I agree; in fact, I am not yet at the point where seeking employment is even an option.

But... I am getting there! Albeit slowly, i am working on my self worth and trying to train myself to a) recognise those negative automatic thoughts and b) come up with alternative more positive ones (this is the foundation of CBT incidentally). Those negative thoughts are always going to come but stopping them in their tracks with a 'look I'm not going to think that way, what can I find positive in this situation" is the goal.

Learning to identify the positive should be helpful on your work journey.

I was given a few suggestions to help out when I feel more comfortable going back to work. One is to visit my local Canadian Mental Health Association (the UK will have it's own version). Mine apparently actually has a vocational counsellor. Regardless, what they will have is a list of employers seeking staff. These companies are aware of mental illness but are willing to still hire.

Have you considered too changing up the work you are looking for (and this is where my anxiety steps in). Perhaps it is time to re-evaluate your career choice.

ex. I hav worked 30+ years in retail and retail management. There is no way I would be able to work with the public again. That leaves me with no idea what to do. Again the mental health association might help with that. My psychiatrist has suggested too when the time comes that I should seek something repetetive that doesn't require working with people.