibly understanding even towards ignorant people she met. That's the way I try to be- It takes less energy from you than to become angry.

[@MaestroMusic]

I wish I had these video when I was diagnosed in 2006. I am glad I can see them now.

[@reverendtimothyjohnsonph.d3528]

praise God for Lauren

[@chamicels]

I am currently employed going on 7 years and the job before 15 years.

[@JustTimelapseThings]

Y’all are so fucking brave

[@shaneharrington3655]

Peter rules!

[@arknart6298]

I'm Schizoaffective. At all of my jobs, my employers and coworkers never knew about my diagnosis. Which is great, but I was still burning out and quitting each job about 3 to 4 months into it regardless of where I worked. A few years back I found a contract job in the gig economy which let me work alone and on my own schedule, which helped out a lot in terms of job retention. If I can find a better paying job with an employer who will let me take off when I need to, I will take them up on the offer. But as of right now my next best option is to go into business for myself and set my own pay and hours.

[@liveandletdice9069]

Employment for me is a bit different. As long as my medications handle the lion share of my symptoms I perform really well in workplaces, especially if there's a lot of physical labor involved and I don't have to deal with people directly that much. I've had disclosure become an issue while working at a factory for 16 hour days and 12 hour days throughout the week. Eventually those long hours interfered with my sleep hygiene and triggered a manic episode with psychotic features. I had to disclose at that point and I was transferred to a different department where the manager there was looking for any excuse to fire anyone there and cycle through a revolving door of applicants. My current employer, by contrast, is a very supportive team of managers that have worked with me on time off and if I need additional support in the working day if I have a depressive episode. I can't work more than 40 or 50 hours or so a week and that's something I've had to live with.

[@mariaelenagarcia89]

Great video

[@candyjay370]

Employers don't care they want reliable robots!

[@justinmacdonald3940]

My brother has it and I’m worried about him ever being functional again. My brother died and he still thinks he is alive.

[@slime6all484]

20 years old with this I need to do something other than sit at home. Help please

[@riseup6112]

Pls talk about what medixation helps

[@Sntifg]

I would like to know what medication are you taking for this disorder? I too struggle from schizophrenia

[@cynthiabianzon5408]

Much better to consult a Psychiatrist to advise on a particular medicine that will suit you.

[@morgandavidson1219]

i was diagnosed at 35 and currently on disability but the medication makes unsafe for mill work

[@chapstic593]

to be a functioning schizophrenic means to barely function at all. employment is a hard topic to discuss for people that are legally insane. My advice dont tell them and lie through the teeth on your resume and prey they call your one good reference.

[@cathy7382]

There are different levels of function I enjoy working, it gives me structure, interaction with others, and stability, and meaning

[@gloriadelarosa6422]

MHMR says they need blood tests twice a year so will that check if I’m taking the meds cause I’m detoxing & I don’t want them to find out

[@trmwyldshade1482]

3:35 I went in for an annual physical. The older female, Filipino PA responded, after I told her that I had been diagnosed with SchizoAffective Disorder-Bipolar, Depressive Type, she looked me straight in the face and said; "You Look normal..." Just saying. :)

[@superblackandwhites2011]

McDonald's looks good on CV and you get great training so I've heard

[@jacquelineleitch7050]

Something like this would have helped my family of origin so much. I never had enough of a safety net. I dumpster dived and worked very hard to survive. I realized that I was working as hard as anyone at a ft job, including working out etc., but I was so humiliated by my diagnosis and running around with hate, competitiveness, criminals, stigma, cops following me that I lived like a vampire in the shadows. Lol. So funny when you think that I was hated while all the Vampire Kamp was going on.

[@ST7V6N]

Im Paranoid Schizophrenic that currently self medicates with alcohol. At 5:22 Wen Peter said "I threw my keys on his desk because customers are reading my thought and stealing my oxygen" my gawd how many jobs ive just ditched because of reasons so similar for that. The thought reading thing is all too real for me.

[@rfrank9]

Thank you for the video. Its helpful. Are all of you still struggling even though you are on medication?

