Holding Down A Job With Schizophrenia

Living with schizoaffective disorder has made it more difficult for me to hold down a steady job. In this video, I discuss some reasons for why this is, and some of the barriers people living with chronic mental illness may face to remaining employed. I also provide some ways for employers to try to address and reduce these barriers and to meaningfully support the mental health of their employees.
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Пікірлер: 399

  • @LivingWellwithSchizophrenia
    @LivingWellwithSchizophrenia Жыл бұрын

    JOIN OUR ONLINE PEER SUPPORT COMMUNITY Schizophrenia Peer Support Community: www.schizophreniapeersupport.com General Mental Illness Peer Support Community: www.onlinepeersupport.com

  • @tudormiller887

    @tudormiller887

    6 ай бұрын

    Great video, really informative. I have Avoidant Personality Disorder. Watching in the UK.

  • @bliven8704
    @bliven87042 жыл бұрын

    I’m 58 schizoaffective snd have been cleaning OR’s part time at night for almost 3 years ( I’m very proud- thanks to finally getting meds adjusted to a good place). I’ve always been envious of people who have been at jobs for years. I had dozens. But cleaning by myself has worked well. Low pay but accomplishment feels good. Still embarrassed because I’ve had jobs where I was in charge of multimillion dollar budgets and here I am. But happiness for how far I’ve come. And proud of all of you folks speaking up. Literally decades I thought it was just me. Thank you.

  • @amandah8258

    @amandah8258

    2 жыл бұрын

    The value of your work isn't just money. Sounds like you find plenty of value in cleaning. Good for you for finding what works 🌟

  • @Jaguncy

    @Jaguncy

    2 жыл бұрын

    I'm so proud of your journey!! Keep on doing the great work. You deserve the happiness and love.

  • @sianchandler725

    @sianchandler725

    2 жыл бұрын

    I work in healthcare and this is a critical job.. (Severe mental illness too) Thank you. I am an EMT. Low pay for sure. When I clean my ambulance, I always think, would I be comfortable with my loved one in this truck? I try to do a good job.. The bet I can. I love being an EMT. It saved me. Night shift here too :) We are different lol

  • @michelleme8228

    @michelleme8228

    2 жыл бұрын

    I’m 37 and I just had to resign from my job today. I am looking for work that is less stressful. I have sz.

  • @trishayamada807

    @trishayamada807

    2 жыл бұрын

    Cleaning operating rooms IS an important job. I did that when I was 16 and couldn’t believe they’d trust a teenager to maintain a clean environment. Cleaners deserve more pay. It’s a very needed part of our society! Also, I actually liked cleaning the OR. To see it all perfect when I was done felt great. I knew the patient who’d be next had a clean and safe environment in part because of me!

  • @brokenroot7337
    @brokenroot73372 жыл бұрын

    I am 44 years old with Bipolar type 1, and I have filled out over 60 W2's in my life. For those not in the US, that's a form you fill out to let the IRS know you work at a place so they can tax you. You sharing this is very helpful. I now work for a Psychiatric hospital, and am going to school to become a mental health therapist.

  • @kylieshaye6562

    @kylieshaye6562

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for your sacrifices and hard work to help other people in need!

  • @whiskeylinux

    @whiskeylinux

    2 жыл бұрын

    That's awesome, I hope it works out for you. I've also had like 100 jobs or so in my lifetime (I'm 45), so I understand. The job market is kinda ugly, but we just have to keep pressing onward.

  • @stayhungrystayfoolish7751

    @stayhungrystayfoolish7751

    2 жыл бұрын

    I am so happy to read what u have written...I am ur age and I am persuing MSW so that I get a meaningful employment 👍

  • @Jaguncy

    @Jaguncy

    2 жыл бұрын

    Wish you good luck and fortune with your goals. You're gonna be awesome

  • @SEAndies

    @SEAndies

    2 жыл бұрын

    ❤️❤️❤️

  • @jamesnderitu1681
    @jamesnderitu1681 Жыл бұрын

    Been there done that, got the t-shirt. My last employer found out about my Schizophrenia and I was asked to resign.

  • @contrarianbarbarian4232
    @contrarianbarbarian42322 жыл бұрын

    Since we’re adding info, 40, schizoaffective, I’ve given up completely on working. Keeping myself out of the hell that is a mental hospital by taking care of my home and cats and sanity is the best I can do. I do more where I can, free. I just hope y’all understand, I’m not a hermit cause I don’t like you…

  • @Weld24_CosmicKat

    @Weld24_CosmicKat

    2 жыл бұрын

    I am 54, with a household of feline rescues. I consider myself pretty much a misanthrope with some exceptions. I enjoy my solitude and my pretty kitties. I just got released recently from hospital for medication non-compliance. i enjoy welding and fabricating and holding a job, but find it too hard to get along with other workers.

  • @Frillexthesexybunny

    @Frillexthesexybunny

    2 жыл бұрын

    I'm so happy for you!!

  • @barbaraannmartinez8378

    @barbaraannmartinez8378

    Жыл бұрын

    I hear you. Feel the same way. Have been wanting to go to school forever! I'm afraid it's probably not going to happen. I'm a schizophrenic and I have to take meds and something always comes up, but I do agree with you, you have to make sure you're okay first.

  • @mariahconklin4150

    @mariahconklin4150

    11 ай бұрын

    I have been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, Auditory Processing Disorder, Anxiety, Depression and honestly I would love to never work again. Not only has work contributed to my mental illness but so has my living environment.

  • @mariahconklin4150

    @mariahconklin4150

    11 ай бұрын

    @@Weld24_CosmicKat Aw I'm 38 and am the same a total misanthrope. haha. I get ya.

  • @lindsay6518
    @lindsay65182 жыл бұрын

    GIRL SAME. I have CPTSD and bipolar 2. Jobs and working have always made up the most stressful area of my life.

