Navigating Employment Challenges with Mental Health Issues in Taiwan

I want to go to work?

Hello, doctor: I don't know the name of my illness.
I have a disability certificate and a major illness card.
The major illness card is for condition 296 (previously prescribed by a doctor), and my current disability certificate is for category 295【12】【b122】! I am unsure what is wrong with me.
When I asked my psychiatrist, he said it is schizophrenia.
I rarely experience auditory hallucinations, and most of the time I do not have them; however, I feel that the medication I am taking does not match my symptoms.
I am taking medications such as Olanzapine, Seroquel, and another anticonvulsant (I forgot the name of the medication).
I believe my mental illness is due to grievances with others, who have conspired against me.
This includes experiences during my military service, which is why I did not serve and do not have a discharge certificate.
Not serving in the military and having a mental illness makes it very difficult for me to find a job! Additionally, sometimes after taking my medication, I feel sleepy, while other times I do not.
There are times when I sleep excessively, even staying in bed longer, especially when the weather is cold.
Sometimes I go several days without brushing my teeth or showering, and I only manage to do so once every few days, leading to a very undisciplined and irregular lifestyle! My mother passed away from cancer, and now I live with my father and younger brother.
My brother has a job and is a normal person.
Both my father and I are individuals with disabilities.
I am unsure what kind of job would be suitable for me, one that would not lead to termination and would allow me to maintain stability (after all, I am getting older!).
I also do not know how to balance work and household chores (there is no one else to do them; my brother just scrolls on his phone after work), so I used to do all the household chores by myself, with occasional help from my father.
Now that my mother has passed away, I have lost a helper and have become less motivated to do household chores.
I want to work and earn money to support my family, just like my brother, because making money now is important for the future to avoid being broke later on.
However, my life is like this, so what should I do? I want to be independent and self-reliant, to work, marry, and have children; I even think about taking revenge on my adversaries (though I am not sure how to go about it)! What should I do?

Xie Zilong, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2014/03/09

Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry

Hello, your desire to change the current situation and start looking for a job is actually a very good first step.
No matter how ambitious your goals are, they all begin with that small step.
Given your age and the lack of work experience over the years, finding a job can indeed be challenging.
Initially, it may be wise not to aim too high; good jobs often come with higher expectations, which means we need to make significant adjustments in our daily routines and mindset.
This is also part of the stress we experience.
Therefore, it might be safer to first seek any job before aiming for a better one.

Additionally, managing your health condition is crucial.
Whether you are classified as 295 or 296, adhering to your medication regimen to prevent relapse is fundamental to maintaining employment.
This is especially important in the early stages of job searching when both your mental and physical health may be under pressure; consistent medication will help protect you.
If finding a job externally proves difficult, consider participating in rehabilitation therapy at the hospital where you receive treatment, particularly in occupational therapy training in a day program.
In a supportive environment, you can simulate many workplace situations and gradually build your skills and confidence for future employment in society.
Lastly, regarding whether to seek revenge on adversaries, I recommend focusing on the future and not wasting time and energy on past grievances.
Moreover, it's often difficult to clarify whether those so-called adversaries truly wronged us, as time can change perspectives.
Regardless of how hard we try to please others, there will always be people who dislike us, now and in the future.
Pursuing revenge will only keep you busy indefinitely!
Wishing you all the best,
Dr.
Ding Shuo-Yan

Reply Date: 2014/03/09

More Info

Navigating employment challenges while dealing with mental health issues can be incredibly daunting, especially in a context like Taiwan where societal expectations and stigma surrounding mental health can add to the burden. Your situation reflects a complex interplay of mental health struggles, familial responsibilities, and the desire for personal independence and stability.

Firstly, it’s important to acknowledge the mental health conditions you are facing. From your description, it seems you may be experiencing symptoms consistent with a mood disorder, possibly exacerbated by stress and grief from your mother's passing. The feelings of hopelessness, lack of motivation, and difficulty maintaining personal hygiene are significant indicators that your mental health needs to be prioritized. It’s crucial to have an open dialogue with your psychiatrist about your medications and symptoms. If you feel that the current medications are not effective, it’s essential to communicate this to your doctor. They can adjust your treatment plan, which may include trying different medications or incorporating therapy.

In Taiwan, there are resources available for individuals with mental health issues, including community mental health services that can provide support and counseling. Engaging in therapy, whether it be cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or another form, can help you develop coping strategies for managing your symptoms and improving your daily functioning. Therapy can also provide a safe space to process your grief and feelings of resentment towards those you feel have wronged you.

Regarding employment, it’s understandable to feel uncertain about what kind of work would be suitable given your mental health challenges. It might be beneficial to explore jobs that offer a supportive environment, perhaps in settings that are more accommodating to individuals with disabilities. Consider looking into organizations that specialize in hiring people with mental health conditions or disabilities. These workplaces often provide additional support and understanding, which can help alleviate some of the pressures you may face in a traditional work environment.

Balancing household responsibilities with the desire to work can be challenging, especially when you feel overwhelmed. It might be helpful to have a conversation with your brother about sharing household duties. Open communication can lead to a more equitable distribution of chores, allowing you both to focus on your respective responsibilities while supporting each other.

Additionally, it’s important to set realistic goals for yourself. Instead of aiming for a drastic change all at once, consider small, manageable steps towards independence. This could mean starting with part-time work or volunteering, which can help build your confidence and skills without overwhelming you.
Lastly, it’s crucial to address the feelings of anger and thoughts of revenge you mentioned. These feelings can be consuming and may hinder your progress. Finding healthy outlets for these emotions, such as through art, writing, or physical activity, can be beneficial. Engaging in mindfulness practices or meditation can also help in managing stress and improving emotional regulation.

In summary, prioritize your mental health by seeking appropriate treatment and support. Explore job opportunities that are accommodating to your needs, and communicate openly with your family about sharing responsibilities. Take small steps towards your goals, and find healthy ways to cope with your emotions. Remember, it’s okay to seek help, and taking care of your mental health is a vital part of building a stable and fulfilling life.

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