When I was first diagnosed my co-editor at the school newspaper tried to get me fired for being bipolar. My work and behavior were both fine, in fact because I was on mood stabilizers for the first time I was doing really well. She just had an ignorance-based prejudice. ANYWAY long story short I wound up getting a crash-course on the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Just in case you don't already know this, Bipolar is covered under the ADA. You can't be fired for having a disability and you are actually entitled to "reasonable accommodations" in the workplace. Unfortunately that means disclosing your condition.
I know people who start work later because their morning drug hangover makes getting to the office impossible. When I was in school I explained to my teachers that sometimes I would need to walk out of class and calm down for a few minutes before coming back. If your work aggravates your mental health in a preventable way you have special rights.
Is there anything you can take with you on the trip that will make you feel more comfortable? Any/every little routine or ritual that can travel could really help when you are there.
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