Oh so you have a late onset of the illness? I’m only 27 but we are much alike
Yeah - Ive been signed off sick for 20 years with Borderline PD, its only 10 months ago they diagnosed me with Paranoid Sz. as well. Was crazy for a year unmedicated and got diagnosed just after i was housed after being homeless for 6 months.
Yeah ive got a late DX , so im still learning about it, i just thought it was me! lol
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Do you live in the Uk also? Its nice that someone else “shares” my symptoms! With a handle like big jon i assumed you was older lol. I can see us being great friends mate.
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No I’m from the USA! Haha I’m not too big. I’m only 5’6 170 pounds. Not sure what that converts to in the metric system. It’s kinda a joke I call myself big Jon when I’m smaller. But I’m big in personality;). I live half an hour from New York City! Yeah I see us being good friends too 
it’s nice to meet you man. My cat from when I was a kid we named roger lol.
It’s just that I think we should do our best not to encourage those who would seek to decimate/eradicate the welfare system.
I can imagine a channel 5 program like ‘I spend my benefits on booze and drugs’. Yet again going out of its way to paint claimants in a bad light.
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Nice to meet you too mate. New here (obviously) nice to know i was named after your cat! But in all seriousness i GOTTA cut down on my sh-t. Or im gonna be in trouble. Ive got to find better coping mechanism. Its true im using the welfare state to fund my “addictions” - BUT i suffer God Damn it! I know Firemonkey wouldnt agree but im trying my best!
As someone who has seen a 30%+ reduction in benefits since 2015, precisely because those on the political right seek to use examples like the OP as an excuse to support a reduction in benefits, I resent such remarks.
Maybe even if they showed it was the only way they could cope? Even tho its immoral? Not having a go - but i have to have sum form of life (even if its down the pub) - I am actually agreeing with you. Its just i dont know what else to do with my time mate. But i realise its not good (at least im aware of it) and willing to change? Fill my time with something productive AND something i can actually cope with - and i wouldnt visit there again…I spend my money with ways that help me feel happy.
If i had mates that would visit me at home - i wouldnt go out. But i dont - so i have to go out…
Can you not see its not a case of wanting to its NEEDING TO. Do you want me to isolate myself???
For some of us isolation is about more than whether we go to the pub or not. Some of us actually have difficulties with social interaction that would not be alleviated by half a dozen pints a night down the pub.
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For your information it took me six months to even venture down there. I even go for SOFT drinks sometimes. If im not down
the pub I AM ISOLATED. I dont just go for the beer mate (after all i could drink indoors if i wanted too) I GO FOR THE COMPANY among freinds that know im SZ and understand me. Its not about the beer just cos its a pub, its about meeting other people - and and least feeling normal for a couple hours among mates…
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Thanks very much. Ill have a good read. TA x edit/ Sorry wrong reply button thanks Firemonkey, Ill read up on it
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YEa man, i get $750 a month, $120 dollars goes to beer and energy drinks a month. $120 for cigarettes. But i have to spend $200 of parents money a month to cover all my expenses. I think i overspend cuz i know my parents will help. Without them i would have to be cheaper. Beer at bars is hella expensive, i buy from grocery store. I live in isolation and prefer it, i hope u dont relapse and ur disease doesnt progress.
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Do you get Council tax support with your other benefits? https://www.gov.uk/apply-council-tax-reduction
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I am actually good with my money.
I have been told so aswell.
I no longer drink alcohol nor smoke cigarettes.
I pay my bills on time and do grocery shopping for good food and drink.
Maybe you could be in assisted living or rehabilitation.
In Sweden they have a”Goodman” which is when someone else takes care of your money and decides what you are aloud to buy.
This is to make sure bills get paid before smokes or alcohol or gambling.
In Australia they are introducing in some areas a card which allows to buy only some things.
I do not think you can buy alcohol on the card.
This is not fare to those who receive money from government but who are responsible and always pay bills on time etc.
I do not think I should have one of those cards because I am responsible with my money I get.
And I want to save money but how can you save if it’s all on a card.
If you had s card with money on it but you are only aloud to buy things government approved of them how can you save money?
I save money for my neighers vet visit or for hairdresser visit or maintenance of my body etc
I saved for a oral cleanse by a oral hygienist.
I have that appointment soon.
I think it is a horrid idea to put that upon every body.
It should only apply to those who never pay their bills and who are not responsible with their money.
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Yes i get Council tax Benefit. Ive not been paying the 30 pounds a month tho. I just keep seeming to forget to pay it. Going down the council today to see if they will cancel the summons and i willl pay it off in full on Thursday if they let me.
Lots of Schizophrenics need help with budgeting so it seems.
My Case Manager asked me if I needed help in this area, but I told her that I didn’t need help.
I’m pretty responsible when it comes to spending.
I don’t blow my money on booze or cigarettes.
I’ve gotten better, I used to be over-drawn like every month, lately I’ve been keeping a little money, each month that little bit of money turns into more money. Not saying I have it all figured out. I probably wouldn’t be as good if I didn’t have my parents help, they buy most of my food and the few dollars medicare doesn’t pay for my meds. Other; than that I’m responsible for my cell phone, and I have a few other bills I pay for entertainment purposes each month, but I make sure that money stays in my account until it’s time to pay them. Each month I allow myself to spend about $100, on personal/private entertainment like buying cd’s, games, movies…stuff like that.
I can’t say I have a social life. But that’s more by choice. I don’t trust people, and I hate crowded tight spaces. I don’t drink and the only drugs I do take are prescribed ones.
The best thing that’s helped me is checking my bank account regularly. I track of how much I actually have available and what is already gone or pending to be taken out. Some people may find writing down information, like how much you start out with each month, and what you spend on what. If yo don’t think it’s helping you then I’d try cutting back until you feel you can be okay. Sometimes having the information laid out in front of you in that way can be pretty helpful, it lets you know okay I have x amount of money…such and such costs x-amount, how much will I be left with after I spend it? Is it worth it?’
However the hardest thing for me now is the holiday’s coming up, because I’m barely making it each month and now I’m expected to buy gifts for my brother, his girlfriend, and my niece? And my parents? I suppose if I spent the $100 on my self for them…but then i’d go without. But I guess the idea of giving. I’m just a selfish brat, no one else will buy stuff for me so I have to spend my money on myself.
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