For years, I have had a passion for psychiatry. I've wanted to be a doctor since I was very young, and in recent years, I've realized that I have a huge passion for helping the mentally ill. So, psychiatry seemed like the perfect career option for me.

Med school, however, is extremely stressful. And I don't do well with stress. I'm studying abroad in Italy this semester, and just the stress from that has been enough to make me more manic than I've ever been, psychotic, and suicidal.

So, med school is looking like a bad idea right now.

What other career options do I have? I'm posting this here rather than in the careers forum, because you all know me fairly well, and may have suggestions that I haven't thought of.

I am seriously considering clinical psychology; I know that several clinical psychologists suffer from mental illness (e.g. Kay Jamison) and are doing very well. I'd still get to help the mentally ill, though perhaps not as much, because I wouldn't be able to prescribe. I'd still make a decent living.

Social work and counseling are also options.

Careers that I've considered that aren't related to psychiatry include philosophy (I love to think), and novel writing (haha;in my dreams). I've even considered going to culinary school and becoming a chef. I've been looking at literally all of my options, because I have enough regrets in my life. I don't want to wake up at 45 and think "*****, what am I doing with my life?!".

I need a career that is stimulating but not too stressful, that will keep me satisfied for 40+ years, that I'll still be able to do even if my bipolar gets worse, that will allow me to make enough to support a family and own a house, and that will be prestigious enough that I'll be proud of what I do. Are there any careers out there that can fulfill all of these criteria?

Thanks!