  • @contrarianbarbarian4232

    @contrarianbarbarian4232

    2 жыл бұрын

    To be fair, they always did, but hunting and gathering are things we excel at. It’s only when you’re forced into a structure that doesn’t fit that we are unable to live. Unfortunately those vital skills are all but gone/useless currently. Some of the top geniuses have mental disorders, it’s the mundane left suffering in their own bed…

  • @jasminvomwalde7497

    @jasminvomwalde7497

    2 жыл бұрын

    Same here. And the anxiety of not being able to perform well any more makes my stress level go through the roof and my mental health deteriorates until I „have to“ quit. It‘s loosely a 1-2 year cycle until breakdown and resignation…

  • @maryannscott5567

    @maryannscott5567

    2 жыл бұрын

    @lindsay I would agree except for the 10 years I worked full time as a dental laboratory technician making dental appliances. I was also raising 3 special needs children alone and was undiagnosed and untreated for mental illness. As long as I had sympathetic supervisors I found my hours at the job to be the most relaxing time of my day.

  • @GothWaffles
    @GothWaffles2 жыл бұрын

    I struggle with this too. I have Schizoaffective and CPTSD and it can be severely difficult to consistently show up and give it your all everyday. It’s so hard

  • @pizzapie08
    @pizzapie082 жыл бұрын

    I'm so glad that I found this channel! I was diagnosed with Schizoaffective Disorder in 2017 and I have had difficulty finding and holding onto a job. I'm glad I'm not the only one 😌

  • @mosaicowlstudios
    @mosaicowlstudios Жыл бұрын

    I learned to NEVER reveal my diagnosis to anyone at work, except for very special circumstances. Every time I've confided my diagnosis to my employer, I ended up not having that job much longer.

  • @contrarianbarbarian4232
    @contrarianbarbarian42322 жыл бұрын

    Thank you. It’s not that I don’t want to work, it’s that it’s impossible given the parameters set by any reasonable employer. Read an article once that stated 85% of schizophrenics want to work but are unable.

  • @FUDGEWILLI
    @FUDGEWILLI2 жыл бұрын

    I’m schizoaffective and I’ve been job hopping since 2015. Good to know I’m not the only one.

  • @Jaguncy

    @Jaguncy

    2 жыл бұрын

    I only have bipolar type 1, but I too struggle with job hopping. I've been trying to work on a single place for a long period of time since when I was 15. So I'm 7 years trying and got over 12 different jobs in those years cuz I just can't hold tight enough after a few months.

  • @yameenraja179

    @yameenraja179

    14 күн бұрын

    I am also schizoaffective.Tell me about your Concentration and cognitive abilities...I m having cognitive deficit...Are u going thru same things...

  • @chamicels
    @chamicels2 күн бұрын

    I have schizo affective disorder.I worked on job for 15 years and my current one for 7. I have been symptom free for 14 years now. Except for depression. I never met anyone that was a high functioning schizo affective. Thank you for your videos.

  • @newdamage5945
    @newdamage59452 жыл бұрын

    I actually have the opposite problem. I have a job that I have been at for years because I decided for my mental health I was going to do what is best for me and not take on more than I could handle because of pressure from society. The downside is I have felt looked down upon quite a lot by family and people my age because I haven't "moved up". I am not a real high functioning person and that is just reality so instead of going through job after job I stayed where I felt I belonged and it has allowed me to stay employed regularly when I know I wouldn't have been at other jobs. The downside is of course the condescension I get from people on a regular basis but as I get older I get better at ignoring that. Thanks for this video I needed it today!

  • @lvega5606

    @lvega5606

    2 жыл бұрын

    I know how you feel. But the smart people know that everyone has different priorities, so even though you're a bright, capable person, it's important to you to be mentally healthy. And then some people prioritize a certain cause over money. They might make very little working for a non-profit that saves animals' lives, but that means more to them than earning more money and doing a less meaningful job.

  • @kaylaschroeder1

    @kaylaschroeder1

    2 жыл бұрын

    Our society is sick and deeply conditioned to always maintain or project a "success" or "moving up" mentality, especially in the job world. I'm glad to have read your comment, to know you're content, and I wish you the best.

  • @przybyla420

    @przybyla420

    Жыл бұрын

    It used to just be upperclass people who were condescending snobs with limited introspection/insight abilities, now it seems like it’s most middle income people too. The dirty work takes skill too and is usually more important.

  • @bradywilson3560
    @bradywilson35602 жыл бұрын

    I think the work place itself causes mental illness. I have felt my place of work at times has made me feel I'm losing my mind. You putting yourself out there with these videos I think is inspiring for those of us with mental health issues to take positive action. It seems making these videos is a type of therapy for you. Which is very cool. I wish you and yours the best of health.

  • @nineangels7572

    @nineangels7572

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yes!!!

  • @tarandavison2328

    @tarandavison2328

    Жыл бұрын

    I saw a blow out when I was roughnecking and I became a paranoid schizophrenic afterwards so I agree but now that I am medicated I find work soothes me like it did once before so in that way I don’t agree

  • @mariahconklin4150

    @mariahconklin4150

    11 ай бұрын

    I agree which is one of the reasons why I stay in doors. I'll stay inside forever if I could but I have to work to pay this high rent it sucks.

  • @Jaguncy
    @Jaguncy2 жыл бұрын

    I have bipolar disorder, I can't stress how dreadful it is to have to try to keep a job for long periods of time. The 5 to 6 months is my limit. I start to lose my mind over staying in one place, having to go there everyday and it sucks. Ppl be judging me like not professional or competent, not a good employee and things like that cuz in there eyes, if you can't hold a job down for at least 2 years, you must not be good enough or have "something wrong". Even my family say shit like that. I just cannot, it kills me and my suicidal ideation go through the roof when I'm getting close to the 6 months mark of being in a job

  • @BergenholtzChannel
    @BergenholtzChannel2 жыл бұрын

    I have had a similar problem. There are just too many people who can replace a person who becomes too much trouble for an employer. I am so happy you have found your perfect spot. We have all benefitted from your work here.

