Anyone with a mental health issue currently holding down a job?

[gameboy 11]

If so how is that going?

I was diagnosed as a schizoaffective bipolar type years ago and I have had my most recent job for nearly 10 months. I am quite proud of myself for achieving this but it doesn't come without challenges. Basically, someone with this disorder can be moody and paranoid. I experience these feelings often lately (but some days are better than others). I do take medication for this but humanly sometimes I forget a dose.

How are things for you holding down a job? I'd like to hear stories.

 

[RaKroma]

I do have anxiety issues and I try to manage them at work if some situations trigger it. But so far, I have been lucky that it doesn't interfere with my work much. Did you hear of Tom Harrell? He is a world renowned jazz musician and has serious schizophrenia. His life story is truly inspiring. Everyday is a challenge for him. I been to his concert once and off stage he becomes seriously paranoid. It was hard not to be able to interact with him and see him turn into a different person.

 

[gameboy 11]

Thanks for sharing your story. Glad to hear that it's not too much of an issue at work for you. Tom Harrell? Never heard of him. I might just have to look him up!

EDIT: I quickly looked him up and saw a picture of him. He's an interesting looking guy. He was pretty cute when he was younger too!

 

[Georgiadude]

I'm treating depression, anxiety and addiction. As long as I take my medications and follow through with my doctors appointments, NA meetings and work my recovery program it doesn't affect my job. I do struggle at times but I try not to let it affect me at work. I'll just get quiet and not talk to anyone. They know something is up but haven't made a big deal about it

With your diagnosis you really need to make sure you take medication every day at the same time. Set a reminder in your phone or something. I'm really happy for you. Prove to them that you can do it

My friend and I went to a gay restaurant-pub in midtown Atlanta last week and I kept hearing someone yelling "fuck, fuck" it seemed to be coming from the table behind us. it kept happening. I noticed I was the server. Poor kid has Tourettes syndrome. I watched him and he did a really good job. I applaud the restaurant for giving the kid a chance. Especially in the customer service industry. It has to be terribly embarrassing. I'm planning on calling them and telling them I think its awesome they would hire him. Not many places would hire someone that was cursing uncontrollably like that.

Steven

 

[evanrick]

I could have went on social security when a family member assaulted me in my early 20's, from it i got totally messed up.
for a time I found it impossible to do anything. about 2 years ago i really started sliding down, started questioning life and still trying to make the most of it. but ive had a job for 6 years, not sure how long it will last. no plan B.

 

[Telstra]

Do you think mental health is like the Kinsey scale? from one end to another ...

 

[Georgiadude]

Do you think mental health is like the Kinsey scale? from one end to another ...

Mental health issues are NOTHING to be made fun of. Once again you show your utter stupidity and lack understanding. Making jokes about a persons medical condition is not funny at all. Many people suffer. they cant hold a job, don't have friends and live a long, lonely life. Making jokes, however minor they may be only makes things worse for people.

Steven.

 

[Callum]

Yes/no...I've been fired from multiple jobs because of my disorders, but I didn't disclose my illnesses with my employers so they could accommodate me (not that they would, but that's another can of worms altogether...).

I have severe OCD, DD-NOS, MD-NOS and adult ADD. Doctor wants to toss in binge eating disorder too, but I don't binge-eat when I am properly medicated. I pretty much need to constantly be doing something intellectually stimulating or I lose my mind and do something completely pointless with my time (ex. online forums). I'm on a pretty wicked and expensive concoction to remedy it, and if I juggle it all properly I'm fully functional. Only took eight years to figure it all out!

I'm currently a "professional student"! I live in libraries and labs. I'm a magnet for scholarships since I'm legally "disabled" through the government/school, which has been comfortably financing me for quite some time...I'm also a freelance writer, so I make some cash that way as well. Hoping to eventually enrol in medical school (next two years or so).

Best of luck to anyone struggling! Everything falls into place in the end, no stress!

 

[gameboy 11]

I'm treating depression, anxiety and addiction. As long as I take my medications and follow through with my doctors appointments, NA meetings and work my recovery program it doesn't affect my job. I do struggle at times but I try not to let it affect me at work. I'll just get quiet and not talk to anyone. They know something is up but haven't made a big deal about it

With your diagnosis you really need to make sure you take medication every day at the same time. Set a reminder in your phone or something. I'm really happy for you. Prove to them that you can do it

My friend and I went to a gay restaurant-pub in midtown Atlanta last week and I kept hearing someone yelling "fuck, fuck" it seemed to be coming from the table behind us. it kept happening. I noticed I was the server. Poor kid has Tourettes syndrome. I watched him and he did a really good job. I applaud the restaurant for giving the kid a chance. Especially in the customer service industry. It has to be terribly embarrassing. I'm planning on calling them and telling them I think its awesome they would hire him. Not many places would hire someone that was cursing uncontrollably like that.