[@KiLLED5639]

I'm not one of the people in the video, but for me, I would say the medication I'm taking is what I struggle with more than than my schizophrenia symptoms. For the most part, my positive symptoms are kept in check and I haven't displayed any negative symptoms for many years now. Unfortunately, the meds have cause me to gain weight, increased by blood pressure, and this pervasive feeling of not being able to fully exert myself. Other than that, I'm doing just fine on the day-to-day stuff and I'm a junior in college. I also handle all of my own finances.

[@geekygirl2596]

One question here. How do I find employment with schizoeffective disorder? I have it (diagnosed at age 19 in 2012) and i have not been able to keep a steady job since 2016/2017. I did have a job for 2 months after that and another one for 3 weeks after THAT. I didnt tell the first employer that I had a disability. I live in the USA and I also have Aspergers Autism and Cerebral Palsy. I was born with these 2 diagnoses and worked fine dispite them before but the last two employers fired me for "being to slow" now I'm thinking maybe I can't or am not destined to work any longer but I really could use a job right about now. Due to my autism and cerebral palsy, I am considered an Adult Disabled Child and i do get a form of social security - disability from that but it's barely enough to live on. Please help?

[@kelvintse2354]

Look at Specialisterne. They are an employment organization that recruits people on autism spectrum and variety of disabilities. I am hired through them in Canada and I have worked for more than a year. Keep using and training your brain. You will get back your cognitive abilities. Take to your heart and remember "Persistence pays off".

[@geekygirl2596]

@@kelvintse2354 I dont live in canada though.

[@geekygirl2596]

@@kelvintse2354 I live in the united states.

[@kelvintse2354]

@@geekygirl2596 They exist in the States.

[@inginurobles6312]

its hard to tell to the employer that uve been diagnose havin pschyzoprenia..thou i recovered from this..but we need help from this matter and how to be admissible if u want to work abroad..

[@user-ww1zj7tj2r]

Schizoaffective disorder is when you have both schizophrenia with bipolar disorder. In my opinion, it's worse than having just schizophrenia. Quite often times, you're suicidal. At least that's how it is with me.

[@gabrielacarranza5572]

I have a question, at what point of the hiring process should one disclose one's metal health illness?

[@sailorstarrr]

I don't ever say that in an interview.

[@dwatsonj93]

I know this is old, but "Need to know." - Don't tell potential employers unless you're already hired(ADA), or they need to know. In which also prepare to show/explain how it's being treated.

[@tedbates1236]

I have unipolar depression.

[@andrewwan1880]

Is it okay just sitting there and been unwell

[@brandiminor1632]

Do you know anyone that works full time, has a relationship, and manages daily tasks? It would be nice to see that it’s possible. My doc won’t go for disability. I have no choice.

[@laurieberry162]

My dad was pro restraints

[@AdlinLing]

A lot can happen in 5 years.

[@ksele2392]

I think they're telepathic, and they read mind of others, more than what is intended to be said to them, but still I still think they think it's just voices and not telepathic real beings, it's like they never even hear each other in conversations with other schizophrenia people. It feels like every one is confusing another. You really have to ignore these voices and respect your love one's. For real. Also they need to be somehow telepathic more than depending on some evil voice's that are from people who don't want to show them self's in respectful and meaning full way.... Maybe they won't feel like the oxygen is stolen at work. Confusing.... Evil is evil you got to ignore though it's living in a community, auntie issues

[@Urban-Decay841]

Shiieeeeeeet I guess I got a bleak future

[@porquenao33]

How old are you?

[@LevelUpWithMatthew]

What’s The Schizophrenia Society

[@inginurobles6312]

really dont have an idea if theres. a process wat u gonna do if u want to find a job..thou all i know is u must have a medical certificate that ur ok ryt?

[@laurieberry162]

I don’t work because my back hurts badly. I am going to get an MRI and a X-ray. I remember only one hospital stay for depression when I worked at the grocery store. I am usually manic at the same time that I am depressed. I believe that I have an anger problem. That can make it harder for me to get a job. I did have a problem getting a clothes store job because of my anger. I don’t show it anymore. Only with words. All of you fathers, if you really love your daughters, please don’t use words like slut and whore. If you use these words, have you ever wondered why your daughter traced out for knives. And don’t threaten your daughter while she is minding her own business. She might grow stronger than you. Woman can build themselves up.

[@robertkeys6873]

Mez

[@robertkeys6873]

Flf

[@ricthefish]

this has to be the lowest form of schizophrenia I've ever seen.