I worry if im well enough to work in my field. I worry if im well enough to live alone

[Against_the_current]

That's what i need but i struggle a lot alone and i have to pay for the place and myself and my degree is useless especially when im not mentally stable. Even if I manage to get a job as a school counsellor or something, I'm scared it would be too much. I need to recover properly but i don't have a chance

[beehappy2day]

Hi Against_the_current!

I relate to this very much. I also have a degree that lends itself to work in the mental health field and have been struggling to maintain employment in this line due to my mental health. It’s taken me over a year of trying and failing to come to a place where I am ready to give myself the grace to try working outside of my field.

Being underemployed isn’t ideal, but sometimes just getting out there and working can help build up our confidence in our ability to function and succeed, which can help improve mental health. Maybe taking a step back is just a part of your journey!

I’m not sure if something like this could be an option for you and your individual situation, but it might provide at least a temporary option to help buy some time while you work on your mental health until you feel ready to return to your chosen field.

I hope you take what resonates with you, and I hope you find some peace 💜

- beehappy2day 🐝

[learning1234]

I spent my life emotionally laboring for others when experiencing debilitating mental illness. I have now decided that I am first (and only) going to focus on caring for myself. I'm in a huge, scary process of just figuring out how to transition from psychology to a career that will truly align with my purpose (sustainable engineering of climate solutions) that I have absolutely no background in and fear every step.

I'm sharing this to say that, earlier in my 20s (your age), I kept giving/caring from what seemed like an unlimited source of empathy. Turns out it was simply a void and I had no idea how to take care of myself, however fleeting the joy of helping someone else. I am not advising you to stop doing that or even consider a different field; I did want to put that out there. You deserve all the support you can get, whether it be from social services, family, friends, people in your area, or even anonymous donors. Let me know if you need help setting up a fund or something like that. I would be willing even though I am but a stranger who said they are focusing on themselves first...but that does not mean I cannot help others intentionally and in small ways that work for me.

[Against_the_current in reply to learning1234]

I need help, thanks. My family is of no use, i have no friends. I'm just scared im deabilitated and i have a degree in psychology. Yesterday i tried to council people and I'm going insane. I can't do this. I can't redeem others and then pay to another therapist/supervisor to clean their mud from me. I choose the wrong career in despair. I'm hopeless. And since I've graduated family is getting ready to leave me cope alone and work in my field. I can't. And i can't pay for further qualifications that they don't know i need to work this. And for a supervisor. I got myself in the mud, searching for help

[learning1234 in reply to Against_the_current]

Do you have apprenticeships in the area that will pay you to learn to work? Any field that isn't emotional labor (fortunately, most industries that do this are devoid of that e.g. construction, plumbing, carpentry, art, etc. - you know, the ones I actually love and bring true joy when I can FINALLY do them after MONTHS of wrestling with my own inadequacies).

[Against_the_current in reply to learning1234]

I can't do physical work, my degree is in emotional labour. But i can't do that. There was a program but the funds got stolen

[Mustloveanimals]

I have similar worries. I want a new job and to move but worry too if I am well enough to handle it. There are many days I just get by

[Against_the_current in reply to Mustloveanimals]

Same