I always felt guilty, too, although I don't think I should have. My prior work environment really didn't approve of anyone calling in sick, so that didn't help. Also, I was the only person handling legal so there was absolutely no one to cover for me if I was gone. I definitely would have a pile of work waiting for me on return. If I did take time, which was rare, I'd often get called at home because they need fires put out and didn't know what to do.

It's a tough thing ... bipolar disorder and working. The stress is the "killer" for me. Sometimes I wish I'd become a librarian.