  • @clintpatty
    @clintpatty7 ай бұрын

    I could not hold down a job before I had medication, and the medication really helps. It doesn't always work, and it's always very uncomfortable for me if I have an episode at work. I have filled out my Equal Employment Opportunity form as disabled for every job I've had since diagnosis, but no employer has ever reached out to ask me about providing accommodations. At my current employer, I have openly spoken with my boss and coworkers about my disorder. I've had to take time off unexpectedly only once when I had an episode, so I feel fortunate for how often that has occurred. Especially if people are already comfortable with you or have come to appreciate you, I feel like speaking openly about mental illness helps to reduce stigma. I am also fortunate to have employer provided health insurance that makes my medications cost $0 even though I'm on 4 and am living in the US.

  • @zainabkhalidfrah6711
    @zainabkhalidfrah6711 Жыл бұрын

    You are amazing and so true❤

  • @saggguy7
    @saggguy72 жыл бұрын

    I’m a chronic job-hopper too! I don’t have schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder but I do have bipolar disorder and ADHD. Employment often takes such a toll on my mental health that I have no choice but to leave my jobs. With every one, I end up hitting a wall and I simply cannot keep going. Many of these jobs have ended with me quitting suddenly without giving notice, because after I get to this point I literally cannot go to work for another day (let alone two weeks). I always thought there was something wrong with me, but I’ve come to understand that it’s not me that’s broken, it’s the system that doesn’t accommodate brains like mine. I burn out fast because it’s ten times more work for me to get through a work day than it is for a neurotypical person. I’m doing my best now to get by on part-time employment and even though money’s tight it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made for myself.

  • @mackenzierempel1241
    @mackenzierempel12412 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for posting this. I felt alone. I struggled with maintaining a job and with remaining in university. I dropped out of university because of my Schizophrenia and it made jobs difficult.

  • @desireeguillory8106

    @desireeguillory8106

    2 жыл бұрын

    You are not alone. I also have t

  • @waynedockett4212
    @waynedockett4212 Жыл бұрын

    I'm 41, a serial job hopper and ex artist. Now I've disappeared into moving to my childhood hometown to help my parents.... I'm being completely drained. I want it all to be over

  • @mimineko1019
    @mimineko10192 жыл бұрын

    I have hopped through three jobs in the past two years. It’s always been because of my disability I keep being fired or demoted for being slow.

  • @renmachado1820

    @renmachado1820

    2 жыл бұрын

    I know what you mean I have a leaning disability.

  • @aerynstormcrow
    @aerynstormcrow Жыл бұрын

    Puppies may not be good for schizophrenia mental health but I am autistic and severely depressed and puppy play is an absolute saviour when it comes to my mental health. I’m also chronically I’ll and therapy dogs visiting me in the hospital is one thing I look forward to.

  • @tigerlilly8365
    @tigerlilly836511 ай бұрын

    You are a beautiful person. Your videos are very powerful, informative and give hope to many including myself.

  • @witchyvibes8625
    @witchyvibes8625 Жыл бұрын

    I have bipolar and I am a job hopper… sometimes I can’t even explain why I left a job I just did. It sucks that they ask you about this on job applications too.

  • @maryannscott5567
    @maryannscott55672 жыл бұрын

    This is why obtaining a diagnosis and eligibility for disability is so important

  • @amberlaminack5727

    @amberlaminack5727

    2 жыл бұрын

    I agree 100 percent. I was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder 2 decades ago and tried holding down a job, but couldn't. I have been on ssdi since then.

  • @DeadJack57

    @DeadJack57

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yes. My psychiatrists were particularly difficult to get a clear diagnosis with. I basically had to figure out on my own that my nightly panic atacks were caused by migraine light sensitivity and not "atypical psychosis" as they labeled me.

  • @maryannscott5567

    @maryannscott5567

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@DeadJack57 Please explain. We're the attacks before bed or during the night? What light source was causing the panic? My partner has extreme anxiety near every evening but we assume it is because he dreads going to work the next day.

  • @DeadJack57

    @DeadJack57

    2 жыл бұрын

    The attacks were at sunset. They didn't seem to be caused by anything other than change in light quality. Though, they did include flashbacks to traumatic events in childhood.

  • @Pureimagination200

    @Pureimagination200

    Жыл бұрын

    Being on disability is not a goal I want. I don’t want to sit home and do nothing and collect a small check.

  • @MNAZ480
    @MNAZ4802 жыл бұрын

    50 yr old male with Borderline Personality Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I relate to this video soooo much. The mental health stigma is real. The instability is real.

  • @alienchancla3005
    @alienchancla3005 Жыл бұрын

    I don’t even have schizophrenia but I have severe anxiety and depression coupled with alcoholism. Fuck. This made me feel a lot better. I’ve had 18 plus jobs at the age of 28 and I resent myself for it. Everyone thinks I’m a loser and it turns into me hating myself for not being able to keep up with everyone else.

  • @hello-vy5lb

    @hello-vy5lb

    Жыл бұрын

    Don't beat yourself up.

  • @missovercomer2488
    @missovercomer24887 ай бұрын

    Im 30 years old, I got diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder 9 years ago. Since then I've had around 20 jobs. My last job I struggled really hard to keep up with it and had to be hospitalized. I got out two months ago and now going back to school for social work. I was doing pretty well with my classes but now I feel like I may not be able to keep this going. I think I might be headed towards psychosis. Its so depressing and frustrating because I feel like I can never stick to things like a regular functioning person.

  • @rick3747
    @rick37472 жыл бұрын

    I am 55, Bipolar I and DID and I too have had many, many jobs.....41 jobs since 1984. My biggest issue is those few SOBs at work who find out somehow or maybe they can tell somehow that one has a serious, chronic mental condition and then... play games, put roadblocks and try to get you fired. I can't be the only one who has exp. this at work.

  • @saraedmondson3465

    @saraedmondson3465

    Ай бұрын

    Same. Well said!

