Hi Malibumark,
You are certainly not alone. Main Street economics is bringing out mental illnesses at epidemic rates. My schizophrenic wife was normal, until she found that she couldn't get a full time job. With that and other issues, she is now suffering from dementia. The other issues would not have been so large if she had been able to get a full time job. Her main problem is that she is over-qualified and no one wants to pay her required income for her skill level. Being a workaholic, this is absolutely horrible to her. Be sure to mention your mood shifts to your doctor. It could be a precursor to something that needs extra medication for. I find this encouraging that you can see these mood changes on your own. With any disease, taking personal care is crucial. Don't ignore them and find what may be causing them and helps you with them.

I could never keep a job because of my sz. The longest I worked F/T was 8 months then I was fired or ended up in a psych hospital for a breakdown. So I wouldn't say that a job would be ideal. If you get disibilty payments and can get by with that maybe you could volunteer. I volunteered at the Humane Society and for "Cats-in-Need". It got my mind off myself and on to the animals...of whom I love tremendously. But there are many cases on the other had of people doing quite well in a working environment. Just watch your stress level as that seemed to be a trigger for me in getting ill again. Good luck and I hope you find the support you need here.

Hi Plywood,
If you keep getting fired due to your schizophrenia, the firing may have been illegal. Under the employee equal opportunity act, employers are required to make reasonable accommodations for people with handicaps, this includes mental handicaps. The law is not a panacea, but everyone with mental disorders need to know their rights as workers and file with the EEOC every time there is a loss of employment. You may or may not get an outcome, but is is always worth a try..

Thanks '75' and 'plywood.' I appreciate the input. Important things to keep in mind.

hi malibumark,

you are definately not alone...my son was just diagnosed and is in the hospital now...i'm hoping that he will get better...until then i am hoping and waiting helplessly for his retun home and my journey into "the unknown"

take care of yourself...if not work than something that you have interest in...healthy folks are having trouble finding and keeping jobs in this economy...you new job is taking care of "you"

much love to you....

hi mark.
i'm glad that you've been getting better for the most part. i hope you can find a job soon, if that's what you want. i work part-time, and also volunteer. i think you're right....it's good to have something to focus on.
good luck.

Welcome to the group. Feel free to share whatever you need to with us. This is a good place to think things over.

Thanks everyone, it's great to read your responses. I really appreciate them. Have a wonderful day.

The moods are worth noting to the Pdoc I have been passed on promotions because of my mood swings in the past. Which have settled a lot since seeing a Tdoc.

To continue the comments I cant plug volunteering enough it is a great way to get some experience in different fields to see if that's what you want to do or keep your skills up . As well as social and confidence building and feel a part of the community. All is a must for your mental health. As most of us have been out of work for large gaps during treatments! It looks great on your work history when you feel ready to start looking for work again and helps to bridge those gaps. Even if volunteering for once a week or once a month.

It also worth noting I struggle to do full time work but about 5 hours a day was my last limit to how much I could cope with. So finding your limits on what you can do rather than focusing on what the illness takes away it usually only temporary as youre slowly building yourself up to get over it.