Scared To Work

So I'm getting to the point to where I think I should start my career and get off disability. But I'm terrified to actually do it. When I go online and look up jobs I get extremely stressed and anxious. I have a fear that I'll get a decent job and that I'll get too stressed and have a psychotic break or that I'll get fired and be unable to pay for my medication and treatment. I know that right now I'm living in a safe bubble and I just really don't want to mess it up. I talked to my therapist about it and she says my fears are normal. I'm not really sure what kind of response I'm looking for but any helpful words are appreciated.

You are rightfully concerned, and I've read about the back-to-work timeframe they give people (ETA: the ticket to work thing, which people are discussing on here), but I'd be too distrusting of that, too. Can you talk to your case manager about absolute specifics about amount of time you can work without triggering anything? I mean, if you're in housing, your rent goes up, and it is awful. I understand and am very sorry the system is like this. You should get advised by a case manager before making any decisions besides volunteering, is my advice.

Hello TakingMyMeds: Definitely be sure you understand thoroughly what your options are under disability before you make any kind of move toward returning to work. Beyond that, my suggestion would be, if you're going to try to do something, start out part-time. Even if it's not by any stretch your dream job getting your feet wet, so to speak, with something part-time may help you to determine how ready you are to tolerate being back in the world of work.

Starting out with doing something on a volunteer basis initially can also be a good way to get started if you're not already doing something of this nature. It just depends on what you think you're ready for. It is kind-of a scary proposition...

Your concerns are very reasonable IMO. You might do better to consider working part time up to the limit that lets you keep your full disability benefit. I'ld try that first and just see how it goes.

In the same situation. Want to go back. Feel like i need to go back. Extremely anxious, scared, overwhelmed with just the thought. Haven't worked since dec of 08

Just taking two classes a semester has proven to be too much at times. I do ok for three months, then im a mess again. I can't loose my meds. I can't loose income. I have 2 kids. Thankfully in housing so we won't be homeless

I agree with the advice given here. I also need to know the details of a trial work period.

If you ever wanna talk feel free to pm me.

I would advise anyone on SSDI who wants to resume working to go first and sign up with your local Voc. Rehab. office. (Every state has one in every good size town.) Tell them you want to work part-time, up to the limits allowed by SSDI that won't interfere with your benefit. Also ask them to refer you to a Social Security "benefits advisor."

Voc. Rehab. gave me gasoline vouchers when I was a client of their services. They also offered to pay for $3000 worth of counseling in a dialectical behavioral therapy program. But they don't pressure you to do any more than you want to do.