  • @joannekerr3
    @joannekerr32 жыл бұрын

    Lauren you should definitely not feel any shame around this. I've been dealing with mental health issues for my entire adult life and the only reason I am financially stable right now is because my wonderful husband was able to create a family business for us. I was never able to keep a job longer than a year or two when working at regular jobs. Stigma is real, coming out of hospitalization and dealing with symptoms are all a huge problem!

  • @Christ_Is_Life10-10
    @Christ_Is_Life10-102 жыл бұрын

    Asking for accommodations is a nightmare. They shine a flashlight on your limitations and manufacture problems to justify that you are not performing or being productive.

  • @Vcoffee1235
    @Vcoffee123510 сағат бұрын

    Oh my God I'm not alone with this so grateful for you and this content

  • @jerraldwest8531
    @jerraldwest8531 Жыл бұрын

    The hardest thing for me is how impatient people become when I'm symptomatic. When I get confused easily, my thoughts and behaviors become disjointed, and my memory is fragmented, I want to die because of the way my coworkers and superiors react. I tested out at a college master's level in English when I was 15, yet I can barely get through one chapter of a book when my symptoms flare up, which happens more when I'm distressed. One of the worst examples of workplace symptoms is when I'm trying to communicate, but my disordered speech, flight of thoughts and embarrassment all clash. A few weeks of that and my employers typically look for excuses to fire me. But who's going to believe a schizophrenic? Things they don't tell you when you get diagnosed; People are a lot crueler when they think no one will believe you, then everyone will expect you to accept the "consequences" of your actions during a period when you were medically incapable of even forming or maintaining a coherent line of thought. Oh, but if I were an elder with Alzheimer's instead of a 26-year-old with schizophrenia, at least I'd get more help and be put out of my misery in roughly a decade. But as it is now, I feel trapped by life itself.

  • @shabana9923
    @shabana99232 жыл бұрын

    I am grateful to you. I am grateful to Rob. You are changing lives.

  • @manny498
    @manny4982 жыл бұрын

    Bipolar I here. I just turned 30 and have been fired from every job I’ve had. That’s been horrible especially working my way out of the housing projects I grew up in and overcoming all kinds of other barriers and traumas...I was so excited for my life as a teen/early 20s because I’d proven to myself that nothing can hold me back from the life I want...and then my first manic episode and hospitalization and addiction and....well now I have a stable job with FMLA for the bipolar and I’m getting married and on medication and everything is still so effing hard. I’m in pain and mental anguish every day. All of my providers keep telling me that this version of me is sooo much better than where I was. But I’m still hurting. I want to live a good life, but this society almost makes it easier for you to just “be crazy”. That’s my rant. Sorry.

  • @josephhage9377
    @josephhage93772 жыл бұрын

    The best part is when people gossip about you at work because of how odd you are And yet they have no clue you have schizophrenia

  • @saifulamriofficial
    @saifulamriofficial2 жыл бұрын

    Hi from Malaysia. Im also a Schizoprenia since i was 20 years old and today im 30 years old. Im glad i found this video. Because im also planning to resign and do other job. Im glad im not the only 1. Thank you for making this video. Sending u love from Malaysia. ❤

  • @williamkiely9523
    @williamkiely95232 жыл бұрын

    I found this video informative. I have jumped around with jobs , living arrangements all my life. I would do well for a while, then crash and burn and walk away from everything.

  • @deborahbeckerson2614
    @deborahbeckerson26142 жыл бұрын

    I am 50 with schizophrenia and have worked odd jobs like cleaning, coffee cart and industrial factory work. Menial jobs but they gave me a bit of income and experience on a resume. I am now interested in wellness and fitness programs at a community college to hopefully apply to sometime. thank you so much for sharing your life struggles with mental illness and the stigmas surrounding it.

  • @donaldcarpenter5328
    @donaldcarpenter53288 ай бұрын

    I commented about this in another of your videos. You have FOUND your calling! You are a natural TEACHER & COUNSELOR and a GREAT HOST! I too was a job "hopper". Do you KNOW what STRESSED me out MORE than almost anything? Going to a job interview, that's what. However I did NOT want to work with "customers" I didn't want to sell things I didn't BELIEVE in.

  • @rachelsalex
    @rachelsalex11 ай бұрын

    Thank you Lauren for doing these. This is meaningful to me as the mother of a young adult child with mental illness.

  • @GilezDavidson
    @GilezDavidson2 жыл бұрын

    I dropped out of high school at 14 and I have had more jobs than my 58 years, I totally get it. Yet when I have liked a job, or even loved I have been able to hold for a while, I think my record was 3 years, but I had a ton of sick days, but a forgiving boss due to my excellent job skills LOL. A ton of 1 day stints, the shortest quite a lot, usually lunch time, and just never went back. I am now on disability, but I wish that I had dealt with my issues when it all started, instead of going through life self medicating and just failing at so many things because of it. Thanks for being brave and speaking out on your good days through these videos, especially at a time when the world is in chaos and those with these kind of issues is under that extra stress which amplifies the issues that exist.

  • @EctoBabble
    @EctoBabble Жыл бұрын

    I recently lost my job due to a manic depressive episode. It was awful, and its been a month and im ashamed because i couldnt see how far gone i was until after i was able to sit for a week after i was fired... my new boss had been awful and reminded me of an abuser i had, it made everything worse... i am so so ashamed. Im now looking for health insurance and i broke down today.

  • @meganmahoney1749
    @meganmahoney17492 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for this very important topic. I too was a serial job hopper and could not complete my Bachelors Degree because of the stress involved.. I always felt alone in this, it’s nice to know others go through the same reality.

  • @juliafees4675
    @juliafees467511 ай бұрын

    Four years ago I retired from a 30 year career in accounting. (Called highly functional bipolar). I was looking forward to a new career in retail sales. My first job lasted six months, my second job for three months, and my final job for two months. I had just started a six-week TMS treatment program. I went to work one day right after a treatment. It took me twenty minutes to ring up a two blouse sale. I broke down into tears and clocked out and went home. I turned in my notice the next day. I still struggle with how I went from a 30 year career to a failed sales associate. Luckily I have a wonderful family and grandchildren.

