Understanding How Schizophrenia And Working Can Be A Difficult Combination
For some people with schizophrenia, obtaining and holding a job can be difficult. Particularly when symptoms are active, working can seem especially difficult. However, there are many people with schizophrenia who flourish at work and have fulfilling careers. Seeking treatment often makes it easier to maintain employment, and a mental health professional may also help you request accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or determine whether you qualify for disability benefits.
Schizophrenia and working
Worldwide, schizophrenia affects approximately 1 in 300 people, or 24 million people in all. For some people, schizophrenia symptoms improve with time, while for others, symptoms improve and worsen periodically.
Studies show that up to 90% of people with schizophrenia want to work.
However, research indicates that only around 10% to 25% have jobs.
Discrimination, stigma, symptoms, and unsupportive working environments can all contribute to difficulties finding employment. However, it can be important to remember that many people with schizophrenia can and do work, and studies show that those who work tend to be less likely to experience symptom relapse.
Schizophrenia symptoms
Schizophrenia is a serious mental health condition that usually causes changes in the way a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It can cause hallucinations, delusions, challenges with movement and speech, and cognitive impairment.
Because people with schizophrenia may seem distressed, erratic, or out of touch with reality when symptoms are present, maintaining a job, attending school, and completing other everyday activities can be difficult. However, some people only experience one psychotic episode and go on to live their lives symptom-free afterward. Others can manage symptoms with doctor-prescribed medication.
People with schizophrenia may exhibit the following symptoms:
- Paranoia
- Irritability
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Monotone voice
- Struggles with attention, motivation, and memory
- Inappropriate or absent facial expressions
- Repetitive movements
- Disorientation
- Loss of interest in usual activities
- Fatigue
Barriers to work
Even though many people with schizophrenia want to work, research shows that less than a quarter of people with schizophrenia may have jobs. Below are several of the factors that could contribute to the barriers to employment for people with schizophrenia.
Stigma
Severe mental illness, whether it is schizophrenia, severe substance use disorder (formerly called substance abuse), or another mental illness, tends to be stigmatized in many cultures and may affect a person’s ability to gain employment. A lack of understanding of schizophrenia and other psychiatric conditions often contributes to the stigma.
Additionally, many people believe the misconception that those with schizophrenia are violent or aggressive. However, research shows that most people with schizophrenia will never engage in violent behavior. Instead, people with schizophrenia are usually more likely to be the targets of violent behavior.
Symptoms
Schizophrenia symptoms can be difficult to manage, especially in a professional environment. Someone experiencing hallucinations may struggle to stay focused and calm at work, for example. Other schizophrenia symptoms, like problems with focus and memory, can also make work-related tasks difficult. Medication can be a helpful tool in reducing or eliminating symptoms to make employment more feasible. Always consult your doctor or psychiatrist before starting, stopping, or changing the way you take medication.
Lack of a supportive work environment
A recent study demonstrated that a negative work environment, which can involve stigma and discrimination, may significantly impact people who live with psychosis. People in this situation may avoid telling employers about their condition, leave a job after a short time, and experience increased work-related stress. Many people with schizophrenia manage their symptoms secretly, which can add to the stress and stigma of an unsupportive work environment.
Jobs for people with schizophrenia
If you have schizophrenia, you may be concerned about being able to hold down a job. Know that there are many career options available to you, and many people with schizophrenia succeed professionally.
There isn’t necessarily one job that is best suited for people with schizophrenia. Like other people looking for a job, selecting an option that fits your background, interests, and schedule can be a good place to start. For people with schizophrenia, working a job with flexible hours could be beneficial to accommodate days when symptoms are more severe. Additionally, some people may prefer remote work if their symptoms are triggered by working with other people.
Some careers that may appeal to people with schizophrenia include the following:
- Data entry
- Library jobs
- Web development
- Lab technician
- Graphic design
- Freelance writing
It can be important to keep in mind that people with schizophrenia can be successful in any career field. The jobs mentioned above generally involve some flexibility and autonomy, which may be beneficial for people experiencing schizophrenia symptoms.
On the other hand, some people with schizophrenia may prefer more labor-intensive jobs, like factory work or landscaping. The type of job that will work best for you tends to be highly personal, so it can be important to think about your preferences and potentially try a few options to find the right fit. Keep in mind that, in many cases, employers can make reasonable accommodations for people with mental health conditions per the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Additionally, some people with psychiatric disabilities qualify for social security benefits. These benefits can provide financial support, potentially taking the burden off individuals struggling to maintain employment. A social worker, mental health professional, or patient advocate can help you determine whether you qualify for these benefits.
Treatment options
Medication is usually the first line of treatment for people with schizophrenia. Antipsychotic medications can reduce or potentially eliminate symptoms. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications may also be used to help with schizophrenia symptoms.
Therapy can also be an effective treatment for people with schizophrenia. Therapy is a mental health treatment that usually helps people learn new ways to improve their mental health and cope with general life stressors. The most common type of therapy used to help people with schizophrenia is typically cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), also known as talk therapy.
With CBT, people living with schizophrenia can work with their therapist to learn how to manage difficult situations that may arise due to their symptoms.
Online therapy can be a beneficial option due to its convenience and accessibility. For example, someone with schizophrenia may find their symptoms are triggered when they are around other people. Being able to engage in therapy from the comfort of their home may mean they can avoid encountering other people in waiting rooms or on transportation. However, online therapy may not be appropriate for those experiencing acute psychosis. In-person support is usually recommended for acute symptoms.
Studies show that online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy for treating mental health disorders like anxiety and depression, which can frequently co-occur with schizophrenia.
Developing research aims to discover whether online therapy interventions can be an effective way to treat and monitor psychosis in people with schizophrenia and other mental health conditions.
Takeaway
Schizophrenia is a complex and often misunderstood condition. For some people, the mental and physical health symptoms of schizophrenia can make it difficult to find or keep a job. For others, schizophrenia does not prevent them from becoming occupationally high-achieving individuals. If you or one of your family members or friends lives with schizophrenia or another mental health condition, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional in person or online.
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