I can understand how you could think so, but to me this is a misconception. There are bad people who will take advantage of others. True. They will kick you when you're down, and exploit your weaknesses. That's because they're looking for the easiest target. They would kick anybody if they thought that they could get away with it.

If a bicycle thief sees two bikes on the street, he's going to steal the one without a lock on it because it's easier. If a bully sees a small shy kid next to a big loud kid, he goes after the shy kid. It's not fair and it sucks, but bad people take advantage of perceived weakness or increased opportunity. I had to teach my son, who is the smallest kid in his class, to be scrappy or else the mean kids try to beat him up.

However, MOST people aren't bad people. Most people wouldn't kick you when you're down. Most people will meet kindness with kindness. I know you might not think so, but human beings are largely altruistic. There are lots of good people in the world who will help you in your time of need. There are lots of good people who will support you when you're weak.

The trick is to only associate with people who treat you as you deserve to be treated. Of course, bad people will still try hurt you. They have to be weeded out. Good people can do bad things that cause harm to others, too. If that happen, you just have to put an end to the bad behaviour. If it doesn't stop, you cut that person loose and move on.

Yes, that's true in my experience too. However, this is often because the unhealthy person tends to exhibit behaviours that are isolating. The good news is that this is fixable. Anyone can learn good social skills, and good social skills will in turn help the person gain a larger network.

*Some* employers want that, yes. So maybe you're not well suited for Wall Street or working in sales. So what?

Each person can find a niche in life that works with his or her abilities. There are so many professions in which is is common if not completely standard to have uniquely skilled people with a different point of view. Think of all of the authors, artists, musicians, scientists, philosophers, poets, historians, designers, actors, producers, etc., who suffer(ed) from mental illness.

I know some people think so, but have they walked a mile in your shoes? SSI is there to help people. You shouldn't feel badly about needing help or accepting it. Those negative voices can stuff it, as far as I'm concerned.

If you haven't been able to find fully supportive people, you should keep looking. They're there, and sometimes in the most unexpected places. You never know if you have a kind neighbour or potential friend until you reach out to people. I know that's really hard to do when depressed and feeling down on humanity as a whole. Don't give up though. *hugs*

I think it is great that you're thinking about all of this stuff and trying to find a solution. You ARE smart enough. If you want to do something else with your life, the only person stopping you is yourself. Even if you have a breakdown, that's OK. You will recover. You are more resilient than you know.