u/Beep_Beep_Margie_

I can't drive, so I couldn't pursue the course I actually wanted to do — OT.

Ended up in a social work undergrad course, and long story short, I strongly disliked it. The first year was awful due to staff quitting mid-way, which is understandable — they were treated awfully. The support from the university itself was just not good whatsoever.

Anyways, I'm withdrawing, and I feel I've just messed everything up. I'm a failure. I got all distinctions in my access to HE, and now I'm inclined to believe it wasn't because I was capable, but maybe they just wanted better ratings? To look better?

I've made up my mind about the course. I won't be returning. I really wanted university to work. I had feelings it wasn't the right course for me, but everyone told me to push through. I shouldn't have, and that's absolutely my fault. So now I've technically used up two years, and I have nothing to show for it. I'm a failure. I can try to aim for CPR at SFE, seeing as I'm withdrawing due to medical reasons, but my mental health isn't a good enough reason.

Hi all,

Due to financial reasons, I’ve had to stop and start lessons. I started driving in 2018/19, give or take. I started with manual and, when I found I struggled with the clutch and gear, switched to automatic.

I’ve been on long-term disability for years. I want to get back into the workforce, but most jobs require driving. Public transport isn’t reliable where I am. That, and eventually I want to try university again, though the campuses closest to me don’t offer the course I want to pursue.

I’ve had one test that I failed - six minors and one serious. My driving instructor says I struggle with confidence, but otherwise, she feels safe when I’m driving. I suspect I might struggle with dyspraxia to some degree, but I’m not sure I have it in me to pursue a diagnosis.

All said, two things I mostly struggle with are manoeuvres (ironically, parallel parking is the easiest for me) and hesitation at roundabouts, which I’m aware can be dangerous too. I really want to pass, and I’ve invested a lot of money, but I feel so deflated; I often see people comment, “If you don’t pass the first three tries, you shouldn’t be on the road,” and it’s devastating. I’ve given up so much because of my disability and mental health.

Writing through tears
Sorry for mistakes

I don't know what I'm anticipating by writing this. I feel sick.

I'm 25. I should be better than this. I've struggled to hold down jobs and education. Diagnosed ADHD and autism. Meds haven't worked and no further support.

On benefits.

I think everyone who knows me might benefit more if I weren't here.

I wanted to badly to be normal. To manage.
I'm nothing more than a burden.

Please don't give advice. It won't reach me.

I am UK-based. I'm on disability. Please be gentle.

While I am very fortunate, there will be reforms soon, and chances are I'll lose the already meagre amount I get.

I've tried several times to hold down a job, but my health keeps oscillating so much. I want to stress that I truly am happy single — really. I've not really had the conventional dating experience, but what I've experienced and what I've been surrounded by have deterred me from pursuing relationships. I like my peace, space, and quiet too much. If there is a mess, it's okay. It's my mess.

I'm not sure how to resist the financial pressures, however. Is anyone in the same situation?

Obviously not everybody.

I’ve struggled with limerence too. It absolutely sucks. It can truly feel all consuming.

But once those boundaries have been drawn - once you’ve either blocked or been blocked, that’s it. No further contact. It’s been made abundantly clear that on a physical level, such as exchanging DMs, it’s over. This doesn’t mean try harder, or make new accounts, or send letters, because very quickly that crosses over the threshold and into potential stalking territory. Regardless of what’s been said or done, no one deserves that. And I really don’t know why it’s being normalised.

I say this because I’ve seen an individual who’s harmed people here with near on 100 upvotes on their comments. It isn’t quirky or cute or relatable. It is a human right to feel safe and content, and if you’re going out of your way to establish contact when it’s been made abundantly clear they do not want to continue it - you need help.

I just really feel we need to be more mindful of these issues here.

Hello.

I don’t have a formal diagnosis of BPD. I have been said to have traits. I hope you don’t mind me posting here; my support network is very limited, and peer spaces are really all I have.

I’m really struggling with connection right now. I’m stuck in a depressive mood. I’ve been told to practice opposite action by a mental health practitioner, but as of right now that’s really difficult. I’ve therefore opted for socially withdrawing.

I’m at a cross road where I’m easily fatigued but desire interaction. In the past I’ve saw it in unhealthy ways. I’m not proud of this, and so I’m reaching out here to ask what ways might be better alternatives

Hi all,

I want to preface by saying I feel fairly stable, all things considered. In fact, I’m more stable than I’ve ever felt since being impacted by mental illness.

I’ve received DBT and MBT under a personality disorder community service. That being said, upon enquiring with the MHN who saw me, I didn’t have a diagnosis of EUPD, so I’m unsure why I was eligible. Nevertheless, it helped, and it’s inspired me immensely to go into this line of work.

That being said, I appreciate that it isn’t sunshine and rainbows. There’s red tape and service users who are obviously very ill. I’ve been diagnosed with autism, and, due to the job market, have been unemployed for over a year since intermitting university (I was initially a social work student, but it didn’t quite align with what I wanted to do). I also don’t have a driver’s license, mostly due to financial constraints, but I should be able to commute to and from campus. I’ve also noticed that I do have a freeze response.

I have to decide by May whether I want to transfer. I already have a vague idea of where I’d take this, such as DBT facilitator, perinatal health, perhaps working alongside eating disorders and/or CAMHS. I appreciate that it’s quite diverse.

All this said, would it be silly of me to pursue a career in MH nursing? I really do feel I’ve a lot to offer in terms of lived experience.