If this is inappropriate for this thread, please tell me where I should move it and I will do so.

I can't believe I'm even considering this.

Been unemployed for 5 years. Had a break down, applied for disability, denied, still in appeals but hope for approval is slim.

Have tons of bad "tapes" in my head about hating work, hating society. Still think about suicide almost every day.

Even before my break down, I had difficulty keeping a job. Have no one to offer as references. Would probably not be a good idea if my former employers were contacted. I would usually get depressed and just stop going. Ashamed about my depression, I would usually lie in the process.

Before today, the possibility of work seemed like something quite a way down the road yet.

However, I came across a part-time job posting that matches something I've done in the past and, though I'm not sure I'm ready and I'm pretty sure I have almost zero chance of getting it in this job market, I think I'm going to apply for.

I haven't had a resume in forever and I'm hoping someone has some advice on how to deal with my work history and my lack of employment for the last five years. And, how do I deal with the references thing?

Do I have a chance in Hades? Should I even be trying? Will a rejection set me back? Can I handle employment?

Part of the job deals with other mentally ill people. I want to disclose my own struggles with mental illness in my cover letter as an asset in being compassionate and relating to the mentally ill. Do you think this is a good idea?

Any help you can provide would be appreciated. I'm hoping to get this done over the weekend.

Still can't believe I'm doing this.

Thanks, in advance, for any advice.