[Bipolarchic14]

I’m looking to get into medical and that’s like the one job that doesn’t require experience and I figured it would be in my foot in the door. I don’t think they’ll remember me from two years ago. Only downside is I was actually considering going back impatient for a while but I really want to try to get a job be OK. Am I crazy for applying for a job there?

[*Beth*]

No, I don't think you're crazy for wanting to apply there. Do you feel stable enough to hold a job, especially one that is hard and could be triggering?

[Soupe du jour]

I wouldn't, but that's me. I had thought about applying for part-time work at one (once when hypomanic) but really don't think they'd consider me. I used "experience" at one in an inquiry and heard nothing back.

I think a lot of people with psych issues consider jobs in the psych field. I think they know that. That's not to say they wouldn't consider a former patient, but it would be something they might in hiring, whether for better or worse.

Two years is not a long time. I think many hiring managers would agree. Also know that hiring managers do often Google candidates. They may look you up in their system. Maybe.

[Bipolarchic14]

When we say former patient we use that term loosely I was there for like a week, a year and a half ago. @ bethrags my stability isn’t really that relevant. I don’t really have a choice I need to go work somewhere. But I figure if I really lose it they can just roll my chair into a room. Kidding but seriously need to get a job and maybe that will make me more stable. I have no idea what to expect. I was honestly debating whether to go back into the hospital and the truth is it really didn’t help so I don’t know why am debating so much.

[*Beth*]

I've asked about stability because it seems that in one sentence you say you want to apply for a job, but in the next sentence you mention feeling like you need to go into the hospital. If you feel like you need IP I honestly don't think getting a job will help. That's my opinion, anyway.

[Bipolarchic14]

I have chronic active suicidal thoughts. They’ve just been very strong lately because I lost my job and now I’m going to lose my insurance. There were things I was planning on doing to try to make my life better and more stable and the rug was just pulled out from under me when I lost my job. So I try to use my training I received in therapy to move forward but the urges have been so strong. It is easier said than done. it’s a slippery slope. Therapy along with meds for my physical and mental health are enlarge what has allowed me to maintain stable employment.

[MickeyCheeky]

If you feel like trying then why not? It costs almost nothing to send an application after all. Of course always remember to practice self-care. Please do not hesitate to check yourself at the hospital when in need. The final decision is up to you in any case. Sending many safe, warm hugs to BOTH you, @Bipolarchic14, your Family, your Friends and ALL of your Loved Ones! Keep fighting and keep rocking NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, OK?!

[Fuzzybear]

I don't think you're crazy for wanting to apply for a job there. Much love to you

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by Bipolarchic14

I have chronic active suicidal thoughts. They’ve just been very strong lately because I lost my job and now I’m going to lose my insurance. There were things I was planning on doing to try to make my life better and more stable and the rug was just pulled out from under me when I lost my job. So I try to use my training I received in therapy to move forward but the urges have been so strong. It is easier said than done. it’s a slippery slope. Therapy along with meds for my physical and mental health are enlarge what has allowed me to maintain stable employment.

That makes sense. Well, sure then...send and application in and see what happens.

[wolftrap]

If you have been able to maintain stable employment, that is a big plus. Go for it and see what happens! This will not be the only opportunity.

[HALLIEBETH87]

I am a known patient at the ip where I’ve had to go numerous times. Sucks but yeah they know me. But last time I was there I was at nurses station talking and one of the social workers who knows me said stay out of here for two years and come apply. We need people like you.

It’s almost been a year. I’m in school studying social work.

It’s possible!

[busymomof5]

Mental health professional here. Do not apply for the job. You are not stable enough to work in the field right now. Wait until you have 6 months of stability. Find another job for now.

[Bipolarchic14]

I spoke to my therapist as well. She basically said she thought it would be triggering. I don’t think it would be and I would love to help people but I am going to take your advice and my therapists advice and leave it for now. Besides it really does not pay well.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by Bipolarchic14

I spoke to my therapist as well. She basically said she thought it would be triggering. I don’t think it would be and I would love to help people but I am going to take your advice and my therapists advice and leave it for now. Besides it really does not pay well.

It's shocking to me, how little aids in psych hospitals are paid.

[Bipolarchic14]

Bethrags- actually not surprised. If you think about how much social workers make after they get out of school until they get their license to become a licensed clinical social worker. Psychiatrist I think actually make well below regular doctors. If you think about it even with disability it’s much harder to get assistance for a mental impairment that it is a physical one. If you think about all the ways people were mistreated in mental health institutions. As someone stated before people with mental health issues are drawn to the field. So it’s kind of their way of giving people with mental health issues less money at work. So no, I am not surprised. I can tell you one thing I won’t do if I ever do decide to go into it, is compare myself to other people that are having issues. You can have a mental health issue and still not be able to relate to somebody else with a mental health issue. I think people assume sometimes that because they have felt suicidal at some point that they know how bad it is for the other person. It’s a dangerous way to look at things.

[Miss Laura]

Can you volunteer in the field of mental health? I have in the past been a befriender, peer support worker both been voluntary both great experiences.

I know with covid it's not visible but here we have listening services you could try and see if there is a listening service where you are?

I hate to say it but I didn't think you would be successful on paper as you are still fighting the battle.

I've been told if I can be med compliant AND well for a year look at jobs any jobs. It hurts me I haven't had a job in 10 years but it is what it is right? Unfortunately I'm ill.

[FluffyDinosaur]

@Miss Laura: Wow, having to be stable for a year, I think that's a pretty harsh rule. I've never been that stable, even during the best years of my life. The ideal scenario for me is "only" having two or so short episodes (a few weeks each) per year. For me it is definitely manageable to work that way, it just means that I'm out of commission for a few weeks a year. For me it's more realistic to strive for that sort of scenario and talk to my employer about it. I don't think I'm ever going to have a full year of stability tbh.

[yellow_fleurs]

I once tried applying to a unit that had sort of formed from another unit I was on when I was an adolescent with an eating disorder. Didn't hear back (probably didn't have enough experience). That was at a time I felt relatively mentally stable and definitely passed the eating disorder where I felt confident I wouldn't be triggered (recovered fully for like 7 years I think). I don't think I'd apply somewhere if not stable currently, though. Also, I think it could be quite stressful even if not directly triggering. I hope you find something and I also like the idea of volunteering somehow.