About this profile
Schizophrenia is a serious mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves.
People with schizophrenia may experience symptoms like delusions (false beliefs), hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that aren’t there), disorganised thinking, and changes in behaviour. These symptoms can make it difficult to do everyday activities, including work.
Watch and listen
Common challenges
- Difficulty focusing or concentrating on tasks.
- Trouble communicating or interacting with co-workers.
- Disorganised thoughts that make it hard to plan and organise work.
- Difficulty managing stress or workplace demands.
- Fear or anxiety around social interactions and working with others.
- Fatigue or low energy levels due to medication or symptoms.
- Stigma or misunderstanding from colleagues and employers.
How to help
- Making sure the participant has a current mental health care plan provided by a GP.
- Encouraging your participant to engage in all aspects of their mental health care plan.
- Suggest therapy to help manage symptoms, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
- Encouraging medication management.
- Help improve social skills and interactions in the workplace.
- Support in building coping strategies for stress and challenges at work.
- Guide through understanding of and managing symptoms during work hours.
- Educate employers about the condition and ways to support employees with schizophrenia.
Notes
World Schizophrenia Day is 24th May
Schizophrenia is a lifelong condition, but with the right support, treatment, and accommodations, individuals can live fulfilling lives and succeed in the workplace. Early intervention is key to better managing symptoms.