[thickntired]

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted some feedback from ppl who are on disability or for whatever reason don't work. (FYI I'm not talking about the extremely hard stay at home Mom or Dad job - that's work!)

If you don't work what kinds of positive things do you do to fill your days?

I'm finding it hard to replace the 24/7 mania from at my past employment.

Thanks!

TnT

Hmm, I am on disability, but I am a stay at home mom as well, my children are all school aged so that helps, but I still have all the chores and what not to run the house as a single mom .

However, I do get really really bored at times, lack of human contact also can drive me nuts. I have a lot of hobbies, I paint, knit, refinish furniture, collect antiques, ect. and I spend a fair ammount of time practicing yoga. In the warmer months I garden and do more outside sports.

Do you have hobbies, or interests that you could expand on? Or some type of volunteer work that you would be able to handle doing?

been out on permanent disability since 98. i started my own unofficial business, take my dogs to the dog aprk to play, wrote a novel, did 3 books of photography, go out on search of the perfect image to capture, do dog rescue, go camping, go to the gym, etc.

bored? sometimes...but i enjoy being able to pick & choose what i want to do. i am 53 & able to do things unless everything is acting up..then it's a stay at home kind of day.

retirement is what you make it. i am dirt poor..which sucks. but then again..ya can't have everything.

[thickntired]

Thank you both for the great ideas! I know that I have been blessed to have disability to fall back on, so I want to be productive. I had to ditch two volunteering jobs bc I got worked up over nothing! Seriously.

But writing, walking & reading sound like something I could make into a schedule. From what I've read it is very beneficial to have a schedule for bipolar. It is just a bizarre change of pace after working for years.

Peace,

TnT

[Fresia]

Initially I was not functioning and did not for years. As treatments began to help, I began to do more hobbies: being with my animals (agility training), drawing, writing, reading, wood working, and then I began to volunteer. After that, I took a fun class. I started out with one at a time, then a few more. This led to becoming a degree student now with hopes of returning to work when classes end. Still doing the hobbies in the process. However, taking things one day at a time.

I had a hard time in the beginning getting back to my interests, but it is finding what interests you that can make all the difference. They are what keep me fulfilled and grounded at this point more than anything. Find your passions.

[-Astral-]

I have been a disability for about 10 years now ....i spend most of my time online or reading

[Rose76]

In 1988, I started working on getting a master's degree in Economics. It had been a longtime dream of mine to teach in, like, a junior college. Well, my life was screwed up and I dropped up after a year. (Also, inadequate Math background was a huge impediment.) I decided to pursue an Associate Degree in Nursing, instead, as the quickest way for me to make a half-ways decent living.

I went back in 2008, and found that my computer illiteracy was an even bigger impediment. I was overwhelmed with even registering for a course . . . on the computer.

I would like to acquire the computer skills it takes to produce a college term paper in today's academic world. If I can manage that, then I would like to take some college courses in English and Economics. Being involved in academic work always had a positive impact on my state of mind. Even, if I just took one course per semester, it would structure my time and mental activity.

I believe, that I could recover enough psychologically to possibly do some part-time nursing on a private basis.

Another idea I have is that I would like to volunteer as a literacy tutor . . . and/or helping out at the Humane Society Medical facility recovering animals from surgery.

Mainly, I want to get out and interact with people.

[advena]

I have been on disability two years and I find it hard to fill my days because my anxiety makes it difficult for me to get out and about. I spend time on my hobby, crocheting, read and listen to books on tape and go out with my best friend about once a week. Of course, I also spend time online. When I was able to get out more I went to a gym, took classes and did volunteer work and went to meetings for my 12 step program.

I am also on disability for three years now. Currently I am waiting for vocational rehab to accept me to support me with employment issues.

Most of my days I spend reading large books; analyzing maps with a magnifying glass and LED lights; taking care of my tarantulas, centipedes, scorpions, and other creatures; on the Internet; outside photographing insects; playing and studying chess; and visiting my counselor in the city when I can for help with my mental health issues.

Would love to be more social and have friends .

[possum220]

Been on disability for 10 years.

I have done a few different types of volunteer work. Spent about two years in a clinic (over all).

I have joined groups for those with disabilities doing craft work and just getting together for coffee.

Spent a lot of time hiding from the world...... but still battling to get the upper hand on my MH issues. Trialling a new medication this week.

I have done craft and crosswords and played games on face book.

It is good to try and keep on contact with the outside world.

Try and find a pace that works for you.

[Travelinglady]

I've been on it for about 9 years, due to physical and mental illness, so I am pretty much kaput in terms of doing a lot of the stuff that many of the other folks do. I read (even belong to a book club), write (for a newspaper--a weekly column and am working on a book about experiences with being mentally ill), play games and correspond on the computer, always do the word games there after I read the rest of the newspaper, watch certain TV shows, rent movies, and go out with a friend to McDonalds's or such once a week. I've tried doing a bit of volunteer work, but I'm not up to much.

Have you considered starting your own social club, by advertising in the paper? Maybe a book group or such, depending on your interests.....

I also do some church activities.

I have been on disability for over 10 years. During this time, I have managed to get my high school diploma through adult education. I have also tried junior college but did not like it. Now, I am in university. After I am done, I hope to find work.

When I am not in class, I paint, draw and create digital art with Photoshop. The internet is another favourite pastime. Reading and researching is another that fulfills my perpetual need for acquiring knowledge, especially in astronomy and biology.

Over the years, I have taken art classes and did some volunteer work to pass the time.