I’ve almost always had a job despite being diagnosed schizophrenic
Not saying everyone should work when I know better… the doctor always said I had a mild case to be honest
But as you guys have pointed out. Disability is pitiful in the United States
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I was sleeping in a relatives loft for a few months
This was just after I got diagnosed and released from hospital
The application was made to benefits and after 6 months still nothing
Then they were going to arrange a permanent studio apartment
When I found out after a year your on your own I just thought to myself, why is it only for a year when this illness is a life time thing?
So in my mind I swallowed my pride and went back to live with parents until I could afford to get somewhere
Decided I would have to work
Working has turned out to be quite important to me as I like to solve problems and it keeps my mind active + I was in control
Now I am just working out the best way to retire as early as possible with some comfort
So I am hedging my bets on my home so that when the time is right I can sell it and move somewhere much much cheaper
Another thing I couldn’t understand is why the benefits are not relatable to the cost of living in a given area
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Thats how i thought about this new case manager team i got. They basically said in 6 months they review then if im stable im transferred to my family doc. I tried not to laugh when i heard that. Truly our government doesn’t have its priorities straight for mental health. But hey more taxes for gas though! 
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When I was in the US, I was put on Latuda. The medication 40 mgs was 40 dollars at that time. I was taking 160 mgs. So, that is 160 dollars a day, or around 5000 dollars a month government was paying for just one medication.
But, my disability payment was 450 dollars or so a month.
So, for the medications, they can even pay 10000 dollars a month, if you need that medication. But, support-wise, in terms of living, there wasn’t much. So, how are the medications supposed to improve you if you don’t even have a place to live, cannot afford food, etc?
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I was married for nearly 20 years
I manage my finances quite well(>£5K savings)
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I developed my illness in high school, and defied the stereotype of not finishing high school by graduating. I then immediately went into the workforce for two years plus some. I’m now on a mission for my church for two years. It’s at home, but I go to various service opportunities in my community and I also proselyte with the other missionaries in my town frequently.
Overall, I think I defy the stereotype best when I’m working for something and not standing idle in life. I don’t think I’ve experienced enough of life to be able to declare myself ahead of the curve, but I certainly can do my best.
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I’m not violent, and I don’t want to hurt people.
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I’m not showing off but I worked about 4 years before I got diagnosed, then with with medication I showed sign of sz, some people fired me for it, some let me work… then with medication I worked about 10 years. But couldn’t hold down a job for more than 3 years!
Taking drugs in the past didn’t help, plus dabbled in it a bit to see if it was exactly the sz was present that was affecting me, stupid! Don’t listen.
Now I’m aiming for independence, got everything lined up after completing my cert.
It’s not going to be easy but I’m going to give it a shot, it’s worked in the past!
It’s a long story with this illness but yeah… I’m surprised by some of the comments here (everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses)… you guys seem to be doing well too!
Edit: I used to smoke cigarettes(stereotype)
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What book is that @anon79735136?
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I’d say I don’t look disheveled. I’m clean, dress decent, wear decent watches, and have a little money. I got some cologne coming in Monday. I’ve never worn cologne and something bit me. Here’s what I got.
I got something I pretty much know I’ll like as I can’t sample it on the internet
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break the stereotype…I used to be an architect…this disease hits all ppl…I wrote a book about my sz, many non sz’s haven’t done that.
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Yeh I did too. May I ask how many pages it became?
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188 pages…would’ve been longer but i had to shorten the ending.
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Absolutely interesting. I have heard that in (some states of) the usa, schizophrenics are prohibited from holding a drivers license. Is that true do you know?
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good job. I gave up at 122 pages, because I didn’t think anyone would read it. I’d like to read your, if you can get it to me?
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I sent you a PM. book not allowed on here.
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My book was 100 pages
It was on Amazon for over a year and no one read it
try iuniverse and do signings yourself…cost about 1100 dollars now to self publish…that’s what I did…a hundred pages is nothing to scoff at…good job @Joker
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I am not sure it was very good though
But the writing came quite easily as the entire story I had visualised in my head
The fact it was based on a very deep seated delusion I once had I found it very triggering
Thought to myself I will self publish on Amazon and see if people liked it
Was sci-fi that reimagined human history and where a lot of bad habits throughout history came from
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