Now that I finally have the formal definitive diagnosis of schizoaffective/mood/thought disorder, I feel like I can just push myself and try hard, very hard and work to either turn it around or at least better my place in society. I have been working at a pizza hut for over a year as the prep person for the grand wages of 6 dollars per hour and the whole year without a raise. Just wlking and listening to my voices have led me to another job, a better paying job and I believe one where I will be treated more like a valued part of the team. The stigma of disability, i volunteered it at my first interview and my employer is both treating me well and paying well and I have not even done any work yet. Today I have been in contact with organizations that can help with the ticket to work program and they all say the same thing, My illness started in the Marine Corps and continues to this day. In other words the VA should help all that they can. I will be washing dishes when I start my daily job and they will have the cleanest dishes anywhere and in the meantime, I will prepare to become a student chasing the prize of the title of doctor. I can do this and I will and I welcome any and all comments and suggestions.
