Posted 11/24/2009 1:32 PM (GMT 0)
hi arc, jamie here.
i am in australia, i have and are currently studying, been awhile, explain later. i am on a disability pension myself, have not worked since 2001. i live with and manage many a condition. Frances is right, you know your limitations and abilities better than any dr. or O.T. a chat with an o.t may be a good start. i am a former disabilty instructor and fine and gross motor skills trainer, thus i see the possibilities, furthermore abilities!!!
arc at this stage i would do a check-list of your abilities, disabling factors and the limitations to these. i call this a cost benefit analysis. so see what you can do, list the costs and benefits, and you know i mean in being able to do this type of work. now some home work my friend. find out if accessing appropriate services will be better and easier with being on a disability pension. here in australia we have a lot of options in accessing services better being on a disabilty pension, we can also do some hours of work before our pension is lowered.
me, 37, male, dx's, major depressive disorder, severe borderline personality disorder, t1 diabetes, ptsd, male hypogonadism (primary dx), lombroscal spine-too many years warehousing!!, diabetic nuropathy, (feet) cholesterol, insomnia, somnabulism (sleep walking and talking) rotten and carious teeth, and a stricture in my urethera. bladder incontinance. sores do to diabetes also, psychosis-been awhile-but is always there, aggitation and gastrointenstinal problems.
arc i got sick at uni, psychosis, was doing a B.app sc. (disability studies) i was put on a pension via my psychiatrist. yeah i was a mature age student. currently i am finishing some studies, and i hope to return to the workforce. because of ptsd, in the past, i put up with high pressure jobs-until i darn nearly burst, thus i have learn't too never do that ever again.
for you, me and others, do what you want to do. find disability employment agencies -with a good track record, find out if going on a disability pension will actually help or hinder this process. some people in some countries are very limited on what they can and can not do on a disability pension. do the home work i suggested as well. your on the net, go nuts and get heaps of info, ie, disability service providers, employment and work skills people, carrer advisors for people with disabilities, support groups, people in support groups have a tonne of info.
arc, stay strong, keep fightin' beleive in you. we all need support and compassion. if you do not give up..........you will get the chocalotes my friend!! life along with mental illness/sickness is all about management, if you work this into finding work i am sure you will find what you can do and be happy doing that!! we all have the right to work, to contribute and be fulfilled in doing so. keep positive. jamie