Steven

Thanks for posting, Georgiadude! I agree I think that it's pretty awesome that someone is giving that guy a chance at being employed. Hopefully you do call and give your appreciation! As far as taking medicine at about the same time every day I guess I could do better. Like on days that I have to work I do take my medicine between 7:30 and 8:15. On days that I don't work however I don't always get up at that time. And sometimes I sleep in and don't take my meds till the afternoon. But I have been told to try and take my medicine every day and around the same time too. So I've heard it before. I just put a reminder in my iPod Touch which goes almost EVERYWHERE with me. Thanks for posting!

 

[gameboy 11]

I could have went on social security when a family member assaulted me in my early 20's, from it i got totally messed up.
for a time I found it impossible to do anything. about 2 years ago i really started sliding down, started questioning life and still trying to make the most of it. but ive had a job for 6 years, not sure how long it will last. no plan B.

6 years?? That's a freakin' achievement, man! The longest I've ever held a job is a year. You should be proud of yourself!

 

[gameboy 11]

Yes/no...I've been fired from multiple jobs because of my disorders, but I didn't disclose my illnesses with my employers so they could accommodate me (not that they would, but that's another can of worms altogether...).

I have severe OCD, DD-NOS, MD-NOS and adult ADD. Doctor wants to toss in binge eating disorder too, but I don't binge-eat when I am properly medicated. I pretty much need to constantly be doing something intellectually stimulating or I lose my mind and do something completely pointless with my time (ex. online forums). I'm on a pretty wicked and expensive concoction to remedy it, and if I juggle it all properly I'm fully functional. Only took eight years to figure it all out!

I'm currently a "professional student"! I live in libraries and labs. I'm a magnet for scholarships since I'm legally "disabled" through the government/school, which has been comfortably financing me for quite some time...I'm also a freelance writer, so I make some cash that way as well. Hoping to eventually enrol in medical school (next two years or so).

Best of luck to anyone struggling! Everything falls into place in the end, no stress!

Wow. I looked up DD-NOS and boy is it complicated! I hope you continue to stay stable. Also good luck with medical school in the next couple of years!

 

[Georgiadude]

Thanks for posting, Georgiadude! I agree I think that it's pretty awesome that someone is giving that guy a chance at being employed. Hopefully you do call and give your appreciation! As far as taking medicine at about the same time every day I guess I could do better. Like on days that I have to work I do take my medicine between 7:30 and 8:15. On days that I don't work however I don't always get up at that time. And sometimes I sleep in and don't take my meds till the afternoon. But I have been told to try and take my medicine every day and around the same time too. So I've heard it before. I just put a reminder in my iPod Touch which goes almost EVERYWHERE with me. Thanks for posting!

your welcome. good luck to you.

I did one even better. This weekend was pride in Atlanta. My friend and I ate at the restaurant and I spoke to the manager and owner personally. I told them that everyone in our group thought it was great that they gave him a chance and he seemed to be a hard worker. They thanked me for my comments and said they appreciated me taking the time to speak to them. I think he'll do just fine. In fact I saw him working that same night.

Steven.

 

[Telstra]

Mental health issues are NOTHING to be made fun of. Once again you show your utter stupidity and lack understanding. Making jokes about a persons medical condition is not funny at all. Many people suffer. they cant hold a job, don't have friends and live a long, lonely life. Making jokes, however minor they may be only makes things worse for people.

Steven.

Its quite a reasonable good question.

 

[Callum]

Wow. I looked up DD-NOS and boy is it complicated! I hope you continue to stay stable. Also good luck with medical school in the next couple of years!

Thanks, we'll see!

Its quite a reasonable good question.

No. It was a stupid, moronic question, and Steven gave quite a reasonable response.

 

[Georgiadude]

Yeh. That's why you added that stupid laughing face at the end like you always do when you're making fun of someone or something. Your failed attempt at humor at the expense of those suffering from mental illness shows the type of person you really are. Some things should be left alone and this is one of them so kindly stop

Steven

 

[Telstra]

Kinsey scale is from 0 to 7.
I'm sure there are scales for metal health from mild to severe.