[BastetsMuse]

I'm bipolar I, PTSD, anxiety disorder, and ADD. I've been on SSD for four years now, and I was thinking that maybe I was at the point where I could go back to work at least part time.

My shrink's response to this? "No way, you're not nearly stable enough yet. You need counseling to come off some of your meds -- maybe -- and even if you become stable enough, you could only wokr a very, very, very part-time job."

Wow. Just, wow. I'm blown away. I'm shattered. I'm only 52 years old... what am I supposed to do with the rest of my life?

[Tucson]

I am in a similar situation. I am 56 years old and still too early to retire. Besides, I have no money saved up for retirement. I do not want to be poor for the rest of my life. And work would give me the needed structure in my life and boost in self-worth.

[venusss]

eh, maybe working might give you some sense of self-fullfillment and help. Who knows. If you feel up to it, why not try it?

Maybe you could start with some part-time volunteer work? See how it goes for 6 months and then find some paid work? That way you'd still have the benefit of some structure / socializing but without the pressure of finding/maintaining a 'real' job (not that I view volunteer work as any less important...often it's some of the most important work out there). Might also build your confidence, making the interview process more manageable + volunteering = food for the soul.

Of course this wouldn't immediately solve $ issues, but could possibly be a step in the right direction.

[Flyer]

[Both of you.] Go for it. You will never have an answer if you don't try.

I get the urge to work again, and would like to but in reality, I don't think it would work for me.

Best wishes.

[BastetsMuse]

Originally Posted by Flyer

[Both of you.] Go for it. You will never have an answer if you don't try.

I get the urge to work again, and would like to but in reality, I don't think it would work for me.

Best wishes.

Ah, but I guess I didn't mention that I was asking my shrink for her opinion, which I value? Her opinion was a surprise, and I honestly think I must take it under serious consideration, and think about why she thinks I'm unstable, etc, etc..... for our next session.

Thanks for responding. I just might be fooling myself as to my capabilities, you know; that's why I asked my psychiatrist.

[Flyer]

"I just might be fooling myself as to my capabilities, you know"

I do that often. In hindsight, we can dream, right? Usually I become invincible when experiencing mania. =D

It's good to have peeps that will hold onto my string when I'm flying, and there to catch me if I fall too fast.