Hi Unexpressedfeelings,

I think many of us in this Forum at least at one time or another have had difficulty accepting that we have a mental illness, I know I have many times. Denial or wishful thinking that I don't really have bipolar and anxiety hasn't worked well for me. Accepting myself and my limitations has made my life easier for me and for people who I interact with.

I try to practice self-kindness and self-compassion and to be as kind to myself as I would to a friend or family member with a disease, whether it is a mental or physical illness.

I have bipolar 2 and I managed to work at a job that I chose because it was low stress until I retired. My job got me out of myself and provided needed structure to my days and life. I am struggling more since I retired without the structure and without the social contact. I tend to become more depressed when I isolate and avoid people. So a job can sometimes be helpful not only for income but also to be therapeutic, depending upon one's situation.

Best wishes to you & one day at a time!