[donut]

Hello everyone

I am bipolar rapid cycler. I work with people with a diaagnosis of a personality. As part of my job I have had to spend some time in a therapeutic group. I have been for quite a few weeks and I have a few weeks more to go. I have enjoyed it and have been fine up until last week. I am currently rather depressed and am finding the group very difficult. I am little fearful of crying which would be unprofessional.

I am now faced with having to tell the therapists/psychiatrist running it that I need to stop going which will mean disclosing my own illness to them. I have wondered if I could just bite the bullet until the end. I just can't though. It is making me worse particularly since I have to facilitate one session.

I know I am not going to be very popular. Therapeutic groups are run in a particular way and I will be disrupting it. On the other hand I have to to care of my own mental health, Any ideas what I can say?

Thank you

[blueoctober]

Originally Posted by donut

On the other hand I have to to care of my own mental health

Hi donut, You're right it's important for you to take care of your mental health. I don't know if you're in therapy yourself, but if you aren't you may want to try that.

There are pros and cons to disclosing your diagnosis and it's a very personal decision. I made the decision to be open about my diagnosis at work, but I was advised against it from my Psychiatrist, therapist etc. Overall I'm glad I disclosed, but there are times I feel discriminated against.

[Vita]

I worked as teacher for 17 years before realising that my periodic problems were due to bipolarity and ADHD. Only this year I would admit that it was exhausting and required treatment.
During all these years I managed to meet and communicate with the students. My focus was entirely on them and their needs.
It is possible, but very demanding, In a way, shifting focus gave some relief, but at a cost.
Recently I have told colleges about my illness, but being well known and established teacher, it made no difference. I will stay in work throughout.
It is amazing what is possible if you really want to.

We must all find our ways of coping, and what we can manage.
Look at which options are available, what you really want to and what will likely give you the best life.