I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Bipolar. I currently hold a masters degree in sociology and have a job as case manager at a community mental health center. I am well qualified for this work, however, my mental illness makes it difficult to function. I cannot take constructive criticism, have trouble concentrating, and when I get really stressed I cut myself and become suicidal. I am in counseling and am on meds. but I still have a hard time functioning. I know it is hard to get disability with a lot of education behind you. I really don't want to do this. I have always had problems with employment because of my mental health problems.
2007-12-26 14:50:03 · 28 answers · asked by Mary 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Have you thought about a career change? Nowhere in your post says you love your job.....Maybe you'd be better suited to something more creative.....or even self employed if you don't like criticism. Good luck, hope you figure it all out :-)
2007-12-26 14:57:17 · answer #1 · answered by Miss Kitty Kat >^,^< 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
try getting a less stressful job, with your educational background you shouldn't have trouble. If possible take some time off and talk to your theripist about it. Maybe you need a med change,and your therapistcan help with that as well as with the career change idea. I know how hard it is, I am in school hoping to be able to do what you do and have the same problems. I decided that maybe if i get a degree in something that is similar but doesn't require the day to day part I might do better. Good luck and God bless.
2007-12-26 15:23:48 · answer #2 · answered by insanityx2 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I feel for you in so may ways. I was there a few years ago. I felt myself heading for disaster and did. I had a nervous breakdown and it wiped me out, mentally. I had the brainpower of a 7 year old for the following year. It has been a very unpleasant experience and had taken a considerable amount of time to recuperate from. I do not wish it upon anyone.
You might just try kicking it down a level or two. Slow down and make some changes to try to alleviate the problematic areas. You will not be happy if you are not a functioning member of society, it may make things worse. So try not to lose your job. Unless your have someone to financially support you, you may lose what you have worked to hard to gain. You might consider another line of work or telecommuting.
Maybe your meds need adjusting along with a change of venue. Good luck and keep your head up!
2007-12-26 15:02:50 · answer #3 · answered by nunyabeezwax 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Look at it this way ... do you want to succumb to the darkness or rise above it? Do you want to live with your mental health issues, or die with them?
You know these are conscious choices. I had to make those choices too. I have a hell of a time functioning in the workplace and have lost jobs because I could not function or cope. When the issue is serious, it is time for a counselling and/or meds re evaluation. Take some time off work - your doctor should back you up. Get your sh^t together, and give it another try.
2007-12-26 15:02:11 · answer #4 · answered by bin there dun that 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Before you do any thing think for a moment some people had a big mental disorder and bipolar sickness but they able to got cured.Ask another opinion the other doctor ask as possible to get a good medicne and always contact to your family and friends so that make yourself occupied and busy.I am sure you will be able to recover your condition.Remember you are not alone if u try your best to get a help ok. wish u best good luck!
2007-12-26 15:20:58 · answer #5 · answered by Evelyn quintanar essabilla emily 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not hard to get on disability with a lot of education behind you. Go to your local disability office and someone will help you fill out the forms and tell you what you need to get from your doctor in order to qualify.
It sounds to me, like you are disabled and having your doctor write you up as disabled should be fairly simple.
Also talk to your HR department. In many companies they have to make accomodations for people with disabilities, even emotional or psychological disabilities. Depending on what you want, you may be able to work part time or not at all. Good luck. It is not a difficult process to get disability if you really need it.
2007-12-26 14:54:25 · answer #6 · answered by N S 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Can you talk with your doc about a med change?
I know work can be really stressful. Find a support group to help you cope, or a supportive friend.
I think you may have a really difficult time getting disability.
You might also start looking for a job that would be less stresssful. you can get through this. there are many people that need your help. don't give up.
2007-12-26 14:58:27 · answer #7 · answered by ny 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You will probably not be able to get disability. I personally have three diagnosed illnesses (PTSD, SAD, and Depression) and still work without therapy or medication because I can't afford it- but I don't qualify for disability. So since you have a college degree and a good job (with benefits, non?), I highly doubt you will either. If I were you I would talk to your doctor about increasing your dosage or changing your medication since it obviously isn't working for you. You can't just give up on supporting yourself because you have disorders- you need to work through them.
2007-12-26 14:57:14 · answer #8 · answered by Ren 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My best friend has the same disorder and she has a hard time with work to sometimes, all you can do is take it one day at a time or maybe cut back on your hours or find a way to get your supervisor to decrease your work load, but really you should remove yourself from the situation for a while and take a break. Your in my prayers.
2007-12-26 14:57:16 · answer #9 · answered by D.S.M 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like you need to take some extended leave or a sabbatical before you are fired. (I was a social worker and after my divorce, I was under tremendous stress. I got burned out, and it didn't help that the county office manager was gunning for being the # 1 in our state and was not afraid of trampling those she felt like she had to trample, social worker, support staffer or clerical).
Address these issues in therapy, esp. the cutting and suicidal thoughts.
Good luck, God bless you and I'm on your side.
2007-12-26 14:55:50 · answer #10 · answered by confidentgal 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
as for me also. they say it's all in my head, and fail to actually diagnose me. wtf you say?? i know... it's a bunch of horse crap if you ask me. i know you are not supposed to mix work w/ home... and you are supposed to put your best foot forward. if you like what you do, i would stick w/ it... and if you are having problems focusing on what is worth it, and what is not.... maybe a break from everything would work. i do not recommend you cut yourself, or become suicidal. if you have children, where would that leave them? i understand how hard it is... maybe a new change of work could do you some good... or maybe you could use your new-found skills to work for you, instead of consisting your life, and career helping people with the same problems as your own. i know nothing but what you described, i'm just offering some friendly advice. i know it's hard.... but sometimes god puts things in front of us, that force us to use different skills to get through anything that is in front of you. prayer is always good... and a friend w/ a good ear is also good. you may not want any answers, but would like to get some things off your chest, and a good listener would do just that. just hang in there, and know that nothing is gonna bring you down.
2007-12-26 15:19:30 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