Work as a Remedy Good Practices Book EN

Hello, my name is Tasos. I'm about 45 years old and I have faced some mental challenges throughout my life. Growing up, I struggled to understand simple things about others, and school was particularly difficult for me. Although I've never been formally diagnosed, I believe I have a slight mental retardation. My family never wanted to talk about these issues, and I grew up in an environment where any kind of intellectual disability was met with harsh criticism and punishment. My father, a non-commissioned officer in the Greek police, was very strict and often violent, believing that discipline came through verbal and physical abuse. My mother, although gentler, also resorted to physical punishment. As a result, I faced many difficulties in my early life, including being forced to leave school early and living in almost confinement at home. Tasos, 45 Recently, I was fortunate enough to find a job as an employee in a large supermarket chain here in Greece. I work full time in the grocery store, which involves stocking shelves, helping customers, and maintaining the cleanliness and organization of the store. My job requires a lot of physical work, but it’s not as heavy as some of the other jobs I’ve tried in the past. One of the unique aspects of my job is the supportive environment; my colleagues and supervisors are understanding and accommodating. For example, my supervisor let me off work 15 minutes early the other day so I wouldn't miss the bus home. This small act of kindness means a lot to me because my commute is long, about an hour and a half each way. Finding and keeping a job has always been a challenge for me. In the past, I struggled with the application process and often felt overwhelmed by the demands of the job, leading me to quit or get fired. My mental challenges made it difficult to cope with the pressure and expectations, and the lack of financial necessity didn’t help me stay motivated. However, this time things are different. The supermarket job is manageable, and the people I work with are supportive and understanding of my situation. Despite this, I still face challenges related to my mental health and the long commute. Challenges Faced