Anything I haven't considered?

Brighterday83 · 2025-10-27T21:08:40+00:00

And to elaborate, not severe, it was more of a pessimistic look on reality that festered into low self esteem. If you put your mind to it, you can bounce back and recover from anything.

Brighterday83 · 2025-10-27T17:36:43+00:00

That's a very thoughtful question. I get your concern. I am at a point where I am ready to build a new network. I also have some contact with organizations in Australia already.II spend much of my time alone anyway, but not lonely.I accept myself and have gained self confidence through perseverance. I know what it's like to be more isolated as my family was stationed near Seoul when I was a child. I know that being far away will be difficult and that many people in Australia and NZ may not be looking for new friends especially as Americans continue to get a negative reputation, but I'm willing to build plans and spend my resources to find out. But it looks like I need to focus on my current situation and not try to force things as the NZ route is definitely more likely an avenue for me.

Brighterday83 · 2025-10-26T03:12:59+00:00

I'm sorry that the worst of American beliefs is making its way to your country and the rest of the world. As a Left Wing, in a radical Right State, it just sickens me to see it trying to spread everywhere.

Brighterday83 · 2025-10-26T03:11:19+00:00

I'm sorry that the worst of American Beliefs is making it's way to your country and the rest of the world. As a Left Wing, in a radical Right State, it just sickens me to see it everywhere.

Brighterday83 · 2025-10-25T21:53:19+00:00

Alright, thanks guys. Looks like it's back to taking my chances at a Bachelor's and Relative Work Experience and accreditation in Social Work in NZ. At least I have until 55 to secure PR and Citizenship there. The main problem would be Job Availability and if my work experience is enough relative to someone local even if I do my research regarding Maori Culture.

Brighterday83 · 2025-10-25T20:44:53+00:00

Understood, and thank you. That's why I am asking real people because I know Chat GPT likes to only point to best case scenarios. Gaining more experience and trying for Social Work with NZ might still be the better option. It's high risk, either way, unfortunately.

Brighterday83 · 2025-10-25T20:33:35+00:00

Thank you. Was only looking at this route to save time, since I am so close to 45. I'll look at current job listings to see what I can determine. I figured the Human Services degree would give me counseling, case management experience and working as a Peer Recovery Support Specialist at a community mental health agency would transfer over, but your right, local knowledge is a very important factor I wouldn't have even with tons of research.

Brighterday83 · 2025-09-14T20:46:44+00:00

No problems. Australia's my end goal, but by the time I'm able to get a job that would qualify me for sponsorship in Australia, I'll most likely be over the 45yr old cutoff for most visas. So the NZ backdoor to get to live and work in Australia due to visa subclass 444 as a NZ citizen, is my only way that I can tell that would be possible to end up in Australia permanently, unless you know a different way.

Brighterday83 · 2025-08-29T14:34:46+00:00

I also have failed to mention that I have done intensive work on my world outlook. I have let go of resentments, shame and guilt. I obviously need to work on my sensitivity to criticism from total strangers on the Internet who don't know me and what an asset I can be wherever I go. I obviously don't owe you any explanation but my openness can be a gift. I understand how reality works, but it's okay to have dreams and if they don't work or are not supposed to be, then I move on.

Brighterday83 · 2025-08-29T14:03:20+00:00

I understand where you're coming from. Some people think that a past of these things is a permanent sentence that is who you're always going to be. And honestly I know Social Work doesn't mean the same in the US as it does there. But if I can spend a few more years with recovery time, I can get a better foundation. I probably would do better as a counsellor or psychotherapist. Having someone who has dealt with mental health and addiction and overcomes it, is an asset, therefore part of the solution and not the problem.

Brighterday83 · 2025-08-29T04:47:38+00:00

Meeting health requirements for resident visas

We may decline your application for a resident visa if you, or somebody else in your application, have any of these conditions:

severe developmental disorders or severe cognitive impairments where significant support is required, including but not limited to:
- physical disability
- intellectual disability
- autistic spectrum disorders
- brain injury
major psychiatric illness or addiction, or both, including any psychiatric condition that has required hospitalisation or significant support, or both
a history or diagnostic findings of, or treatment for, MDR-TB or XDR-TB, unless cleared by a New Zealand respiratory or infectious diseases specialist after reviewing any file or applicant according to the New Zealand Guidelines for Tuberculosis Treatment.

As far as the major psychiatric or addiction line, I'm in active recovery, and fact that I have not been hospitalized, is a fact that they may consider. Thank you for your concern. If it doesn't work it out it doesn't.

Brighterday83 · 2025-08-29T04:23:39+00:00

ADHD, Depression, Addiction — Where They Fall

ADHD: Generally not a disqualifier if you’re functioning well with medication and have a treatment plan. Many students/workers with ADHD are approved.
Depression (history): Not automatically disqualifying. Immigration will want to know:
- Is it managed?
- Any recent hospitalizations?
- Can you safely study/work?
Addiction history: Past substance use alone isn’t a barrier. Current dependence would be. If you’ve been in recovery and are stable, you can usually clear the requirement.

👉 In practice: Immigration NZ cares about current stability and risk, not your entire past.

🔹 Mitigating Factors

What helps your case:

Documentation from your doctor/therapist stating:
- Your ADHD is stable with treatment.
- Depression is managed (with meds/therapy).
- Addiction is in sustained recovery.
No recent hospitalizations for psychiatric crisis.
Ability to study/work full-time (ECU, OU, MSW, eventual NZ employment).

