I have never lost a job due to BP, (I'm bipolar 1, intense anxiety) but I have quit many jobs (probably over 5) due to symptoms and just not being able to handle going to work on a consistent basis. The anxiety makes me afraid of going to work which in turn starts the depression in my case. I notice that the less hours I have to go to work, the better I do. I have never really seen it as an option not to work; I have considered disability and at some times I think I am disability worthy but when I'm being treated correctly I can do pretty well. I am in my early 20's and have been married for 3 years. I have been on again, off again in jobs in the past 3 years and my husband has carried me immensely. I started a brand new job in March and I have been doing pretty well at the job (I have even received bonuses), but it is a high stakes, high stress position and even though it appears that I can do it my anxiety and depression keep me feeling very downtrodden about my job even though I put on a happy face. My husband's overtime was cut to 0 (he works a straight 40 hours now) in March as well which has really hurt our finances. I have been given more and more responsibility at work even though I've only been in the position for 6 months and my therapist wants me to keep my hours (35) how they are right now. I just worry I'm going to have a meltdown, like I have many times in the past. My husband and I would like it to be where I don't have to work, but that's just not in the cards right now, maybe sometime when our finances get better and we can afford more. We're just so young and so much has happened. I have been told by a doctor that unless I am doing ECT and treatments of that severe nature I can't get disability. I find that ridiculous but that's where I'm at now. Thank you.

-KAT