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BipolaRNurse · Sep 18, 2013, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seth412

Hi. I'm Dx Bipolar 1 and OCD. I respond very well to treatment. But I'm about to learn the meaning of stress.

I'm about to start a class in which I will be learning to be an EMT. If I pursue this as a career I will be exposed to the unimaginable. Blood, guts, death and dying.

From what I understand, it's an insanely stressful field in which people's mental and emotional limits are tested.

Any advice?

From a nurse who's been in healthcare for 20 years:

Don't do it. It IS insanely stressful, and unless you are very strict with yourself regarding your sleep schedule, eating well, exercising and taking your medications, working in this field will de-stabilize you. I used to have what was called "subthreshold" bipolar disorder, but over the years it's become more and more of an issue for me and it finally blew up my career earlier this year.

That said......even if I'd known that my subclinical symptoms would eventually develop into a raging case of BP 1 because of unremitting stress, I probably would've become a nurse anyway. It's what I always wanted to do, and I've seldom regretted it even though I'm now partially disabled due to BP, and can only work in a limited role.

So, I'm not going to tell you that you CAN'T be an EMT, or SHOULDN'T be one......only that working in healthcare is not the best choice for someone with the challenges of a mental illness. Whatever you do, I wish you the best of luck!