Schizoaffective

[Wtkms]

Hi,

I been going through acute depression and have schizoaffective disorder. I also have polio that hinders the way I can do things like walking, carrying. I'm going through a tough time with my depression and finding it hard to find a way out. I can't find work because I have been out of work for 3 years, I am trying to make my way back to the work force but having no luck at all. I use to be a web developer but I have been out of that industry for quite sometime now so all work associated with web development turns me down. I also have been hospitalised in a mental health hospital for 3 months. I get lost when I try to speak and can't find words to express myself. I don't know what to do any help would be greatly appreciated.

[LaneJ]

Hey wtkms,

I don't know a lot about schizoaffextice disorder but I wanted to come on and say how brave I think you are for sharing your story. It sounds like you are going through a lot and it can be really hard to talk about it.

Im sorry that it's been so hard for you to get back into the workforce. I dabble in a bit of web development so I know what you mean about it being hard to get a job without recent experience. Have you tried developing some sites recently just for fun and to test your skills? It might help you get back into the swing of things and pick up some new tricks. Maybe you could make a website and use it as a personal blog to talk about what you're going through and try and find ways to express what you're thinking?

Again, I'm sorry I can't help much more but I really do think it's great that you came on here to share what you're going through. You never know how many people you might also be inspiring to come and talk about their own stories.

lanejane

[Ken1]

Hi Wtkms (I can guess at what that acronym stands for and I want to say that you are so worthy of being alive),

What work would you be looking to do, and what is your reason for getting back out there, if I may ask? Would love to know your motivation!

Has your stay in hospital been recent? If so, it can be really hard transitioning back into every day life.

You describing that you get lost when you try to speak or express yourself is absolutely a symptom of mental illness and something that does return with help and time.

Can I also ask if you have a psychologist or any other professional that you're seeing? Someone like that could help you not only in your job seeking process, but also to learn how to express yourself better. I'm sure you're also experiencing unwanted symptoms from your depression and schizoaffective disorder that a psychologist may be able to help you with.

It's wonderful that you've come to the forums - I really hope that you can keep us in the loop with how you go!

Bonnie

[Kazzl]

Hello Wtkms, welcome to the forum! I'm glad you joined us. Many people here, like me, know the awful debilitating experience of acute depression, but the extra difficulties you face with schizoaffective make it a more complex situation in ways that many don't comprehend. I'm sorry to hear what a difficult time you've had.

I hope your time in hospital was helpful for you, and it's a good sign that you're back on your own feet, so to speak. I don't know from your post how long you've been out of hospital, but I hope your psychs have talked with you about continuing to focus on your recovery and stability as the first priority. That's not to say you shouldn't look for work, but your health must come first and sometimes it takes a while, as I'm sure you know. (Sorry, I'm a self-appointed everyone's mum 😀 )

I empathise about having difficulty with words and expressing yourself. I have bipolar disorder and although I'm quite a talker, I do have some cognitive deficit, possibly from medication, and often lose words or forget what I was saying, and memory generally is a problem for me. Damn nuisance when you're on a verbal roll.

It's hard to accept that we have these difficulties, and I worry how people will see me. But I believe we have to emphasise what we can do, not what we can't, what we're good at, not what we struggle with. We have much to offer and, particularly in a workplace, that's what we need to show.

If you are wanting to work again, perhaps you could think about a gradual return, and do some things to boost your confidence and use your skills again before launching into the very stressful world of job interviews. I'm thinking things like volunteering, working (paid or otherwise) somewhere supportive where mental illness is better understood (eg charities, community services). You could also consider studying and working towards something like peer support work, where your lived experience would be very valued.

There are also organisations that help people with mental illness return to work. Google Ostara Australia.

I hope you are getting good ongoing care and treatment Wtkms. I assume you have a psychiatrist. Do you also have a good psychologist who can help you deal with the anxiety etc that can come from difficulties communicating?

I hope we can talk again.

Best wishes

Kaz

[Angela_J]

Hey Wtkms,

I would recommend a good therapist to see to help you to cope with schizoaffective disorder. I also have schizoaffective disorder and am in an acute pyschiatric ward but really want to go home to my family so hopefully they will let me leave. 

I take a few different medications during the day. I also take a different med at night. I find the meds to be a life saver. I am also applying for the disability support pension because I can never hold down a job because of this condition. I would say definitely find a good therapist to talk to. It really does help.