Are we screwed? Please help me see clearly

[Queenofknickers]

My psychiatrist considers that I will never be able to do the job I have done since Uni and have all my specialist qualifications in or any job that brings interpersonal stress because it seems to trigger severe, suicidal depression. DH is p/t working but mainly SAHD whose banking qualifications expired plus he hated, hated, hated it. We have 2 DC - how are we meant to do this? Sorry if I'm freaking out but I don't know what our future is if I don't have my profession. I agree with the psychiatrist - I just can't cope with pressure any more. This is my 3 rd nervous breakdown.

I was once told by a psychiatrist that as ill I was it was unbelievable that I had finished university. I got better and managed several productive years until I got ill again. I can't handle pressure anymore either, so knowing that I chose a job that was little bit under my qualifications and stress levels were tolerable. The job did not cause my present relapse, it was pregnancy/post natal.

Queenofknickers I'm so sorry to hear that, I can't imagine what a blow it must be for you. Is there any way in which you can cross train for a different position that will not involve as much interpersonal stress? Can DH increase his hours? Is there something else you can do with your skills, like mentoring or tutoring?

Can you write, maybe for a magazine about your specialist field?

See if there's some advice on uncommonforum dot com

I sympathise as I've had similar conversations with my psych. At the moment I'm managing better on a combo of mood stabilisers, but wonder how long it can last. DH and I are looking to sell our house and seriously downsize so I can look to do something else, but goodness knows what.

You may find it useful to start making a plan of what you can do to bring your outgoings down. Would part time work, or working at a lower grade? These are things to think about.

You're not screwed, but will need to make some changes that probably seem insurmountable at the moment, but you will make it.

Also, consider applying for PIP. If you're health means that you're not able to work you can get some financial support.