My name is Kody Green, and I live with schizophrenia. I have a unique perspective as someone navigating my own mental health and as a caregiver for a loved one living with schizoaffective disorder. My first episode of psychosis happened when I was 18. The following years were marked by unaddressed symptoms, addiction, and incarceration before I finally received a diagnosis of undifferentiated schizophrenia at age 21.
Today, I’m proud to be 10 years sober, medication compliant, a content creator with over 2 million followers, a published author, married, and working full time. I wrote “Minds Over Meetings: A Personal Perspective on Wellness in the Workplace” to help people learn how to advocate for themselves when they need additional resources or accommodations at work. A part of my advocacy work that I’m extremely passionate about is shedding light on what it’s really like to work while living with schizophrenia or other psychiatric conditions.
See beyond the stigma
Receiving my diagnosis didn’t just give clarity to years of confusion — it reshaped how I understood myself and my future. For a long time, I believed the stereotypes I had heard about schizophrenia. I thought it meant I wouldn’t be able to hold a job, build a family, or contribute to anything meaningful. I was even told by a doctor that I needed to accept that I would never be able to work again. Learning to separate these misconceptions from my reality was one of the most important steps in reclaiming control over my life and career.
Take time to understand your needs
Navigating mental health in the workplace comes with challenges that aren’t always visible from the outside. One of the most difficult decisions is whether to disclose a diagnosis and when to do so. Early on, I had no idea how to approach that conversation or even how to ask for support that would help me succeed. It took time to understand my own needs and to trust that I deserve support. Misunderstanding and stigma can sometimes influence seeking new opportunities or how people perceive your work, adding pressure that people without psychiatric conditions may never experience. These constant worries — whether a difficult day might be misinterpreted, or whether honesty could limit advancement — are realities many of us carry.
Over time, experience taught me strategies that helped me maintain both my job and my mental health. When searching for work, I learned to look for employers who value mental health and demonstrate it through culture, policy, and openness — not just words on a website. During interviews, I realized that disclosure is optional and personal; the most important thing is knowing what environment I need to be successful.
Self-advocacy is key
Once employed, self-advocacy became essential. Understanding what reasonable accommodations support my well-being — like clearer communication, a predictable schedule, or a quieter workspace — allowed me to set boundaries and advocate for myself. Just as important was committing to my treatment and daily routines, staying consistent, and leaning on my support systems and family caregivers when I needed them. Seeking out inclusive workspaces, workplace wellness programs, and mental health community resources has been another key part of staying grounded and empowered.
How employers can help everyone thrive
Employers also play an important role in creating environments where people with psychiatric disorders can thrive. Some of the advice I share in my book is for employers, managers, and HR because it is important for them to understand how to better accommodate people who live with mental illness. Workplaces that prioritize mental health education and anti-stigma training can build cultures where people feel comfortable being their full selves, allowing everyone to feel like they belong. Encouraging open conversations and offering flexible accommodations doesn’t just support those with mental health conditions, it strengthens the entire workforce.
A diagnosis doesn’t define you or your work
To anyone navigating the workplace while managing a psychiatric disorder, I want you to know this: You deserve understanding, stability, and opportunity. Your diagnosis does not define or diminish your abilities. With the right support, awareness, and resilience, it is possible to build a fulfilling career and a meaningful life. I’m grateful to organizations like Mental Health America for amplifying stories like mine and helping push forward a future where all people, regardless of diagnosis, can live the lives that we continue to fight for!
This post was sponsored by Johnson & Johnson.
The views and opinions expressed in this blog solely belong to the author, and external content does not necessarily reflect the views of Mental Health America.
