I’ve found work to be a valuable part of my recovery. Work has given me more income. Work has given me a sense of purpose as I help individuals with their recovery. Work gives me something to do each day. I remember early on in my sz experience and how bored I was just isolating a lot and watching a lot of TV. Now with work I feel much better about myself as I feel like I’m helping others with their recovery as a Peer Support Specialist.
9 Likes
Thats awesome your a peer worker! I wanted to do that for ages. Never did though. Good on you though. I think peer workers are so valuable.
1 Like
I agree. Work provides purpose, and something to look forward to and keep you going, if you like your work that is.
I only have a small part time job, but would like to work more, but my health isn’t good enough yet.
Also I think it’s important to contribute if I can, thinking of all the people out there on the clock that provides all the services I need to live well and be safe. I want to do the same for them.
But to be mentally ill is a tough disease and not everyone can work. I had a few years away from work because of this too.
1 Like
I don’t. It’s insurance. I try to take a necessary evil and make it less evil.
3 Likes
I can love work if I get to feel like myself and be myself and don’t get dominated , belittled , opressed , disrespected, stolen from , bullied etc
When I was in Sweden they had a activity house with pottery etc
I was from there offered a job .
Job was half time position at cafe .
Government initiated and employer only had to pay half of my wage and government paid other half .
I started off washing dishes and enjoyed that .
Then I got to chop vegetables and make sandwiches and salads and then light cooking and waitress.
Couldn’t do cash register though because in my flesh I felt I wasn’t in my body and overwhelmed when customers talking to me and register mig working and I expected to calculate their change while not feeling like I’m in my body .
Tried and ended up crying in bathroom because I couldn’t function then that moment .
I was so excited about my job that I made candle holders for tables at my pottery and a black mug in real gold writing name of cafe and littld hair coverings so no hair in food and delivered menus in letterboxes for free .all for free because I was passionate about my job and enjoyed them I worked with .
They treated me well except onr day onr of the woman got power crazed and talked down at me.
I told her it’s not ok to talk to me that way n then her daughter said she’s holy and then I said I’m holy too and then I left work .
I came back yhe next day and acted like nothing happened .
Then I quit because I was moving to Australia 
and so .
I worked a few jobs in my life .
Worst job was stripper against my will because I was like puppet on string empty meat kinda with them acting as me smd taking my inner beauty n presence etc
I didn’t make any money that job eithef .eas too horrible .
Wasn’t me as such .
Really wasn’t me if I can explain that .
1 Like
I completely agree
When I was without work I was just left with my symptoms
But when I work my mind is occupied
Sometimes stress can creep in but the benefits outweigh the negative
2 Likes
Ya, hope I read some where that only 20 percent of the individuals diagnosed with SMI actually work.
1 Like
No doubt joker!
Thanks for sharing True!
1 Like
Well done @simpjeff1 and I agree, when I’m feeling better I want to go back and volunteer again. I have the deepest respect for those of you who have sz and manage to work despite your sz.
I know not all of us are in such a situation, I’m not at the moment, I know how tough but also rewarding working is when it comes to reducing symptoms.
Thanks Blue! Have a great weekend! We can work and thrive!
1 Like