Being a social worker with mental illness...?

I'm 23 and attended community college for a year after high school, then took a break due to mental illness and uncertainty of what I really wanted to do. I've been planning for a while to return to school this fall, not even feeling like I 100% "fixed" whatever I was hoping I would during my break, but realizing I probably never will and need to just get back into it. Plus I am a bit better now and more certain, even if I'm not exactly perfect.

Starting when I was 11 or 12 I'd wanted to do something psychology related, and mainly wanted to "help people" (duh, a lot of people want to do that, whatever.) I realized a while ago clinical psychology wouldn't be right for me, research doesn't interest me enough, etc. Social work was always one of a few options I was considering, but the past year or so, especially the past 6 months, I've been feeling a lot more certain about it. Social work basically just embodies (almost) everything I'm really passionate about, and nothing else even comes close.

I'm worried though because, while I feel so certain about it, some part of me can't help but think that the idea of me, basically a human mess, trying to help other people with their lives is laughable. I was stable for a while and am now not doing so well, which worries me more and has me even less uncertain, but at the same time thinking about going back to school and trying to get started with this is one of the only things I feel SO excited about during this spell. I feel like it's ridiculous because I'm still unsure about how well I'll be able to stay stable long term, I struggle with mental illness, and in some ways I don't handle stress well, and even "stable" people get burn out a lot from social work careers. I'm also pretty introverted and fear I lack social skills in general, and that that would get in the way, of course. But I feel like doing something I care about this much would be what kept me going anyway. Even though part of me feels it's unrealistic, it's like I'm just refusing to accept no for an answer.

So I'm not really sure what my point is. I've done some reading and see people say things about people who have struggled in those ways actually making great social workers, and some saying it's a bad idea. Does anyone here have any experience in this, or advice or encouragement, I guess? Thanks.

KKRRHH, welcome. I know a lot of people that are bipolar or depressed ended up in the mental health profession. Their first hand experience gave them the understanding to help others better. Don't question it because it is something you can become good at.
Would you go to a dentist that never had a tooth ache or pulled a tooth? Of course not. Think about it like that and use your weakness and turn it into a strength which is what you are doing. tc

Many, many people go into the profession because of their own experiences with mental health problems. Those who get their "stuff" together can be very effective with clients. Those who are still struggling with their "stuff" are a threat to clients, themselves and the profession.

As for being an introvert.... most therapists are.

Are you in therapy now? Why not discuss this with your therapist if you are.

Thank you both. I do plan to discuss it with a therapist once I find a good one to stick with, haha.

You go ahead on and become that therapist!

I can't think of a better advocate for mental health, addiction & recovery than someone who's been there!

If you do go ahead, and qualify and get a job, you should find that clinical supervision (which is mandatory in the UK) should help support you from getting burnt out.

I'm a social worker and also struggle with my own stuff. It wasn't my stuff that got me into it as such, that's come to light more recently. I always wanted to work with people. I too considered psychology, but didn't get the grades for it. I worked as a youth worker for a little bit and stumbled across social work.

Social work appealed to me because of its strong social justice values. I've loved it since the moment I started. It can be a draining job and burn out is real. Part of the training is learning to switch off and how to care for yourself. Having supportive supervisors helps too.

People with lived experience can be fantastic social workers. I think it's important though that it be about the clients not us. When I'm at work, although I am myself, I am in work mode. I leave my stuff at the door and I'm present there.

Having a difficult time with my own mental health for the past 18 months has been tough. There's been days where it's made work difficult, but it's been insightful more than anything. I think that the experience has improved my ability to relate and emphasise with clients.

Having such passion for social work is a great start. I wish you the best of luck!

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I was a case manager for many years, but given the restrictions and regulations insurance put on serving clients I got out. The only job I could find quickly was psychiatric technician at a crisis stabilization unit. During my time working this job I developed some anxiety just dealing with the clients. To compund this I was working third shift, got transfered to second shift which I did well on. But, with our turnover we lost two employees and as a result I had to go back to working third shift. Right now I am in transition into getting out of the mental helath filed and going int the food service field at the local hospital. At 47 I don't deal witht he stress that comes from dealing with bipolars and other psychiatric problems as well as I use to. Another impact on my job is the drive time from my home to work, nearly an hour and having to deal with morning traffic after getting out of work. For me I had to get out. I have to deal with my own mental health and can't help others out if I don't. So changing jobs might be better. Clients attitudes and perceptions can greatly affect you.