To not work?

[StupidMistakes]

Its not that I don't want to, I can honestly say I would love to, I just know that at the moment where I am in my life I am trying to deal with so many things that I honestly don't think that my mental health would tolerate any more stress and I would end up with a breakdown as a result.

I have in the last year been raped, lost my mum, my sons been adopted, had goodbye contact, been made homeless, my seizures have returned and now facing treatment for pre cancerous cervical cells. I am doing therapy to deal with my issues as I still wake up in the night hyper ventilating from nightmare, those these things actually happened to me.

I struggle going out alone, my best friend has kept my medication and gives me it on a day to day basis as the last time I was trusted with it I took an overdose

I have been told to take baby steps, which started with finding a permanent place to live which I have, I then accessed adoption counselling, which ended today, though I have another set of counselling starting on Monday, which will open all my old wounds.

AIBU to think that I need to get my mental health sorted first before I go and get a job? Or should I just go to work and hope I am okay, despite the advice of professionals?

Why on earth would you consider doing anything that could set you back? Look after yourself. Be kind to yourself. I'm so sorry about everything that has happened. Oh and get yourself a more cheerful NN.

Hopefully the journey of healing that you are on will enable you to get a job eventually but take things one step at a time, take care of yourself and follow professional advice. YANBU to get your mental health sorted before you get a job.

Sorry to hear about everything you have been through, thinking of you

It just feels like sometimes because I LOOK okay, people assume I should be working, and I am lazy stupid or cant be bothered to do so. I want to go back to college and start over in time.

Yanbu. Do you think you could attempt some part time voluntary work to get you feeling a bit more confident and start to build done skills for when you do feel able to work?

Yanbu op. You need to be right in your own self before you add a stressful situation. Given what you have been through I don't thinking forcing yourself to work would help.

If you fancied trying some voluntary you could look to.work with animals- they can be therapeutic. My friend can't work at the.moment with but she volunteers at a local place and is happier then trying to do a job.

I had thought of volunteering to walk dogs in kennels. Animals are therapeutic

That sounds good. I think the cats protection league have volunteers strokers too!

I think if you could work with animals you would find it very theraputic they never criticise or judge you,and I think you would get so much benefit from it.Good luck for the future.

You've been given professional advice based on your individual circumstances,take that advice
You take steps to recovery ,starting with nutrition,good mental health,mh support
Best wishes with each day and recovery

My friend walks dogs at the local dogs home and absolutely loves it. The fresh air, exercise and love she gets from the dogs really gives her a high. Definitely look into it when you feel up to it.

I think it depends on the job. I struggle with depression. The more time I have to brood, the worse it gets. The less productive I am, the more depressed I feel. I think you need to get the right kind of job to give you a) contact with people b) getting up, out and getting going c) a sense of being productive and d) less time to 'brood'. Probably something part time and possibly voluntary.

I hope you don't mind me saying that I find your posts an inspiration Stupid. (Agree on the name change though!)

I think dog walking is a great idea.

I sincerely wish you all the best for a successful, ongoing recovery.

Of course yanbu. You need to take good care of yourself. Best wishes for your recovery.