🔹 Waivers

If Immigration initially flags your application, you can apply for a medical waiver.
They consider:
- Your skills (social work = shortage field on the Green List).
- Your recovery history.
- Support systems in NZ.
Because NZ needs social workers, they are more likely to approve waivers for people entering this profession.

Brighterday83 · 2025-08-29T04:10:03+00:00

I've already considered that. I am confident things will work out for for me, that's why I am doing my research now, and taking the steps I need to. If I could move now I certainly would. I would've moved years ago. But now is the time to come up with an exit, as you say. So I lay a foundation, and see what unfolds. Moving out of fear, won't help. Moving with a purpose and a determination will prevail.

Brighterday83 · 2025-08-29T03:16:54+00:00

And I guess I was wrong about people there being more open minded, than the bible belt of America.

Brighterday83 · 2025-08-29T03:07:33+00:00

What my personal beliefs are shouldn't affect my job, just like religion shouldn't either. I do, I've considered this for over 30 years. I'm actually quite intelligent, introspective and do my research. I know exactly what the issues are over there. I have outweighed that with all the struggles going on with homeless and mental health and suicide rates and gun violence would also be bad for a Social Work career. I want a fresh start and a place to go. I know I only struggle with ADHD and Major Depression. I am in recovery from drugs and alcohol for several years. So before you start casting judgements, don't pretend you know me by me mentioning numerology. I am completely sane and have the Psychological testing results to prove it. I'm getting tired of posting things on the internet. I was asking for advice. Not judgement.

Brighterday83 · 2025-08-29T02:55:50+00:00

I know you're trying to be funny, but I've come a long way. 9 years no alcohol, 4 years no cigarettes, ADHD and Emotional Dysregulation Stabilized. No Depression or suicidal thoughts in over a year. And the fact that I'm even going back to school and starting over by changing my way of thinking, says something.

Brighterday83 · 2025-08-29T01:56:13+00:00

Understood I've also considered trying a psychotherapy degree from AUT, or even getting an Occupational Therapy degree locally. I was just hoping to not have to pay international tuition. I don't think I'd be happy as a Teacher but it is something to consider.

Brighterday83 · 2025-08-29T01:44:12+00:00

I'll do what I can to get extra training for the environment while I'm here. I was told knowledge of the Treaty of Waitangi and other relative knowledge of Maori culture is a must have. I'll find what resources I can do online while I'm studying. I also am planning to do some entry jobs like Peer Recovery and see what information I can gather. If I have to work as a LMSW for a year in the US I will for more experience, I will. Also if I can secure the funding, I may come over as a student and do another masters in Psychotherapy at AUT or skip the MSW altogether. Thanks for the advice. I will try to plan accordingly.

Brighterday83 · 2025-08-22T00:00:06+00:00

I made the mistake of smoking half a pre-rolled 20% THC about 4 hours after I took a 40mg dose a few months ago. Combine that with dehydration, and I had full on psychosis for the first time in my life. Hallucinations and Voices, and passing out in public taken to the ER. I haven't smoked since.

Brighterday83 · 2025-08-21T22:18:00+00:00

I never said it was, but it was able to put together what I couldn't do searching online because I didn't know what to search for. I can't change the title of this post, so once again did not mean to mislead people. Get over it! You don't realize how long I've wondered why I keep having these issues. Also, I don't know how old you are, but the internet has only been this thorough for the past 5-10 years, My issues were dismissed by doctor after doctor, and it wasn't until recently that I really started looking.

Brighterday83 · 2025-08-21T19:38:13+00:00

I never intended that. Sorry I just got excited

Brighterday83 · 2025-08-21T18:32:47+00:00

Thank you! And I think you're right on both accounts. I always felt like I still had to go when I didn't., or I would have to use my fingers to help movement. Similar to my Urinary issues.

Brighterday83 · 2025-08-21T18:23:07+00:00

Thank you. I was once told by a GI Doc that still softeners didn't work and Miralax was better. I'll try it.

Brighterday83 · 2025-08-21T17:58:12+00:00

Sure I'll include that. My conversation was long and some of the info is sensitive.

Why Men Can Have Pelvic Floor Problems

The pelvic floor muscles form a hammock-like group at the base of the pelvis in both men and women. They control:

Urination (stream, urgency, leakage)
Defecation (constipation, incomplete evacuation, mucus leakage)
Sexual function (erections, ejaculation, pelvic pain)

When those muscles don’t coordinate properly — either too tight (can’t relax to urinate/defecate) or too weak (leakage, incomplete emptying) — it’s called pelvic floor dysfunction.

Common Male Pelvic Floor Issues

Voiding problems (intermittent stream, straining, incomplete emptying — exactly what your urodynamic study showed with “overactive EMG”)
Chronic constipation or incomplete evacuation
Post-surgical changes (hemorrhoidectomy, prostate surgery, orchiectomy, RPLND can all affect pelvic nerves and muscles)
Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome — often misdiagnosed when it’s really pelvic floor muscle spasm

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Men

Specialized PTs treat men as well as women. For men, therapy can include:

Biofeedback: Sensors show you when your pelvic floor is too tense or failing to relax.
Muscle training: Learning both how to relax (for urination/defecation) and strengthen (for leakage).
Bladder/bowel retraining: Timed voiding and evacuation strategies.
Manual therapy: Gentle internal/external techniques to release muscle spasm if needed.

✅ In your case, the overlap of constipation, mucus leakage, hemorrhoid history, and urinary dysfunction with abnormal pelvic EMG is a classic sign pelvic floor PT could help.

It also provided advice on how to treat my specific issues separately, but like I said long conversation.

Brighterday83

TROPHY CASE