Does a Diagnosis mean I will NEVER find a Job?

     Many patients think that receiving a diagnosis means career
suicide. That is not always the case. You just have to get a little
more inventive and look for positions that require you to be disabled. That way you can be open with your boss and co-workers.

     Most employers are discriminatory about a mental health diagnosis, but there are other employers who look for someone

to be disabled to fulfill a government quota. Yes, there is also

an incentive through Social Security that would allow your boss

to supplement your pay. That program is called Ticket-to-Work.

I am not sure how much they would pay your employer, but it is

supposed to help you reach gainful employment.

     I have switched careers about five times. It has been frustrating and disheartening. But, I think I finally found a position that I can

be good at and that is a Peer Support Counselor. I just graduated

college with an A.A. in Psychology and happen to be in the process of attaining employment. I had just happened to apply one week before the potential employer called me.

     I am excited, but I have to be careful not to be too needy, giving my potential employer time to get through a process that feels like

it will take forever, but it will work out. I feel confident that I will

fit in.

     When you look for a position, it helps to find out if your potential employer has employed the disabled successfully. Otherwise, it can be heartbreaking, knowing that you are qualified, but the employer says that the position has already been filled, usually by someone less qualified.

     Remember to look at the employees too. Sometimes, it is the

employees that discriminate. Many feel that if you qualify for

Social Security, you should stay on Social Security and give

the chance of a job to someone who needs to support their family.

They don't realize that Social Security is below poverty limits and

that you want to be more successful in life, and not just get by with

Social Security.

     Remember, you too can be successful! You just have to look in

the right places.

Vocabulary ABC's

Emotion