  • @staystrong8307
    @staystrong83077 ай бұрын

    I am a 27 year old schizophrenic patient who is trying to hold down an Accounting career. Thank you for sharing that job hopping is a normal situation when one is living with a mental illness. I am grateful that you mentioned flexibility as this is current benefit I am enjoying from my current employment with a boutique accountancy firm in my locality here. I do concur that there are days I am symptomatic and unable to give my best efforts at work. My employer also knows about my condition and tries not to press me too hard, however stigma is always there as people tend to label me as crazy and unable to be a performer.

  • @brandiminor1632
    @brandiminor1632 Жыл бұрын

    It takes a lot of courage to speak on a topic like this. Good job. And thank you.

  • @ephwuzephoria
    @ephwuzephoria Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for addressing this topic I'm unmotivated today to even get out bed & going to work I woke up depressed I think I'll have a mental health off day

  • @riase
    @riase2 жыл бұрын

    This youtube channel job that you have gives way more service and is way more useful to the society than most regular 9am - 5pm jobs. These videos are extremely well put together, the information and data are well researched + you offer a first hand experience. I think this is a true vocation. You are an educator.

  • @MEOLOGY815
    @MEOLOGY815 Жыл бұрын

    I love the way you deliver your information. You are very talented in the manner you speak. I’m learning your vocabulary so I can better communicate to others about my journey. ❤

  • @timothywilliams2887
    @timothywilliams2887 Жыл бұрын

    I have been a serial job hopper and am now on disability. I've been anticipating returning to the job community. Hopefully it will go better.

  • @teresastaggs7923
    @teresastaggs79232 жыл бұрын

    This video hit the nail on the head. Every employer should be required to watch this. Thanks Lauren, from a fellow serial job hopper.

  • @Stranded73
    @Stranded732 жыл бұрын

    Fellow job-hopper here. Thank you for this. My mental illness symptoms make it hard for me to spot red flags and I've ended up in many toxic jobs. I've finally found the courage to check that "disabled" checkbox on job applications. I found that it's just better that people know there's something up with me right away, instead of them finding it out the hard way later. I've got a new job now. Hopefully it'll last. Hopefully, I'll want it to.

  • @Pureimagination200

    @Pureimagination200

    Жыл бұрын

    Do you think you have been passed over for jobs because you let them know about your mental illness??

  • @Rose_Gardner
    @Rose_Gardner2 жыл бұрын

    You’re absolutely spot on! This is not only for mental illness but single parents, caretakers of those with mental illness or chronically ill as well. I would love to see a therapist, but insurance does not cover it. After all we have gone through with COVID, that should be covered by all insurance policies. This world still has a long way to go to create work flexibility, benefits & accommodations but it all starts with awareness & education. When you have a mental or chronic illness, it does not mean you cannot work, but when there are inflexible employers or bosses, it becomes a setup for failure for those with already difficult life challenges. We have brilliant minds that create incredible technology, I’m sure we could come up with solutions if we all understood how much better our world would be if we found ways to help one another succeed.

  • @IAmTheirVoice
    @IAmTheirVoice2 жыл бұрын

    As someone who has a child with schizophrenia, I can attest to the job hopping and need for taking mental health breaks that last for days, weeks, months. However, I work in management for a prosperous health corporation and can tell you that there's no way we could accommodate the needs he has (or someone similar). There are important deadlines and ppl's health and recovery that depend on our employees being available every day. So I think with some careers, it's impossible to make those modifications, and the person has to be creative on what they can do-- just like this KZread career you have developed! I really appreciate your posts and videos!

  • @katalindejong
    @katalindejong2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for helping to understand my son who has schizoaffective disorder ...

  • @DoreenBellDotan
    @DoreenBellDotan2 жыл бұрын

    You just won't let yourself be enslaved. You've been very consistent about making these helpful videos. You clearly can hold down a job.

  • @stevelevi8327

    @stevelevi8327

    2 жыл бұрын

    I'm also a schizophrenic and I think you're unable to notice you're only seeing her do her best at her best when this job is convenient for her. Don't judge a novel by its cover. You're witnessing just the tip of the iceberg.

  • @lostlittleme2959

    @lostlittleme2959

    2 жыл бұрын

    Unbelievable.... what did you expect? Her to to be licking windows or some shit?? This is the stigma im talking about. I have her illness and prob carry myself the same way some days, but then its ugly head rears and im not able to function. Just because someone looks fine on the surface doesn't mean they aren't unwell.

  • @DoreenBellDotan

    @DoreenBellDotan

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@lostlittleme2959 Watch your mouth. Being insane is no excuse to be rude.

  • @DoreenBellDotan

    @DoreenBellDotan

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@stevelevi8327 Wouldn't those be qualities that someone could put to good use as an owner of an independent business, perhaps in partnership with others? Maybe as part of a Co-op?

  • @lostlittleme2959

    @lostlittleme2959

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@DoreenBellDotan Get off this page if you're going to be condescending .What you said was rude so i aptly responded with the same degradation as you!

  • @stagehand9002
    @stagehand9002 Жыл бұрын

    i was diagnosed with adhd, took a job that required focus, good working memory etc and i was overwhelmed and performed poorly. Merely unloading department store trucks on a line with multiple items to seperate. I resigned in triumph because i surrendered to my condition and didnt feel the slightest inadequacy. Im 57 and went through a life of chaos. I took a pay cut to do hotel laundry and that suited me optimally. The season got slow and im now working with developmentally disabled which i will try to use to my advantage as far as acceptance/responsibility is concerned. Sometimes i wish my condition was a severed limb. At least the problem is right there to see instead of a head like a haunted house. Im up for the challange though and this channel has been a great help. Thank You & God Bless.

