I just wanted to share a bit about my life with being diagnosed with sz.
I lost about 20 years is the way I look at it. I was diagnosed at about 22. I was forced into the hospital against my will. Major trauma.
Then I didn’t about 20 years on Haldol which is basically a tranquilizer. Major bummer as my life consisted of hanging out n my apartment, going to psych appointments to get meds and visiting my parents on the weekend.
I changed meds to Abilify at about 45. That was a major change n the positive direction for me. I started back to work part time at a store at about 50. Was there fir about 5 years and then decided I wanted to help people n their recovery so I became a peer support specialist.
Now I’m 62 and helping people n their recovery as a recovery coach.
I guess my point here is that work is possible for I’d say a large percentage of us. I feel like I lost 20 years but I also feel blessed to make a contribution to our community n supporting people in theur recovery process. In this case work is a double positive in the sense that I’m working and making money and also u get the food feeling of helping some one else.
Go for it guys. Don’t look back on your life thinkng that u lost time. Time is the most valuable commodity out there.
Wise words. I’m on disability but I do volunteer work for my cricket club. It is rewarding and helps give me some structure. Sounds like you’ve improved a lot and there’s always room for some improvement no matter who you are. Well done.
Yes it seems impossible for me to look forward to any future now. All I have is the past and present which are kind of overwhelming to me. With this covid stuff, I finally just have to accept what others keep telling me. And try to see things through others and not just myself. The best future I can look forward to now is just hoping I enjoy accepting things that poeple are telling me to accept, and enjoy it the best I can. I am 50, wasted 20 years on the same meds with same results, but I still had hope. Now my doctor added a little abilify to my meds and I feel like living and doing things. I like doing hobbys and look forward to pursuing them as long as I can.
To hear you are 62 and like in some kind of prime of life for your situation is amazing to hear. Thanks for sharing
I try not to let others define who I am or what i should do.
I’ve learned over the years that self determination us crucial. I call my own shots. Psychiatrist work for me and I have the option of taking their ad I’ve it not.