Why is a person who has schizoaffective disorder Bipolar type I considered to be mentally disabled? I always thought being mentally disabled means that the person can't be independent but I think I can if I can get 30% assistance.
I have this mental illness but I am stable with medications. My counselor told me I can't work because stress makes my illness worse.
Does this mean I have to depend on social security disability for the rest of my life?
I always thought I would be able to live in a big house and have a nice car and take vacations around the world once a year.
2006-12-12 16:27:15 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
I'm sorry, it is a devastating blow to hear those words- I think it was worse than if you heard you had cancer-- at least cancer is fatal (I have the same diagnosis and have been disabled for over 5 years). The reason you can't work is even though your medications may make you "stable" right now-- there is no GUARANTEE how long they will keep you that way (I'm on my 20 something different med) and stress of any kind can cause you to spiral into a major depression (yes, worse than you are in now) and suicidal--been there x5 already.
Now the up side- you may be able to be creative - make things, do things, when you are up to it, and sell them, Your positive attitude is encouraging but believe me, the littlest thing can set you off so you have to be careful--it's hard, it's really, really hard. If you ever need to talk e mail me.
2006-12-12 16:34:38 · answer #1 · answered by mac 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As someone who works in the field of employment for disabilities i kind of disagree with your counselor. wll maybe not right now but at some point you may feel in control enough to work part time. there are agencies out there that can help you with this goal if it is what you want to do.
as for the round the world dream and owning a house, sadly there are many people with this dream who won't make it a reality. including me.
work from where you are. do small things that make you feel like you have control over your life. l,iving with mental illness is a challenge but find something that makes it a little better. volunteer, join a clubhouse (a program for people with mental illness that is offered all over the world) just like people have to work slowly to build up their physical strength you also have to do this to build up your mental strength. not saying it will be easy but you can have some quality of life if you go after it.
2006-12-12 16:47:36 · answer #2 · answered by Justme 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Having either of these diagnoses doesn't imply any given level of function. You may be able to be satisfactorily employed. I know people with such conditions that lead very productive lives.
2006-12-12 16:34:55 · answer #3 · answered by grotereber 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes, well sort of. i have bipolar disorder, and also have schizophrenic tendencies. the two are separate, but part of the same package.
2016-03-29 05:21:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