[DelusionsDaily]

Hi all, first a little background info and I'll try to keep it short.

I was originally dx'ed in Texas in February 2008 didn't believe it so meds didn't last 2 months. Then dx'ed again this January with that dx I decided to quit my job and move back to Michigan with my parents. I have been looking for a job but the stress seems to be making me hypomanic. Now don't get me wrong I know stress is a trigger for me but if the stress of looking for a job is triggering...what would the stress of having a job do? For those working how do you manage the stress of a job so you don't have episodes or atleast so they don't interfere with your performance?

I have switched jobs so much because I can only handle the stress of any one place for a few months...especially if I feel I am not being heard or respected. I can't stand not working though...it seems alot of the people I know with this appear to use it as a reason not to work. Don't get me wrong I know that this disorder can and does affect one's ability to get but more so keep jobs because of episodes but there has to be things I can do so the stress doesn't force episodes and the eventual of quitting a job.

I am just at a loss for what to do so I can work without feeling the constant need to changes jobs.

Any advice is greatly appreciated! Thank you.

Melissa

[Trippin2.0]

I'm asking myself these very questions. Because I seemingly don't have any specific triggers, I've come up with this idea: contractual employment through an agency... This way I don't stay anywhere longer than a few months. That's what I'm trying to get into already registered as I've messed up my current job after being here for nearly 2yrs. Not sure if it helps,but it's my 2c.

[DelusionsDaily]

Originally Posted by Trippin2.0

I'm asking myself these very questions. Because I seemingly don't have any specific triggers, I've come up with this idea: contractual employment through an agency... This way I don't stay anywhere longer than a few months. That's what I'm trying to get into already registered as I've messed up my current job after being here for nearly 2yrs. Not sure if it helps,but it's my 2c.

Hey Trippin, Thanks that's not a bad idea...I'm gonna look into that. But still any other idea would be helpful on how to manage stress so I can keep episodes minimal or non-existant for longer periods of time would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Melissa

[vjdragonfly]

Wish I could help out Melissa, but I have the same issue. My last job I was at a little over a year and one day I just couldn't handle it any more. I've been through several jobs in my lifetime and i always seem to quit when things get rough. Wish I had some answers for you. At least you know you are not alone.

[blueoctober]

Originally Posted by MELISSSAD81

I am just at a loss for what to do so I can work without feeling the constant need to changes jobs.

There are many people that struggle with the above BP or not, so you are definitely not alone. I would suggest speaking to career counselor and do some testing to see what positions suit your personality and skills. I would also suggest volunteering at positions similar to what you would want to do as a career to get a feel for what fits you.

As far as getting offended when people at work don't listen to you unfortunately this can happen in a work place and it's going to be more common if its a larger organization. I would suggest discussing coping methods with your p-doc, because if I quit every time I had a personality conflict with someone I would never be able to hold down a position.

As far as using a mental illness as an excuse for not working it may happen, but in my experience when I was forced on leave for 8 months I wanted to work, but that would have been the worst place for me. I'm glad my p-doc wouldn't let me go back until she felt I was ready. The advice that my pdoc gave me while I was on leave is to find a job that I can do even when I'm not 100%. Don't get me wrong my job can have stress, but I have a lot of control over what I do in work day, the job is well suited to me, and because of this I have found success. My therapist has also helped me remain successful in my career and I use her as a sounding board when I'm about to loose my s*** on someone at work. She has saved me from a messy confrontation many, many times! I hope this helps and happy job hunting!