Posted by Dr. Bob on May 19, 2003, at 12:36:00
In reply to How do you work, keep a job, with Depression?, posted by Giget on May 8, 2003, at 13:32:45
Re: How do you work, keep a job, with Depression?
Posted by Ellie's Mom on May 17, 2003, at 23:40:22
In reply to http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030505/msgs/225111.html
I am struggling with the same issues. If you're organized enough you might want to look into becoming self-employed or find a trade where you make your own hours. I'm a professional photographer, and if it weren't for the freedom to schedule my day with flex time, I couldn't have held a job this year. I have very understanding/supportive clients, so that helps, too.
Maybe backing down to parttime work is another good option. I made the very smart choice of moving from a high stress staff position to this new one, and I'm finally on the right track to getting well again. Maybe just finding a lower-stress environment would help? I gave up very high-profile, luctrative work for a better quality of life, and I haven't regretted it for a second.
Outside activities that are positive help me also, although I hesitate to commit to anything too far in advance knowing that I could wake up any given morning and feel like I've been hit by a truck. I'm sure you know what that feels like.
Hope you find relief.
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Re: How do you work, keep a job, with Depression? » fallsfall
Posted by Barbara Cat on May 19, 2003, at 12:17:49
In reply to http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030505/msgs/225338.html
I also was a software engineer and am currently out of work, initially thanks to Short Term Disability which lasted 12 weeks. I could not qualify for Long Term Disability because I stopped working before the waiting period was up. When I stared to run out of time I tried to go back to work thinking I'd wing it as long as possible. Luckly, I got laid off and with the rotten economy have been on unemployment since 11/01. I've tried to go back to work on contract assignments and have not been able to last more than 1 month. These two years have been stressful because of money issues, but worth more than gold because of the healing and insights gained. I know I do not want to nor can go back to corporate high-tech hell. I don't know what else I can do but I'm learning to trust that the answers will come, just like the mortgage gets paid by some miracle every month.
If any of you are hitting the wall, you simply can't go on in the present mode without doing great harm to your body. I ignored the warning signs until I eventually had not only bipolar II to contend with, but severely disabling fibromyalgia as well. You may be able to push through it when you're young and resilient, but it will take its toll when you're older. Your first priority must be self preservation and you will find a way, get help, whatever, once you truly realize that you need time to heal. You owe it to yourself to at least talk to a good disability attorney. They don't get paid unless you do and it's a max of $5k.
You will need a backup source of financial aid while you're waiting for the determination. If your company has Long Term Disability, like fallfalls said, you'd be unwise not to take advantage of it. I'm still in the process of appealing my 2nd turndown (typical and the reason you need a lawyer) after 1 year waiting. I will continue to appeal until it's granted because I know I can no longer sustain a 40 hour work week on a consistent basis, no matter what it is I'm doing.
No, it won't be as much as you're making now but you will learn to simplify and get by on it and you can still work part time. Also, once you're accepted for disability you can partake of the benefits of Vocational Rehab which may pay for retraining schooling in another less aggravating field.
poster:Dr. Bob
thread:225143
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030517/msgs/227646.html