Bipolar and work

[Tight-Control]

HI @Goodgutz ,

yes it can be a frustrating and disheartening looking and applying for work and feeling like your not getting anywhere..

Some good news though..This is the same or Bi Pola and non Bi pola people.

Also every NO means your one step closer to the YES you are working towards..

Its like looking for a lost item .Once you found it you stop looking..

I would alos suggest trying volunteer work with something you like..it is really good as there is no "work Pressure " to go with it people are just gartefull you are there when yoy can be there..

Keeping on Grinding away..It will will happen for you..

PS I had a major melt down yestwerday huge cry and feeling worthless..but today I feel better..

Hang in there it is worth it..

[ForeverLearning]

Hi, I'm just curious to know how to got your foot in to be a mental health support worker. Did this require qualifications?
I can see this role being very fulfilling as its something you can relate to and therefore hopefully more sustainable.

[Tight-Control]

HI,

I kind if fell into the work ..

I was a store manager for a retail chain then fell out of a tree ( long story) ..

As I took 3 months off to recover. I looked at what I wanted form my job.

A position came up with a DES ( Disablity Employment Service). I applied and got the job.

I house training extended my skills to mental health.

I have done a cert IV in Employment Services and am currently completing a CERT IV in Mental Health.

You do need some qiaulifications depending on who you work for.

I am also involved with an organisation which provides direct care for people with disabilties ,we have recently put our workforce through a CERT III in disabilty care.Most of the workers were in ther 30's to 50's andwith suport suceeded in the course. 

It is a grwing field and is very rewarding.

At the end of the day if you want to do it  ..do it..the rewards on a peresonal level are massive..

[ForeverLearning]

Thanks for your reply @Tight-Control
And thank you for sharing your story.

It really helped a lot. I appreciate it, when others reach to support others, beyond their benefit.

[Alessandra1992]

Hello @ForeverLearning,
There is also a Cert 4 in peer support which is highly regarded as it has been developed by folks with lived experience..that is if you would like to work in a role with lived experience like peer support worker, consumer consultant, consumer academic, consumer advocate etc..
I would also suggest becoming a member of the peak consumer mental health organisation in your state, in Victoria this is VMIAC. www.vmiac.org.au and stands for Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council. Also the Centre of Excellence in Peer Support, you can find a link via the MIND website, www.mind.org.au they are based in Victoria and produce a great newsletter.
For jobs in the industry, I tend to browse jobseeker.org.au, you can search by state and by sector. Some folks also say ethicaljobs.com.au is a great site too..
I would look at jobs that are advertised and see what the selection criteria is. Sometimes significant lived experience and working in voluntary roles is highly regarded.
Good luck!!

[INSIDEOUT]

I use to work in hospitality which I loved but family life put a stop to that. I now work and can only cope with 2 days a week as the stress and juggling of family activities stop me from working more. You need to find a balance that is right for you.

[Goodgutz]

Ive had a rough week and reading your blog about what happens when your feeling down and the obsesive thought process gives me hope that Im not alone in some of these wretched feelings today I have set myself a list of chores and a timetable to hopefully get me through this day with less worry than yesterday, Im hopeful life will be calm for me today.

[Goodgutz]

Id almost given up on the work idea, visited my Disability Provider yesterday and thought about a medical certificate to help me through since ive been out of work for 3 years they keep pushing me to work. Interesting that your experience is with people that understand bipolar Im hopeful that i can meet with balanced healthy people that understand and are compassionate about this disorder.

[ideaslady]

Hi Kato, have you worked real estate before? I'm struggling to keep my job. What do you do know? Thanks