|
| Name |
Carole |
| Age |
44 |
| Education |
5 O levels, 2 A levels, bilingual secretarial
diploma |
| Circumstances |
Single |
| Job history |
Bilingual secretary in Paris, and in a foreign
embassy |
|
 |
| Job title |
Secretary |
| Place of work |
London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority
(LFEPA) Sector Local Authority |
| Organisation
size |
2,000 people (approx) |
My first experience of schizophrenia was when I was a secretary
working in Paris. I spent three days seeing terrifying visions
before I was found by a colleague and taken to hospital.
After hospital I returned to England and found a new job.
I came off my medication because of the terrible side effects.
Then I had a relapse and had to go back to hospital. It was
only at this point that I realised I had an illness.
In 1987 I joined London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority
(LFEPA) and I've now worked there for 14 years. They have
been an excellent employer - sympathetic and supportive. There's
a very strong culture of equal opportunities and a good welfare
department.
They were particularly helpful when I had a relapse two
years ago. The welfare department realised I had begun to
behave strangely and took the trouble to call my GP and recommend
I should see a doctor. This led to a change in my medication
and made a big improvement in my life. I realised I needed
more time to myself and to pace myself at work. Again, the
welfare department was really helpful, enabling me to return
to work in a phased way and increase my hours gradually.
I know many employers are fearful about taking on people
with mental illness. But it's important to put things into
perspective. I've had schizophrenia for 17 years but have
only had six episodes off work, usually for 2-3 weeks. 
 |
The biggest positive has been the support and understanding
of my employers. Equal opportunities isn't just a token
policy but a real part of the culture. No one has ever
spoken disrespectfully to me and my rights as a disabled
employee have been protected. |
|
|
