Ive been bp2 for decades. I worked my whole life until retirement as a teacher, school librarian, photo editor, etc.
Stigma is less for depression now because a lot of folks experienced it from isolating and anxiety over covid.
However, due to school shootings and other mass shootings, people are still wary around bipolars unless they have known a high functioning or any bipolar personally. I worked hard to get 3 degrees, but always loved school possibly because it's so structured.
I would NEVER ask for work accommodations for bipolar because of the level of prejudice and ignorance about it. I am thinking about getting a part time job so this subject is relevant to me. Before all this inflation, when I felt I would never have to work again, I became overconfident and decided to be open about it at my own doctors offices. What a mistake that was. I am medical advocate for my ex and the drs who know dont take me as seriously. With the ton of malpractice Ive seen in Phoenix (It's boonies. We dont even have a medical school.) they should look to themselves first for any judgements. It's hard living a double life with bipolar, but LOOSE LIPS SINK SHIPS!!!!!!!