Wasn’t aware of this forum’s existence until an hour ago or so when I really wanted to know if I’m still an atheist if I experience religious delusions. Got my answer for that (affirmative) and now for a short intro and question.
I’m a woman, early 30s, have paranoid schizophrenia. Was wondering if I should really bite the bullet and get on the mental illness pension?
I’m still young enough to work but lo and behold I don’t want to work. Never had a job in my life and despite graduating from uni, I know nothing. I don’t know how to do anything that might entail working for 8 or less hours a day for a payment that is also pleasant and doesn’t require manual labor.
Before anything, I should have mentioned I’m from Europe. This explains the pension thing but doesn’t explain why I don’t want to work.
Should I talk to my psychiatrist about all this? I want answers but idk if I’ll like them.
Also like, I can’t seem to get rid of the belief that maybe I could win the lottery if I try to play that game.
Mentioning I am medicated with Xeplion shots (Paliperidone or however it’s called). Very nice, no voices anymore, no religious delusions or any other sort that I can tell. I do have lack of motivation but ehh can’t be all perfect, right?
Thanks in advance for any advice you guys might have. Cheers!
Is it the case that you’re able to work but you just don’t want to? Here in the U.S. they would say you should try before you get on what we call here Supplemental Security Income. I understand completely if you can’t work but have you tried? Maybe you’re able to work.
Do you not want to do manual labor because you’re not strong and couldn’t handle it physically? Again, I understand if that’s the case but I’ve worked in department stores unloading trucks and stocking shelves and there were housewives and women in their 50’s stocking shelves and I see grey haired women in their fifties working the window at fast food restaurants.
If you absolutely can’t work then getting on a pension or getting some kind of cash aid is the next step; you need money to live on and the pension is there for people who are too disabled to work. No shame in getting help.
I don’t know how serious you are about thinking you can win the lottery but I wouldn’t depend on it. If you think you have some special power or knowledge that is going to make you win it then I would rethink that. Playing the lottery is just luck and you have no special advantage to help you win it. No more than anyone else playing it and you shouldn’t depend on it.
Yeah, talk to your psychiatrist about all this, we can give you advice based on our knowledge and experience of living with schizophrenia but it’s good to talk to a professional.
I don’t know if I can work. I never really tried. I worked only one day in my life, for 8 hours, and I felt like dying. That was before the first psychotic episode.
One of my psychiatrists said I could go on pension. I don’t know the opinion of the other one who I consider my main psychiatrist.
Thanks, I will try to talk to them about this next week or asap.
You just answered your own Question. You clearly cannot deal with it. There is no shame, claiming Disabilty Benefits. You have a recognised Severe Mental Illness.