Mental health issues on the job

[Droopy]

I have a severe mental illness called schizoaffective disorder. Fortunately, I respond very well to medication and I am able to function like someone who does not have an illness. I am totally symptom free now and I have been for the past 3.5 years. I'd like to think that I am cured, but I know that is not the case. Those little pills are going to be with me for the rest of my life.

Having a mental illness brings unique challenges to finding a good job and holding it down. Some people who are ill are unable to work due to these challenges and also because medication does not relieve them of all of their symptoms. I say thank God for government sponsored disability benefits.

For those of us who are able to work, we have to worry about the stigma associated with having a mental illness. Most of the people who I have talked to who work do not speak of their mental illness to co-workers and bosses for fear that they will be treated differently than everyone else or the possibility that they might lose their jobs. I do not speak to my employer about my illness. I'm a trucker and I have to pass a Department of Transportation physical every year. It's every two years for normal people. I have to have a release from my psychiatrist to work. That's degrading enough.

What are some of the challenges that you face regarding mental illness and work?

[shrike]

1. Even with ADD, I'm careful whom I tell

I freelance, so an office environment isn't an issue for me. However, I would never tell the folks I write for that I have ADD. Even telling friends and acquaintances raises some eyebrows -- many people feel ADD does not exist. I also suffer from depression, and I NEVER tell anyone about that. Even more baggage associated with it.

[Droopy]

2. I hear you shrike

I know that ADD really exists. I have a young cousin who has struggled with it since he was a child. He's doing much better now, but he still faces difficulties when it comes to school sometimes. He's turning into a fine, young man, though.

I'd be interested in seeing what you write. Or at least hearing a little more detail about your work. I'll understand if you don't feel like posting that here, but send me a PM if you are comfortable with that. I have a special interest in writing and I'm 60 pages into writing my first book.

[mopinko]

3. i worry about my daughter.

at 19, she finally has her first job. at school, they tried hard to prepare her, and support her in her job search, but she just could not get it together.
she is working for a doggy daycare/pet sitter. it is a good job for her. i hope it will boost her confidence. i think that the greatest stigma for her is in her own mind.