  • @jccavin6587
    @jccavin658711 ай бұрын

    Your an inspiration to me! I really admire your bravery to share your experiences. I'm like the male version of you in az. Your a success story. Im a success story too! living with schizoaffective disorder for over 20 years. Its been a long road. Its awesome to know i'm not alone. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.👍👍👍

  • @CricketGirrl
    @CricketGirrl7 ай бұрын

    The only job I had that was OK with all of this was when I worked in a call center with a bunch of therapist caseworkers. They were all so compassionate! The CEO was a psychiatrist with an MBA. It was awesome.

  • @joycezaid3909
    @joycezaid3909 Жыл бұрын

    I got fired from several jobs from 2009-2020, not all at once, but different intervals, did WFH for 41/2 years, but went back to the office due to isolation, in 2019, was fired from 3 jobs, until my previous position from 20-2022, and my present position, I currently WFH(which I wasn't happy about at first). My employer knows I have an illness, and I let them know what reasonable accommodations I need to do my job. I used to be afraid to let them know because I feared it being used against me, and so was fired under "other reasons". My last employer before this one was the best; the only reason I left was because my performance suffered due to the calling system we were using, and I saw the writing on the wall, and with current one going on a year in May. Thank you for your honesty, that has made me honest in educating others, and not feeling shame for being "different".

  • @Meganmama
    @Meganmama2 жыл бұрын

    I’m 38 and have had 10 jobs in the 13 years of my professional career. I have anxiety and depression but I think the main reason many of my jobs have been so short lived is because they are brutally awful and relentless. I work in the mental health and healthcare field with a master’s degree and counseling license. The way professionals are treated and expected to “suck it up” when dealing with constant short staffing, secondary trauma from holding space for clients, and being worked longer and longer on-call hours with no respite…it’s unacceptable. I finally am in a position as a part time hospital discharge planner where the environment is mostly good and once I walk out at 4pm I’m done for the day. But the pressure is still high for the 8 hours I’m there. I’ve just realized that most work for other people is going to be difficult in some way so this is the best I’ve seen and there’s no point in looking elsewhere.

  • @adhdandme2023
    @adhdandme20232 жыл бұрын

    T H A N K Y O U. Thank you. Most jobs are just so stressful. If not the job in and of itself, then the bullying behaviour or toxic environment or inhumane expectations that surround you. Then if/when you're "unwell" you get overlooked, belittled, watched, monitored, criticised and stigmatised which only makes the former worse.

  • @kaylaschroeder1

    @kaylaschroeder1

    2 жыл бұрын

    Very well said.

  • @GilezDavidson

    @GilezDavidson

    2 жыл бұрын

    It is sad that people that don't have a mental disability don't get it at all and just make things really hard for you.

  • @TheUrbanPrude

    @TheUrbanPrude

    Жыл бұрын

    I've had a manager basically call me "crazy" to my face, in front of people. Unfortunately, there's nothing HR will do

  • @sshii
    @sshii2 жыл бұрын

    I’m 29 and have OCD/PTSD/EDs. I’ve spent the majority of the last decade job hopping. I feel very self conscious about my chronic inability to maintain work, but I’m learning to accept that I’ve been through lots and healing takes time. I’m about to graduate and have been freaking out, so this made me feel so much less alone. Thank you!!

  • @charlottebrown4572

    @charlottebrown4572

    2 жыл бұрын

    Congratulations on graduating, that's a huge accomplishment!!

  • @JustinGarfield1
    @JustinGarfield1 Жыл бұрын

    You ever thought about massage therpist? I got 2 major mental disorders and cried my way through school, but think this job can be at least a little more accommodating than most jobs. 🙏 ❤🙏 ♥ 🙏 ♥.

  • @shawnmason1105
    @shawnmason11052 жыл бұрын

    I know you don't know me but not my name is Shawn Mason and I deal with bipolar one disorder with major depressive disorder and major anxiety disorder thank you for your KZread channel you give me a lot of comfort and knowing that I'm not the only one because I live in Arkansas and this is a state that really doesn't understand mental illness in my family doesn't understand mental illness and I feel so alone in the world thank you for giving me comfort and knowing that I can watch you and know that I'm not the only one we're not bad people but I can't convince my family of that but at least I can listen to your videos and know that I'm not a bad person

  • @adhdandme2023

    @adhdandme2023

    2 жыл бұрын

    You're not alone Shawn

  • @shawnmason1105

    @shawnmason1105

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@adhdandme2023 Thank you Flowj

  • @daisy7066

    @daisy7066

    2 жыл бұрын

    You sound sweet

  • @kittyfire9231

    @kittyfire9231

    Жыл бұрын

    I have schizoaffective disorder with major depression and I also live in Arkansas and I feel just the same.

  • @pl-mn2ro
    @pl-mn2ro2 жыл бұрын

    Dear Lauren, you are already tremendously contributing to society in many ways. Being a mother in the most beautiful but most difficult job to do . Raising children properly will give them confidence to be better human. Being a supportive spouse for Rob is also great things to do to empowering him to face life adversities. Your dedication to produce excellent videos content on your channel and sharing them with the entire planet via YT is wonderful. It is unfortunate that in this age, being productive working at a job is how we feel we are being judged on how we contribute to society. Stay away from corporate jobs and look more into family run businesses which may not pay as much but you may find better stability, flexibility and support. Good luck and thank you for caring enough to share your feelings. Pl from Dallas TX

  • @binkyfaith
    @binkyfaith11 ай бұрын

    I’m glad I’m not alone . For the life of me, all my jobs have been toxic and my anxiety was ata an all time high. I would jump from job to job, I had every excuse not to go to work, it’s like I couldn’t even get out of bed. I called on a constant basis with an excuse…. It’s so hard

  • @meagonhardy6834
    @meagonhardy6834 Жыл бұрын

    I have had 8 jobs and now finally in 2022 I haven't had a job since last year. I got fired from 3 jobs and the last 5 jobs I left it. And I do believe due to Schzioaffective disorder and PTSD. I relate to your story. Thank for sharing. So this year I'm gonna try draw to draw SSI or Disability since I did try to work and just having trouble to do so. Meagon

  • @uniayang
    @uniayang2 жыл бұрын

    My mom was fired from her job because she was too slow after having a long and difficult depressive period. I wish her former employer would have been more accomodating and understanding. I remember her crying because she truly gave her very best. She then found another job and recovered from her symptoms very well.

