[still_crazy]

My official diagnosis is Bipolar I. I think its considered more severe, and there have been some psychotic episodes. I'm currently on disability (and blessed to be on disability, too).

I just wonder...is there a way out, into a higher functioning mainstream? Not to get all Marxist and all, but sometimes I think keeping a lot of us poor is how Mental Health, Inc.--or at least, the face of Mental Health, Inc. that I've seen--maintains a lot of control over "mental patients."

I'm something of an exception to the rule, because my once "rinky dink middle class family" (a former counselor's words, btw) is now more well-to-do. Not rich, but apparently not what most people think when they think "middle-class." They worked hard, God's been good to them, I'm happy for them. Point is...

...because my parents are behind me so solidly, I'm taking the psych drugs voluntarily, not by court order. I've been spared further hospitalizations and all that other stuff that, around here at least, is often used to keep "uppity mental patients" in line. It helps that I'm white and male. If I had been born female, I'd probably be in the state hospital ((long story...)).

So...yeah. I'm finishing a degree. I'm doing it online because I was driven out of school when I tried returning to a state school to do it. Long story, that, but...again: "uppity mental patients" don't well 'round here, y'all.

What kind of j-o-b do you think is do-able if you're not yet 35, with an undergraduate degree, no criminal record but one has a stigmatized identity? Or should I just focus on volunteer work and be thankful for what I have right now?

Thanks. :-)

[Pikku Myy]

There is always hope. I have been somewhat stable for the past year. Hugs from bp1

[Travelinglady]

I'm on disability, but I've been "stable" for over 6 years. I know some bipolar folks can work.

[BipolaRNurse]

I don't know what your degree is in, but I say if you feel you can work, then go for it! You're too young to stay mired in mediocrity forever. Me, I'm on disability too, but I'm pushing 60 and even if I could work, no one wants someone my age because I'll retire within a few years anyway. Age discrimination is alive and well in America, sorry to say.

[still_crazy]

me again. I just...don't...know. My big fear is that the stigma will catch up with me if I get any job, especially a decent, reasonably stable job I'm aiming for. I know, sounds...paranoid...but years ago, I pissed some "professionals" off and they told people I worked with (low wage, early 20something job) "their opinion," and...yeah. Fun times.

In an ideal world, I wouldn't have moved back to this area. In my world, I need my parents and I'm glad I moved back. I believe in God. I think God has made good of a lot of horrible things for me and for my family, because...well, I believe in a loving, kind, generous God, which (oddly enough) seems to set me apart from a lot of "Christians" out there ((off soap box now)).

Anyway, I'll keep on keepin' on. No shame in disability if you need it, that's for sure. And I'm glad we still have bits and pieces of a safety net in America, for obvious reasons. Could be worse, that's for sure.

[Plastic Fork]

I hear you BPNurse, seems sad when the only thing you really qualify for is to be a greeter at Walmart. However, I find that hanging out at the local University, around young people, rekindles my spirit. They are eager and expansive. Very thought provoking.

[bioChE]

There's hope for being able to work, even with the disorder. My medication regimen is pretty stable, aside from a few bad Wellbutrin weeks I experienced recently. Even with the disorder I'm able to hold down a professional engineering job. Thankfully I was able to finish college well, even in the midst of some nasty unmedicated episodes. The degree has served me well, and the disorder has always haunted me. I've was on short term disability twice, but I always fight to get back on my feet and back to work. It's possible.

I say do your best in school, and fight to stay on your feet while practicing your profession. You're an intelligent, thoughtful young person, and you might be able to make a better living than being in disability for your entire life. I know some people need the safety net of disability, and it's a good resource for those who require it.