My employer didn’t know I had bipolar disorder. But I imagine they surmised I was having “problems,” but I was very good at being composed at work....for awhile.

I got really sick and I was in IP for six months and then went on SSDI two months after my release. My mom had died and I took a leave of absence (and ultimately was told by my mental health care team I couldn’t work anymore). Her death definitely impacted my health, but it was only a partial reason for my complete “mental breakdown.”

My husband told them about my leave of absence and made vague hints of not feeling well due to my mother’s death. They awaited my return to work and I told them nine months later I was resigning...citing needing to be with family.

They tried me to return again, six months later...I am not competent to have that level of responsibility. I’m surprised I didn’t accidentally make a mistake ending in legal malpractice, I was so sick. I tried really hard, so maybe that’s why...the stress just buckled me. Bipolar and law practice aren’t a good career match.