I hear you. I am 52 and used to be a web developer. Then the voices and the depression hit, and I was wiped out and unable to work. With no other choice, I got on disability, which was a marked reduction in income. I'm not married, so I don't have to support anyone but myself.

I've been schizoaffective for 11 years, and just in the past few months my shrink got me on lithium, which has helped more than any other drug so far. But as to try another career, that would be a joke. Changing jobs may help you, especially if you feel work is causing your depression. Going on disability should be a last resort, because you'll feel that big hit in income, every day.

I wish you luck.