Holding down a job

I am 22 but since I was 17 and developed bipolar disorder I have been incapable of holding down a job or going to school. I start, its overwhelming and I have no drive and I give up. Well I can't pay my gas bill and I am using a space heater for now. My landlord is also taking electric out of my security deposit. My mom has been bringing me food and giving me a little bit of money. I am out of options but I may be getting a job at a local manufacture. Has anyone else had trouble holding down a job? I can't get social security disability because I haven't worked for 4 years. How do I hold down this job? Any tips?

I feel you. I recently got a new job, it has only been one week and I am already getting terrible insomnia, racing thoughts, trouble focusing, anxiety and restlessness.

The new and sudden barrage of stimulation, the spike in pressure to perform and blend in at the same time, the sudden change in sleep schedule, etc. It's hitting me even past the Zyprexa. I feel like I am holding on for dear life at this point, because I really don't want to lose the job.

So far the only way I am really coping each day is to try to trigger disassociation for myself. I tell myself that I am just floating through the day like a strange dream, and that it will be over eventually. I try to imagine being outside the store when the shift is over, and my current situation during my shift has become just a memory. I pretend like it's already a memory and I am just remembering it. I try to do these mind tricks on myself throughout the day.

If you think you can't work at all you can get SSI. YOu don't have to have worked to get it. You just apply for it on the social security webpage (www.ssa.gov) and have to go through the same process as SSDI more or less. It get you I think between $700-$800/month.

It sounds like you also probably are eligible for food stamps and they can help a great deal.

Will you be working full time or part time? I know a limited schedule helps make it easier to cope in my case. Of course, that means less $ for bills, but it's better than having none.

BeyondtheRainbow is correct. If you have not worked long enough but are considered medically ill you would get SSI. People that get SSI don't get much money but it's better than nothing.

Also as Vertigo pointed out if your able to eventually work part-time that would help you out.

I was just approved for SSDI (for people who have worked enough). If I can find a job down the line with little to no stress that's part-time I'll take it. I have a frnd that subs as a teacher. She can sign up for assignments the morning of. So if she wakes up and feels ok she can log in see what's available and select what she wants. I wish I could find something like that but teaching isn't my thing. I just like the concept.

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I've never been able to hold a job for more than 4 years, and I haven't worked in 3. (I'm 59) I don't have enough work history for SSDI but I am applying for SSI. Since you are much younger than me I think you have better employment options. If you can the local job in manufacture I would say by all means go for it. If it turns out to be too stressful you can look for other work. It's always easier to find a job if you already have a job. I know what it's like to be broke and I wish you the best of luck in getting back on your feet.

I have had over 30 positions and I am only 48. I don't lose these jobs. In fact it is just the opposite; I do very well in my positions but the the ever increasing stress to maintain the high level of performance and anxiety renders me incapable of working and I find it necessary to quit. The need for an income found me back at a new job and hence the never ending cycle.

The problem was that I was never addressing my health and only got sicker and sicker. It took me until I was 45 after yet an umpteenth crash that someone recognized I needed and found me help.

Yes, I am on disability. Yes it's a bit humiliating and I'd rather not be. I wish beyond wishes I could have a rewarding career and be able to meet my own financial needs BUT I realize I'm incapable of that and that while meager, disability allows me to maintain an independent life. Ultimately I would like to return to work. That may in fact be in the cards. But right now I have live in a way that I can manage my health.

I *used* to be able to hold down a job, a good one at that. I don't see it happening again. I agree with what others have said, you should try to apply for SSI and food stamps.