There’s so much to think about. Working can be so satisfying — for me it’s one of the only things that gives my life real purpose and meaning. But it took a long time to get to a place where full time was realistic (and even now there are frequent blips).

Do you think jumping from 12 hr/wk to full time in one leap is practical? I don’t know that this analogy works, but you wouldn’t up your meds from X mg to XXX mg in one go. You’d move up little by little to give your body and mind time to adjust. Maybe full time work is a realistic option for you, but If you were my loved one, I’d hope you’d take your time and take realistic and manageable steps.

It’s not fair, and it hurts, but most people will never understand the nuances of mental illness. I like to think the majority of them don’t say hurtful or judgmental things out of spite — they just couldn’t possibly know better.
Best to you!