Hey everyone,

Due to a combo of DPDR and various other chronic illnesses, I’ve found myself struggling with severe cognitive symptoms. Severe memory issues, brain fog, fatigue, very high dissociation levels, etc. are pretty much a daily occurrence for me.

My brain fog symptoms leave me feeling like I’m really stupid and incompetent. I’ve been hoping to apply for part-time jobs this spring, but I don’t have the confidence to do so. It’s hard for me to trust that I can handle any jobs when my brain is so full of fog. At the same time, getting a job would most likely lower my dissociation level and cause my symptoms to improve- so I’m stuck in a sort of catch-22 situation.

I’m afraid of being fired from any future job because I feel so confused and disoriented all the time. But I wonder if for me personally, a part-job would help me to build my self esteem and slowly conquer my social anxiety (I’m often terrified to leave my apartment and interact with anyone because my dissociation levels are so high). I’ve started a few extracurriculars, which has helped a teeny bit, but not enough. I still spend a lot of time alone/ with nothing to do, and frankly, I seem to be heading towards developing agoraphobia.

Any advice or kind words re: applying to part-time jobs in my situation would be much appreciated!