Quote:
Originally Posted by BirdDancer
SparkySmart, it is a scary prospect that relapses may increase in frequency. I know that I will have some major stressors coming up within the year and a few years down the line.
If it was up to my pdoc I'd be a housewife in my current area (state in the US) forever, but that can't be. I know I need to work again, and my European husband wants to return to Europe. Surely to a place where I'll have some mild culture shock at the least, and language difficulties.
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(I don't mean to hijack this thread, BTW)
Hi again, BirdDancer! I think bipolar episodes are actually expected to increase with age, though this may be an individual thing. My primary care doc and pdoc communicate because, as both say, this WILL happen again, so a Plan B should be in place. Seems wise!
Regarding work: It's best to think of working as a privilege and not a punishment, IMO. I've always been surprised when people say that I must have been able to maintain employment simply because my symptoms weren't as severe as theirs, but I beg to differ; my symptoms have been just as, if not more, disabling (13 hospitalizations at least, half manic, half depressed), and I've suffered the indignity of being fired for inability to perform to standard, as well as being hired for positions for which I had no qualifications whatsoever and predictably and miserably failed. I had to work or live on the streets, and working has provided a framework for my life, a necessary structure, and an uplifting and inspiring investment. I've been fortunate to have always had opportunities to "follow my passion," so I've had a sense of fulfillment that is deeply satisfying and worth the effort.
Your stressors may be considerable in the future. Preparation is key here. As much as you're able, try to space things out so that one or two stressors can be dealt with at a time, giving you a chance to debrief and regain balance. I would love to be an international traveler! Kudos for embracing a challenging life!