I have schizophrenia which was diagnosed 25 years ago but have managed full time employment all this time and am doing reasonably well
I like to experiment and one of the experiment that I have been doing is whether full time employment actually helps you keep mentally healthy. I even try to work while I develop my psychotic symptoms. Every 4 years my medicines loose some effectiveness and my psychotic symptoms return but I try to concentrate on my work and the same medicines start to work which I believe is because I try to concentrate on my work during this time
I am a software professional with a mentally challenging job
I am very curious to know if there are others who have schizophrenia and who have full time employment and if continuing in their job has helped them control their condition better
Hi Vipan. I also have schizophrenia and just about hold down a full time job. I had a breakdown last year which took me out of work for a few months, but I was then able to come back and slowly pick up all my responsibilities again. I now have more than ever! Which I feel good about because it shows you can still progress and have a 'normal' life with mental health conditions.
Like you I also work with software, and my job involves programing, testing and future developments. As you said, this is a very mental challenging job..and I to find that a major benefit most of the time, as my mind is kept busy from my psychosis, anxiety and depression.. not to mention medication side effects!
Hi Vipan, I have schzioaffective disorder and after another psychotic episode have gone back to work part time at the mo. I find working helps take my mind of the side effects of aripiprazole, which I find hard. I am a clerical assistant and first aider. What meds are you on? I am on ability, lithium and citralopram.
Hi Louise
I am on risperidone and I find it quite lazy at times but going to work helps me here
I find it hard going being on antipsychotics, does it get any easier? They work though and I have no voices etc, So am gratefully for that. What dose of risperdone are you on?
Hi Louise
I am on paliperidone 100 depot and 2mg of risperidone. Paliperidone is injection form of risperidone. I take risperidone for sleep
I believe that if I was not working my laziness would be worse. I also exercise to stay fit
Hi Vipan, it's not laziness it's sedation. I am the same, find it hard to get stuff done when I am not working. I read a lot, though.
Lou x
Hi Louise
There is another thing that has helped me cope well which is high hope and positive mental attitude
I am always very hopeful that I will do well in job this has helped me keep going
There was a time I was exercising 2 hours a day with quetiapine but I could not continue because of my psychotic symptoms with quetiapine but with risperidone it is slightly difficult for me
Very true. I make the best of each day. I tried quetiapine too, but it didn't work.