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Schizophrenia and work

Posted , 3 users are following.

vipan
vipan

I have schizophrenia which was diagnosed 25 years ago but have managed full time employment all this time and am doing reasonably well

I like to experiment and one of the experiment that I have been doing is whether full time employment actually helps you keep mentally healthy. I even try to work while I develop my psychotic symptoms. Every 4 years my medicines loose some effectiveness and my psychotic symptoms return but I try to concentrate on my work and the same medicines start to work which I believe is because I try to concentrate on my work during this time

I am a software professional with a mentally challenging job

I am very curious to know if there are others who have schizophrenia and who have full time employment and if continuing in their job has helped them control their condition better

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • Inmate88
    Inmate88 vipan

    Posted

    Hi Vipan. I also have schizophrenia and just about hold down a full time job. I had a breakdown last year which took me out of work for a few months, but I was then able to come back and slowly pick up all my responsibilities again. I now have more than ever! Which I feel good about because it shows you can still progress and have a 'normal' life with mental health conditions.

    Like you I also work with software, and my job involves programing, testing and future developments. As you said, this is a very mental challenging job..and I to find that a major benefit most of the time, as my mind is kept busy from my psychosis, anxiety and depression.. not to mention medication side effects!

  • louise79427
    louise79427 vipan

    Posted

    Hi Vipan, I have schzioaffective disorder and after another psychotic episode have gone back to work part time at the mo. I find working helps take my mind of the side effects of aripiprazole, which I find hard. I am a clerical assistant and first aider. What meds are you on? I am on ability, lithium and citralopram.
    • vipan
      vipan louise79427

      Posted

      Hi Louise

      I am on risperidone and I find it quite lazy at times but going to work helps me here

    • louise79427
      louise79427 vipan

      Posted

      I find it hard going being on antipsychotics, does it get any easier? They work though and I have no voices etc, So am gratefully for that. What dose of risperdone are you on?
    • vipan
      vipan louise79427

      Posted

      Hi Louise

      I am on paliperidone 100 depot and 2mg of risperidone. Paliperidone is injection form of risperidone. I take risperidone for sleep

      I believe that if I was not working my laziness would be worse. I also exercise to stay fit

    • louise79427
      louise79427 vipan

      Posted

      Hi Vipan, it's not laziness it's sedation. I am the same, find it hard to get stuff done when I am not working. I read a lot, though.

      Lou x

    • vipan
      vipan louise79427

      Posted

      Hi Louise

      There is another thing that has helped me cope well which is high hope and positive mental attitude

      I am always very hopeful that I will do well in job this has helped me keep going

      There was a time I was exercising 2 hours a day with quetiapine but I could not continue because of my psychotic symptoms with quetiapine but with risperidone it is slightly difficult for me

    • louise79427
      louise79427 vipan

      Posted

      Very true. I make the best of each day. I tried quetiapine too, but it didn't work.
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