Disabled and want to go to work

Hello

I have borderline PD and Bipolar. I've managed to get through college (with a lot of major switches), and I'm trying to get into the workfoce. The problem is that I've never sucessfully had a job without becoming overly emotional and eventually losing my composure. I'm 28, and this is a major source of concern for me.

Have any of you had to make the transition between disabled to high-functioning, perhaps at a late age? How did you navigate this terrain

Well done on getting through college- even with switches, I think that's an achievement in itself.

With returning to work, have you thought about taking on something part time initially just to try to get yourself a little bit settled before taking on a full time position? Those fears of becoming overly emotional and losing your composure are totally understandable.

lilyfairy wrote:Well done on getting through college- even with switches, I think that's an achievement in itself.

With returning to work, have you thought about taking on something part time initially just to try to get yourself a little bit settled before taking on a full time position? Those fears of becoming overly emotional and losing your composure are totally understandable.

Thank you. My first joke on graduation to a friend with some other emotional problems (likely BPD, in retrospect) was "I don't know how I got through college," to which he laughed as well.

I am thinking of taking life in a series of steps now. One, I simply must find a DBT therapist. I used to think that because I was "smart," I could get over it. I think that I missed on this one as I'm now hypervigilant towadrds stress and the emotions generated by it.

I am thinking of working in the school, while I attend another grad semester to judge my fit. Then I may leave and get a job.

What hurts is that most people (including my sister) are of the "snap out of it" mindframe. I tried to get there myself, but I can't seem to shake it alone. I'm giving up marijuana, as I used that as an emotional crutch.

I guess I'm also pulled by societal norms. 28 year old men are supposed to have a career, getting into relationships, etc. I'm deathly afraid of relationships, so that's got to wait.

Maybe I'm not on the wrong path after all.

I think seeking out DBT is a good step to take. I used to try to convince myself of all sorts of things about "being over" things. Sometimes I was in control, but it was only until my next meltdown- and for someone who's such a quiet, shy person, they were always remarkably embarrassing public meltdowns. Accepting that you need the help is a step forward- it's not always easy to do.

It's good that you've got some sort of goal to work towards with your studies too. And that you're working on giving up marijuana as well. That's great.

I have trouble with the people who want me to "snap out of it" too. It's very hurtful to have people tell you that- I figure they're people who've never been in that place before and really don't understand how it works. Give yourself time and be patient with yourself- you'll get there. And it's ok if you can't do it alone- it's alright to ask for extra help.

I'm afraid of relationships too- I'm a 30 year old woman- everyone seems to expect/imply that I should be married/in a relationship. I have a job- it's not really a career. But I figure what I do with my life and who I spend it with and when I do that is up to me, not them.

well, with work in these times, get ready to be treated like an a**hole day in and day out. Being told if you don't like it, there is the door. Obama is a liar. There are way to many people out of work. Way more than the 6% they keep saying. Unless you are gonna start as a manager, forget about it. Things are gonna get a lot worse very soon for both sides. The bully managers are gonna start getting theirs soon. The greedy rich (who have done way better under Lord Obama than under the "evil" GW Bush -- look it up) could care less about YOU or me. Even the unions are selling out so they can just keep a seat at the table. Stay on disability, F this country. I am working hard on getting disability myself. I have been working my whole life (in 40's) and all you get it is bad back, rotator cuff tear, bad heel, ect ect ect. You ain't missing nothing! And did I mention I am a veteran? Yep, and the illegal aliens get more $$$$ from the US Gov't than the VA Health System.