I totally agree with what you said about pain and ability to function. I have had chronic pain for such a long time, that I am able to largely ignore it, even though it is still there. Of course, it limits my abilities for intense activity, but I can manage the basics. I have a pretty high tolerance for pain, but there are days here and there where I can barely get out of bed. And none of this even begins to touch the effects of my mental health pain. I would go back to my old job in a second, if I truly believed that I could do it without being a hinderence to my co workers. However, I know that is not possible.

I now work a few hours a week at a low stress job, where I make about one quarter of what my hourly pay was before, but it does make me feel like I am serving a purpose, and it gets me out of the house. It helps that I feel very comfortable there, and do not have the anxiety and panic that I do in other situations.

I hope that your final evaluation has the outcome that you are hoping for. Good Luck

Cat