I work full time, and have for years. I've had to take periods of time off when i've been unwell, but mostly just working. It is actually stabilizing for me, because it gives me structure and makes me be around people. But it is a high stress job, and sometimes i wish i was doing something easier. When i was hospitalized the doctors tried to convince me to go on disability, or work part time, but i didn't listen to them. A lot of my self esteem is tied to working. And for the most part i'm fine. I've told a couple friends at work that i can talk to if i'm feeling bad, and i told my supervisor so he knows in case i need to take time off. But it's working for me. This won't work for everyone, so i'm lucky i can do it. I think i am just really stubborn, and don't like having people tell me what i can and can't do.