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Old Apr 09, 2016, 11:11 PM
earthangel1 earthangel1 is offline
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Member Since: Nov 2014
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posts: 227
Quote:
Originally Posted by ElsaMars View Post
I didn't know I was bipolar through my employment. Not until the end. While I believe my illness (yes, I view it as an illness) effected my employment, I feel I was very high functioning. I could be delusional, I don't really know anymore.

Had I known from day 1 about my bipolar issues, I believe many things could and would have been different for me. I lost my job due to health reasons. I believe the constant sickness I felt from emotions/mood fluctuations took a very big toll and played a roll in my declining health. There are so many things I see in hindsight. So many failures. So many things I wish I could turn back time to my first day in the job, just with more insight.

So, the advise I would give, but was not able to take at the time, is to stay on top of your illness. Learn as much as you can. Get yourself a mood tracker and set reminders and alarms but stay on top of it. Get a good therapist you can trust!!!! Depending on where you live, you may need to get some job protection. Here in the USA, we have FMLA. don't be afraid to use it if you feel yourself slipping. Don't let ANYONE, including yourself guilt you into not taking care of yourself if you need it. Get a strong support system. Educate your family and friends so you have an extra set of eyes on things. I used to think "tell your boss". I "used" to think we'd advanced past stereotyping and stigma. Sadly, I've learned this is far from true. So telling your boss is a personal things and please make sure to make any important decisions when stable!!!

Best of luck with your job! That is a huge accomplishment.
Thank you! And I found out the culprit for the lethargy might be the amitriptyline I take for back pain from a car accident I was in. But it also might be my moods. I can say though that I feel high functioning for the first time in my life and this summer I am starting college courses for the first time in my life as I am 22. So I'll see how that goes. Its more of a test for me.
Hugs from:
Anonymous59125, gina_re