This is more ranting/advice then anything else.
If you're struggling with work due to mental illness it might be good to look at self employment or work part time.
I hate the stigma in the UK/USA of being unemployed or not having a “good enough” job. Why are we and other parts of Asia so obsessed with what we do for Work? My guess is the huge pay differences. I've just gotten back from Spain, you can tell there no one cares that much what your career is. Most of the hospitality workers are middle aged. I met a girl when interailing in Europe from Australia who said everyone gets paid very fairly and similarly and no one cares what you do.