[splitimage]

I have a pet peeve that really annoys me, that I need to vent from. I've been Dx'd with MDD, PTSD, and alcoholism. I've been IP for the last month, and currently am no longer depressed. MY PTSD symptoms are in remission and I'm currently sober. So all in all I'm in pretty good shape.

But my Dr's seem to have built in biases when it comes to my working. I got laid off at the end of June (management restructuring - in no way performance related) so I need to start job hunting. My addictions team keeps telling me that I need to be in a low stress job. Well I followed their advice the last time and took a junior lower stress job at a significant pay cut, and it was ok. But as I got better i hated it. I need to be intellectually challenged. When I'm bored I get into trouble. So because I think I can handle it, I'm going to be looking for a more senior higher paying higher stress job this time around. They are adamently opposed (not that they can do anything about it).

Then when I had my session with my IP pdoc yesterday we were talking about aftercare options, and I said I only wanted to do the one day a week aftercare so as not to interfere too much with job hunting, she said, well if you do find a PART TIME job, and feel you need more support later you can always ask to be referred back to the more intensive day treatment. It was the part time assumption that pissed me off. I have an MBA, I'm a designated accountant, I've held senior high stress jobs most of my life. She herself admits that I'm well, so why the assumption that I'm looking for part time work? I can't afford to only work part time, and I'm more than capable of working full time.

I'm going to tell her about it when I see her on Tues.

Thanks for letting me vent.

--splitimage

[Perna]

I don't know; I don't think they see a lot of people IP like you for that long, raring to get out and find a full-time job right away? I'd be curious, ask why those advising against getting a full-time, upper echelon job advise that. It doesn't seem so much a limitation assumption to me as a 60 mph in under 8 seconds from standing start? The gap between where you are now and the job you want isn't something I would attempt to jump; I'd be inclined to take up bridge building instead

Hello, splitimage. I commend you for the positives resulting from your stay.

[objtrbit]

It does suck to have had so much improvement and then people doubt your abilities; that would frustrate the heck outta me too. It seems like the IP pdoc was the final straw-your trying so hard and somebody is questioning you every step of the way it seems. I bet it would have been nice for someone not to just acknowledge you're doing better, but to prove they believed it, ya know-give you some kind of support in it. I think it's awesome you're taking it to the next level, glad you got the chance/place to rant, that kinda stuff can really get to ya when peeps are being all discouraging.

Keep at it man, you got this,
-obj

[Amazonmom]

I also hate the assumption that a person with a mental illness must accept a smaller life as part of the deal. Feeling fulfilled and challenged at one's job is important. A full time job leaves less time to get bored, establishes a routine, and hopefully makes enough money to relieve financial stress.

MH professionals need to understand that there are different paths for everyone.

[Rhiannonsmoon]

I hope your wellness continues to grow and that your job hunting is successful

[notz]

Dearest Splitimage,

I'm glad to hear you are doing better. A little sober time under the belt does wonders!

Observations not intended to be criticisms:

• You have a lot of sober time, just not cumulative.

• AA talks about building blocks...something to keep in mind.

• I see some who have high stress jobs who suck at life and life sucks them.

• I also see some who have high stress jobs who mostly keep it together (no one is perfect)
• Isolation is good for a long, slow, debilitating withdrawal from the essence of living.
• Money ain't everything but it's nice to have
• Sobriety ain't everything but it's nice to have
• Keep your brain steady and listen
• Be careful
• I got your back

[(JD)]

Good to hear you will discuss this extensively with your T.

I mean, are you sure you aren't feeling so stressed isn't because you did take a less stressful position? I can't know, just asking.

PTSD doesn't go away, isn't cured, etc. So the best you can do is limit your stress. But I sure know the stress of not having enough money. That's something you have to balance. Doctors can't focus on that, they are paid to focus on your health...but truly your T has to help you cope!

I hope you find the perfect job!

[Princess_Obsidian]

Greetings,

I am glad you are going to be honest with her and tell you how you feel. Though, please, keep in mind, medical professionals are there to help and even though, some may seem quite strict with their practicess, it most certainly is for a good reason.

Have a good one.

[pegasus]

(((((( splitimage ))))))

I'm sorry the MH professionals made you feel like they did not have faith in you. I'm sure they do have faith in you but are trying to get you to slow down a bit. Going from inpatient to full time high stress job is maybe a little over ambitious. If you were the Doctor what would you be saying to this patient?