  • @amyevans5273
    @amyevans52732 жыл бұрын

    I hate that I am so jealous that someone with a chronic mental Illness can have a partner and family...it just seems so foreign that someone could actually love someone like me. I’m sorry

  • @AnthZee8

    @AnthZee8

    8 ай бұрын

    You are enough. You are capable and deserved to be loved and respected the way you are.

  • @karenrosenberger1321
    @karenrosenberger13212 жыл бұрын

    I know exactly what you're going through. Ive worked multiple jobs and left due to my mental health.

  • @lydiska5552
    @lydiska5552 Жыл бұрын

    I'm now ever since 2017 deeply unemplloyed, now just reallized it's finally time for early retirement. So that I will get a steady pension from The EU State of Finland. That way I will get a little bit more than as forever unemployed player here. I think everyone found out about my head illness when I now have to live in the smaller town. I never expected to retire before turning 50... and first, some experts have to admit that pension for me and maybe they won't so then my troubles will go on as a job seeker in Hml. What a success story.

  • @KitFisto000
    @KitFisto0002 жыл бұрын

    I dont have a certain diagnose, different doctors differently looked at me, some supposed that I have ADD/ADHD, PTSD, only depression or anxiety disorder, also schizoaffective, because I have a lot of Symptoms, but especially without proper therapy I have a big problem with going to job every time I have to, so yes I agreed 100% with You that employers should provide mental days break, especially if someone has papers from psychatrist. Greetings and thank you for this KZread canal

  • @AnnaBulaklak369
    @AnnaBulaklak3692 жыл бұрын

    I'm Schizophrenic but mine is mild, I feel lucky that stress wouldn't automatically put me to the mental hospital anymore. I'm still in college studying and preparing for a career. For my future, sorry to hear about your harsh Schizophrenic symptoms. Hopefully your situation gets better, including you in my prayers. Somehow my situation got better (Jesus healed me), although mines became mild. It is still an illness, sadly. I'm still optimistic though.

  • @Tommy88399
    @Tommy883994 ай бұрын

    I'm so glad I found you Lauren. So many things I can relate to

  • @laurencrews5064
    @laurencrews50642 жыл бұрын

    I’m 22, I was diagnosed with schizophrenia at 19. It is a day to day struggle for me. Your videos have really really helped me. I didn’t know that other people feel/experience the EXACT same things as I do. It made me feel less alone in this world. Thank you ♥️

  • @arlysan__
    @arlysan__22 күн бұрын

    Thank you for this video. I had already a lot of jobs and no idea what I want to focus on for a long term.. Your video made me feel a little better about this. Thank you!

  • @laurabenditt7645
    @laurabenditt7645 Жыл бұрын

    I been working as a McDonald's Janitor since March 2022, and most days I just dont have the mental strength to keep working there everyday, even though my hours are VERY short due to college students being away for the summer. Hopefully I will have more hours real soon though, but honestly? Not looking forward to it as it will just drain more of my mental stamina I fear. I don't know how to "spice things up" at my work place, as it is the same routine day in and day out, but I am trying very hard to sustain myself from having mental episodes. Even mental breakdowns. I am very thankful I held a job this long, as I dont normally have delusions or hallucations. But I do hear voices every now and again. It is exhausting to live sometimes.

  • @user-cl6uj5bn2f
    @user-cl6uj5bn2f2 жыл бұрын

    This hit a chord with me. I am presently on leave from work recovering from cptsd, and in a human rights battle with my workplace due to their refusal to accommodate. The stigma is still a very real problem

  • @eml3077
    @eml30772 жыл бұрын

    I have severe anxiety which caused me to get fired from my last job. I want to work but the idea of having an interview is one of the most (if not the most) anxiety inducing situation I can put myself in and even if I do get hired I have anxiety about the first day and every work day after that. Never gets better and I always have an irrational fear of getting fired which makes it difficult to focus on tasks at work which inevitably effect performance and how I look to other people which leads to piles and heaps of more anxiety. I want to work and contribute to something meaningful rather than sitting at home all day feeling like a burden because I still rely on family financially. I recently realized I need to find a low stress part time job with a compassionate employer who sees and believes in my abilities and I've come to terms that I will probably always need to rely on others for money because the idea of having a fulltime job and living independently gives me so much anxiety. It's so hard having mental illness.

  • @hello-vy5lb

    @hello-vy5lb

    Жыл бұрын

    I feel the same. For me it's social anxiety. It always deteriorates.

  • @misteryA555
    @misteryA555 Жыл бұрын

    I don't have schizophrenia of any kind, but I do have cPTSD from childhood abuse and relate to everything you've said. Working is very hard for me because just being out in the world can be so stressful, especially if I'm in the middle of an emotional flashback. I am constantly ashamed for being alive and think everyone either hates me or thinks of me as a burden. Plus a lot of jobs involve working under people, and I have a lot of distrust of authority. I keep it to myself so I don't hurt anyone's feelings, but inside my head I'm afraid of my managers and bosses and what they think of me, if they hate me or think I'm a terrible worker. Eventually the stress of the job gets to be too much, I have a breakdown, and quit, almost never with another job lined up because applying to jobs is even worse for my low self-esteem since it's a bunch of businesses saying "No, you aren't good enough for us hahaha". And I never feel comfortable asking for accommodation because I'd have to explain to basically a stranger that my parents sucked so bad they prevented me from being a functioning person. I don't want people to know that. And plenty of people don't really get how debilitating cPTSD can be. It's not even in the DSM yet, last I checked, so most people don't even know it exists in the first place. I've been working hard lately to start my own tutoring business. Hopefully being my own boss and getting to choose my clients and my own hours will help eliminate some of the most stressful parts of working until therapy helps me finish sorting through all the baggage I have so I can have a more neutral to good self-image Life sure can be hard :/

  • @mistyrochelle4213
    @mistyrochelle4213 Жыл бұрын

    This is so perfectly and beautifully put. I have always struggled with this and until watching this video it has brought me so much shame. I have actually had a boss say to me that he, in fact, could not believe that I would come back after being hospitalized. I guess he thought my bills evaporated. 😭 it’s caused a lot more trauma and mental health issues.

