I have a mental illness:
I am in my mid-thirties and have had a lot of trouble keeping jobs in the past. I have been living with friends since I have a hard time affording a place of my own. I have lived in several different places over the last few years. My family is not around much anymore and never seems to understand my illness. The doctor tells me I have Schizophrenia and I am often depressed.
When I feel good, I go to see my counselor about 2 times a month and they let me know when I need to see the doctor (Psychiatrist) for more medication. I usually remember to take my medication, but sometimes I don’t and then I have trouble getting up and doing what I need to do each day.
Over the last few years I have had several jobs, sometimes for a week or even a month or two, but sometimes I don’t go back after the first day. I don’t like my co-worker to know my business; they never seem to understand that I have an illness. Sometimes they look at me funny or I think they are talking about me. I usually do not really have any friends at work and eat lunch alone. Sometimes I am not able to go to work because my illness interferes with my thoughts. I forget what I need to do, like set my alarm or shower before I leave or get confused while n my way to work and never even make it there.
In a few of my past jobs, I have not gotten along with my co-workers and gotten into fight with them – I just tell them what I think. Sometimes, I drink too much when I have a bad day or just to try to feel better my counselor and doctor tell me that is not good either, but my roommates do it too.
My past roommates have not always been nice to me, they charge me a lot of money to live with them and they get in trouble with the cops sometimes. I have been arrested too, and don't want to go to jail again.
I want to work, I want people to like me, I want some support when I am doing well and encouragement and support to recognize when I am not doing so well and help to get me back on track.
How can I get the help I need to be successful in my next job?