Schizophrenia and Work

Hi MyAnimus,

My last job stress busters were, First I'd wake up an hour and a half before work. I'd shower, shave,brush my teeth and get dressed. I'd turn on some music, have a decent breakfast and pack my lunch.

I'd leave a half hour before it was time to clock in, to beat the rush hour traffic.

I didn't drink coffee so as not to get hyper.

A friend/co-worker would come over to my office at the end of the day and we'd chat.

That last half hour was a great way to unwind before going home.

Take your breaks, lunch and relax.

Side note: I was a manager of a small cafe. My job was very stressful. I had to multi-task all day. I enjoyed every minute of it.

I hope you find a good way to stave off stress. At lunch read a book or write in a diary or journal.

Peace,

Dave

p.s. thank you for the comment to my sharepost

I believe God puts circumstances and people in my life as an opportunity to do the right thing...or the wrong thing.  And each of us knows in our hearts what is wrong and right.  And my character is developed by whether I choose the high road or the low.  I don't want to sound "preachy" but this view of life gives me challenges every day.  Moral and ethical challenges.  This doesn't mean I am nicey-nicey to everyone or that I let family members or others run over me.  Sometimes I put myself first -- I have to in order to secure my recovery and in order to serve others from a position of strength.  But I used to feel thrust into the world with no way to protect myself, no safe harbor, but I don't think that anymore.  A lot of it, as Dave said, is learning how to enjoy life by listening to music, talking to friends, etc.  I play the same music every morning while I get ready for the day -- it is comforting.  And I have my dear mother whom I can call at any time and just chat.  And I try not to worry when it isn't necessary.

Thank you for your post.

Best wishes to you,

Carolyn

Hello MyAnimus,

Yes I do look forward to your SharePosts and welcome your contributions as a valued member of the Connection community.

I'm glad you're helped by reading other people's SharePosts as well.

Work is: work.  We spend the bulk of our time at work and co-workers can be like family or they can have personality problems and make life difficult.

Right now I tell myself I'm there at work to get my job done in the best possible way I can do it, to steer clear of office politics, and to make sure my actions at work are beyond reproach.  As long as I feel I've done this I hope it will positively impact my boss's impression of me.

Though co-workers are not your friends you would like them to be kind and civil and cooperative.  That is not always the case.  What I do now is lobby to take on new projects so that my boss sees I'm a hard worker.  I aim to do nothing that would give her an excuse to give me a poor review.  So that if I've done all I can, I'm satisfied with my effort.

I am aware that co-workers know about me where I work because of an accidental disclosure.  I would not ever recommend disclosing your illness at your job.  So you see that is why I take on new projects: to stay one step ahead of the game.

When "something terrible happens" as you suggested it does, I would step outside of the situation and look at it objectively as if it isn't happening to you.  I would try not to take things personally at work.  This is where your confidence level can help you weather any storm at work. 

So to gain the confidence that you can handle what comes your way at work, I recommend you challenge yourself both at work and in your personal life; take risks to do things that will boost your self-esteem.

Logging on the Connection and writing SharePosts is something you've been doing and this could help you along these lines.  Continue to post as often as you feel the need to.

Have a good night.

Peace,

Christina