  • @SuperNorini
    @SuperNorini2 жыл бұрын

    Excellent!

  • @heatherflynn
    @heatherflynn2 жыл бұрын

    Sadly the problem is on such a deeper rooted level as most companies and jobs do not have the intention of the workers at the forefront but maximizing productivity with longer hours and working weeks in order to make as much money. Truly we live in a sick society where it is normalized to disregard our wellbeing and health for work. My mum always taught me to see a job as "an exchange". You are working for them, in order to receive from them. This has to balance out, You are not put on this earth to give up yourself, your time, your health, your energy - for a job. Here's to hoping for a world where businesses and companies truly invest in employers well beings and needs...

  • @irhonda31
    @irhonda312 жыл бұрын

    I don’t have mental health issues, but I have utilized the job-provided EAP (employee assistance program) services to see a therapist, and even that I was afraid of anyone knowing. I really feel for you! Here in the US we have no mental health help for people; it is shameful.

  • @janiceyoung7106
    @janiceyoung7106 Жыл бұрын

    Thank-you for all your hard work. Your videos are very helpful.🙏

  • @caseyblau2669
    @caseyblau26692 жыл бұрын

    I live with schizoaffective disorder, bipolar 1, I have had and lost over 40 jobs in the last 25 years. This video helped me out!

  • @bliven8704

    @bliven8704

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for speaking up. I thought it was only me! Good luck to you friend

  • @noellesturgill2611
    @noellesturgill26112 жыл бұрын

    I thought I was the only one Running from problems don't like dealing with people get embarrassed about missing work from schizoaffective.

  • @linnealundstrom4064
    @linnealundstrom40642 жыл бұрын

    I really wish my sister had found your channel while she was alive. She was a nurse and really proud of her jobtitle. But she had bipolar and was a serial job hopper too. Many times she got embarrased over not bring able to cope when she felt depressed and she rarely got any support from her boss. One week before she died she got laid of her work and I belive she felt as if her identity was taken from her when she couldnt keep her job. The work places really need to talk about mental health and work on reducing the stigma. Your channel is really important for spreading knowledge and reduce feeling of loneliness regarding having some kind of diagnosis. /All my best wishes from sweden (sorry for the bad english 😅)

  • @starry2205
    @starry22052 жыл бұрын

    I have CPTSD, PTSD and MDD. I haven't ever had a job longer than about a year, and I'm 27. I felt like such a massive failure because at my last job another woman there had MDD as well, but managed. Every day. Somehow. I felt like such a failure because I couldn't seem to control my symptoms. I ended up getting in a car crash and that was my wake up call

  • @viktoriamisch4587
    @viktoriamisch45872 жыл бұрын

    I'm a 24-year-old woman from austria (a small country in europe). I'm diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. In 2017, my first psychotic episode appeared. Since then I stressed myself to go back to work or study. I tried both and failed. Now I know, I(!) wasn't failing but the achievement-oriented society and social system we live in. Welfare system and social framework in Austria is very good on the other hand... Dear Lauren! I want to let you know that this channel and your videos are amazing. I dare to say that I would not be here without your braveness to advocate and represent all people with mental illnesses and much more. I wish you could cover more media with your information so people would know that there's still some work to do against the stigma. But most importantly I wish you and everyone good health!

  • @Sunchildh
    @Sunchildh2 жыл бұрын

    I’m 34 and I switched jobs 6 times last year. I started my new job in February 2022 after stringing along a different employer for a month. This video makes me a lot less alone.

  • @aor3220
    @aor32202 жыл бұрын

    I've had schizo affective disorder since I was 20. I've had part time jobs. Went to uni. But have been unemployed for 8 years. My symptoms are so severe that working would be impossible

  • @Jazzypurr
    @Jazzypurr2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for saying it like it is! I live with SZ -Affective and have a diverse but rather checkered work history. I always blamed myself for taking a sick day and the problem only became more conflicted when things would start to spiral into personal crisis. The problem was always personal stigma around SZ being ignited by the systemic stigma of mental illness around me. I long for the day when everyone will understand and teach each other that mental and physical health are inextricably linked! if a persons seemingly questionable and sometimes shocking behaviour is coming from a physical organ such as the brain, can that not be wounded or broken just like an arm or leg? A broken brain is not visible except for the behaviours and thoughts and hallucinations it torments its victims with. Maybe someday people will stop stigmatizing the very people who mirror their own fragility. Thank you so much for your amazing work on KZread. You inspire me to do more and be more.👍👍👍

  • @thenerdgirl1
    @thenerdgirl12 жыл бұрын

    I have the same issue. I'm not stable enough for sustained interpersonal conflicts and emotional nuances. I struggle most in female heavy industries where aggression is more passive. I've been in the same job for five years now because I'm self-employed. I'm not cut out for structured, corporate style environments. And a lack of stability is the direct result of that. It's caused SO much stress.

  • @rawlife222
    @rawlife2222 жыл бұрын

    1:36 I can so relate with what you've just said.

  • @stephanie1733
    @stephanie17332 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so very much for covering this. Thank you a million times over. I struggle with this (I have a different diagnosis, not schizophrenia) and I feel so alone in relation to jobs. This helped me so much. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

  • @Srindal4657
    @Srindal46576 ай бұрын

    We must become better than our conditions