My psychiatrist wants me to be a spokesman for schizophrenia in Alberta. Should I do it?

I think it would be a good idea, for you and will show others that they can get out of the “darkness”.

It’s probably going to involve a lot of public speaking and interacting with people you don’t know. Are you comfortable with that?

@Darth_Algar Not yet. I was a class clown, and students union executive social conviener, in school. So I can handle some publicity. It would give me something to do. I’ll ask my doctor about it.

It might prove a great opportunity, and one way or another, it would certainly be an adventure. And thinking back to one of your former posts, you would almost certainly be destined to meet A LOT of women.

@stanleybmanly Ok I will tell him yes.

Honestly, it would be very good for you. We all have events that resonate and have ripple effects for others. This could be yours.

On the other hand …

Why does your doctor want you to be this spokesperson? Ask him if he thinks this is going to be good for you, good for your case and therapy, that is, or if it’s because he’s looking for a way to perform outreach, for example, to help others. It may very well be good for you, and bravo if it is. (Although I’m also kind of a hermit and like nothing quite as much as being home alone, I can agree with others that it’s also good to get out more. And if all you do is sit at home to read and watch YouTube, then something that gets you out and about – securely – would probably be a good thing for you. But that’s the key thing: is this being recommended because it’s good for you?)

While I would not ascribe to the doctor any uncharitable or ulterior motives, it is also not completely off the wall to wonder if he wants you to do this because it could reflect well on him. I wouldn’t ask him that, and maybe as well as you know him you can dismiss that thought out of hand – and I’d be happy to hear if that is a ridiculous notion. But people do occasionally use other people for their own ends from time to time, so … it’s worth considering.

RedDeerGuy, I know you’ve mentioned several times about looking for a purpose, new career path, something constructive to do. This might be it. At least give it a try. You would be meeting people, and it will be people who are sensitive and knowledgeable (or wanting to be knowledgeable) about your condition. If it doesn’t work out, you can pull back from it. Just keep in mind, you are not your illness. Your illness isn’t all you are.
I have a cousin who is a spokesperson for the Lymphedema Treatment Association. She is a sufferer of the condition and last week, she met up with other leaders and is getting an Act written and supported in Washington DC for medical care support for treatments. It takes a great deal of effort for her, but it is very rewarding. She had to medically retire from her job before she was 35. She keeps positive through craft and art projects, this year she was able to go snowmobiling for the first time in years, because before Thai Chi and the compression therapy. She couldn’t get her boots on for years. The locals even organised a fundraiser for her. They sponsored a ‘Wrestlemania’ type event, which is an event right up her ally. She’s built a support group around her.

Maybe this could be a first step for you, too?

I think it sounds like a good opportunity for you. A chance to make a difference for others and to grow your own confidence.

I wish I could come round and go out for a walk with you

My head says yes, you should, my other head is not so sure

It sounds like a fantastic way to “own” your problem.

I would love it if my therapist offered me such an opportunity. I would be great at it. As one prone to intellectualizing my issues it would be a dream job.

Is it a paying gig?

I think you should request information on other ‘spokesmen’ in other areas, and see what it looks like.
It’s a big step. Gather your information before you make a decision.

Your link is for a new drug for schizophrenia. Is this what your psychiatrist wants you to talk about? Anyway, why not, what have you got to lose? If you don’t like doing it you can always stop.

@flutherother The link is for a similar drug that they tested me on. It is called Invega Sustana. I get an injection once a month of it.

One of the best ways we can help ourselves is by teaching others. I think this could be a great opportunity for you. I agree with @CWOTUS and @cazzie‘s posts very much. You could also contact our Hawaiian jelly. He might be able to talk to you about how you might be able to help others by speaking about your own experiences. I’m sure he can also point to some of the pitfalls for you too. If it doesn’t work out for you, I’m sure nobody will expect you to continue. However, you might find it’s just what you’ve been looking for.

I don’t recall you mentioning that you are schizophrenic. I am glad that it is under control. As others have said, I think this would be good for you, putting you in face to face contact with others and making a difference in their lives. Speak to your psychiatrist about being afraid to go out on your own. Maybe he can arrange to have someone accompany you.