[Moose72]

Do you ever think that I'm right now all I'm ever going to amount to? That my past accomplishments are as far as I can go? I was in world-class choirs in high school and everyone says my photography is something special. But still I feel like I've hit a wall. I probably won't own a house or travel the world- I live in assisted housing and travelled growing up- my parents owned houses when I was a kid. I do keep my blog and I hope that helps people understand what it's like to be bipolar. I'm happy that I've written it.

[raspberrytorte]

Yeah. Sometimes I think this is as good as it's gonna get.

[BeyondtheRainbow]

I've been feeling that this evening. Because I feel that things aren't very stable with social security I had been planning to pull my occupational therapy license out of escrow this year (my last chance before it expires) so that if I need to work a few hours I week I had that to fall back on, despite not thinking I really can work. Anyway I read the rules again and found small print indicating that since I haven't worked in over 5 years that to get my license back I would have to take extreme measures like re-taking my board exam (no way I could pass pediatrics 17 years after last using it) and the fees are more than double what I thought. So, no go there. Kind of a relief but mostly makes me really sad that as of June 30 I'll lose my license for good and just be "retired". At 41 years old.

[MusicLover82]

I married a man who is relatively well-off. Home ownership and having things is not all it's cracked up to be, though, if you aren't happy to begin with. My husband is not the happiest person, and he doesn't even see his blessings that are in front of him. He's had to deal with unemployment from time to time, too, due to the nature of his work. We've gone through h*** to get where we are now, and he's not even happy now that we've gotten to a better place financially.

My advice? Find joy in every day and simple pleasures. Give yourself credit for the little everyday successes. Connect with the people you care about most. That's all that matters, anyway.

[BipolaRNurse]

I feel that my best days are in the rear-view mirror. I accomplished a good deal during my career, but had to leave it because of my BP. Now I'm on disability, knowing I can't work because my memory is so poor and I have mobility issues, and I sometimes wonder what on earth I'm doing---sitting around waiting to die? I'm only 58...far too young to give up. And I haven't. But I'm having a tough time figuring out my second act.

[Wander]

Absolutely. When I was in my teens and early twenties, before mental and physical illness took over my life I was heading for a bright future in many areas. Studying Biological Sciences at university, getting a career as a singer/songwriter up and going, acting, working and very social. So many people commented on how talented I am and expected big things from me. Then I had a breakdown at age 22. Since then I have gotten up and fought to succeed many times only to be knocked back down again. I have worked in finance, Case Management and music teaching.

Now I live on disability support and work 10.5 hours a week in a minimum wage job in retail. I am studying Writing at university which is my last hope at having a intellectually satisfying, creative career. But I doubt I will make it as I am hospitalised at least 4 times a year. I am not dependable in the workforce. I fear for my future. Still, I will never give up trying to have a life worth living. Every time I am knocked down I will get up and keep fighting. Every day I work hard to achieve this. There is still some hope left in me.