Rona
Congratulations for getting your Master's Degree. It sounds like what you are going through would be difficult for anyone even without your illness...looking for a job and having to care for those who are dependant on you. My advice to you, as a psychologist and mother of a schizophrenic teenager (he is much better now, is coping well at age 33) would be to set your priorities. If the animals are adding to your stress, find a home for one or all of them. It will be hard, but choices must be made for your own mental health. Make sure you take your meds on a consistent basis, and if they are making your tired, consult with your psychiatrist about adjusting the dose. Your illness will give you great empathy in working with others with problems, and should give you the edge in finding work. There is much need for good social workers and I am sure you can find work with a positive attitude. Unfortunately there is still a stigma against this type of illness, so that whether you want to tell potential employers is up to you, your psychiatrist might be better able to advise you. Don't be afraid to ask for help from friends, family and agencies, with your family, housework, shopping etc. Rehab. centers might be helpful...they want to keep you independent and might have some resources to assist you so you don't feel so alone and overwhelmed. Support groups are also great, the newspaper has listings of such groups. Best of luck to you...and don't be disheartened, you have taken the first step in asking for help, good luck. Rona.