Unemployed with Schizophrenia: Dealing with Judgement

I am on SSDI & SSI. I am going to try and re-enter the work field after 14 years trying to be stable. I want off disability to be able to make more $$ and have greater independence

Me. I don’t have a lot of helpful here cause I struggle too. But so does my best friend and we find comfort in talking to each other

i’ve been debating for for about a year now on if i should apply for ssdi and i finally did bc i really don’t have any other option bc i can’t work with how bad my anxiety is

During the time of my diagnosis, I could not work a real job I was so symptomatic. I was folding silverware in a restaurant. And taking waters/soft drinks to tables, did this a few months. Unfortunately every time I have to change meds / meds are adjusted if affects my energy and thus my job :(

Been unemployed before, most recently was November then I got a part time job I’m at now. But always working part time jobs never full time. I tried it once in 2020 and burnt out so bad I’m still recovering

Unfortunately, most people still have a stigma regarding mental illness. At the same time, about two years ago I started working in a rehabilitation factory that employs people with mental illnesses. Apart from a place of employment, there is also individual and group guidance which helps in social integration.

Putting your mental health first isn’t normal in our society. Having a job doesn’t measure your worth as a person.

I am unemployed and I just tell them I do dog sitting (which I only really do for my brother lol). I am in the process of getting ssi and I still have a long way to go. Remember you don’t owe anyone an explanation.