If you are living independently then that’s more important than how well you are actually living within that independence? I often think living independently(important to the mental health professionals) but in a basic rather low level way(not so important). So long as you are eking out an existence as opposed to fully living a life you are seen as doing ok.
The fact you are functioning poorly compared to most of your age related peers is neither here nor there. Maybe it’s different in the US and elsewhere though.
I don’t put too much emphasis on living independently myself. I know I’ve spent far more time living on my own than my sister has and she never even had a mental illness. I can’t say I see any shame in living with family or in supportive housing or whatever our living situation happens to be.
Yes I think probably here in the US there may be more of a stigma with not living independently as others may see you as not pulling your weight so to speak or being some kind of loser or freeloader for living with family, especially parents as an adult.
I don’t buy into these things though. I see it as whatever works, works. For me, I’ve lived on my own or with others in various places but I also spent a year and a half living on a therapeutic farm community so I see much value in non-traditional living situations…I think they can often be better than trying to get by on your own in this crazy world of ours.
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It all depends on financial status and social skill. If he or she thinks that can’t live alone, not necessarily how others view the matter, then he or she might live with the parents. Further, it promotes mutual caring between adult schizophrenic and elder parents. I see no harm. I don’t always follow trends or popular viewpoint.
I am very grateful for living independently. But as I ponder… it’s not so much living independently as much as NOT living off my family.
If I relapse and need to be back in a group home, but can work part time and not have my family have to be saddled with the bills, I’d be Ok with that.
I love where I’m at and I’m glad I can have my own space. I’d love to think it will remain this way. But if it doesn’t… as long as I’m not living at home and having my parents have to go through it all over again… I’ll be OK.
After my divorce and destabilization, I moved in with my elderly folks. It was a bit heated in the beginning especially when I was not so stable (years ago) Now that I am on the right meds and functioning a lot better, I pull my own weight and basically take care of myself - financially also. I help out my folks when I can, especially my Mom, she has mild Alzheimers and needs to use a walker - so far so good
I do have to say that while I don’t think it matters what your living situation is as long as it’s what works…I do however value beyond a good deal else my independence in other contexts. I was just thinking about what my life might be like if they had succeeded at putting me into the state system. They tried…they certainly tried. I can’t imagine for the life of me what it might take to come to terms with things like having a legal guardian or someone handling my finances…don’t think I’m bragging that I don’t have to deal with these things though…I have good friends of mine who are in this circumstance and they have long come to accept it. I’m not sure I would have been able to though…my sense is that it wouldn’t have been easy for anyone had this happened to me.