[Seaswept]

How do we know how much we can take on, those of us struggling with Bipolar Disorder?

My kids are older now so they still need me but in a different way- emotional support, being a role model and rides basically. Oh yeah and food, clothes etc.

I want to start doing things for myself now. Like classes or go back to school full-time.... but could I handle it?
Would everything fall completely apart at home?

I always have this problem- how much can I take on before too much stress triggers an attack. Do I live a laying-low kind of life- like work part time and have a hobby or do I push myself hard and get my degree or job with more responsibilities? What is a low-stress life and is it boring?

Anyone else struggling with this?

Thank you for posting this, I can definitely relate. I'm afraid I have no advice or input as of yet, but I will be checking back to see what other people's replies are like.

My kids are getting into the pre teen now and need me less. I am on disability and I often think I "should" go back to work. Can I handle going back to work tho? Well for me the answer really is no.

I struggle with this all to often. And boring yes, it can be even tho I have a zillion hobbies. Plus there is always volunteer work to test out the waters. I was just struggling with this issue hard. But in the end I started going to bikram yoga three days a week and am focusing on bringing my mind and body together, working on my spirituality, mindfulness, and feeding my body healthful foods ( working in the anorexia) and I decided this can be my work for now, achieving balance in this way.

It's really hard to know where that balance lies until we try on a few things. Is there some volunteer work you could try out to get a sense of what you could take on ?

[Irreplaceable]

You just have to test your boundaries....Whenever I get triggered, I always reflect back and think about why it happened...What was I doing? What happened that day? You have to find YOUR balance....For everyone it's different...For me, I purposefully don't over book myself for things....For example, for every day of the week, I pick a task or two that I know needs to be complete by the end of the week...It can be anything...Anything from running errands,grocery shopping, paying bills, just doing basic everyday things...I learned to pace myself and not try to take on too much at a time...If my mood that day allows me to push myself a little bit more than normal, that I will push myself...If I don't mentally fill up to it, I rest...It's kinda like a trial and error thing...Try doing whatever it is that you want to do, and the moment you feel yourself starting to go over the edge a bit or get worked up, immediately stop and take a break...I make schedules for myself....I spread everything out that needs to be done but I don't over book myself...Good luck!

Edit: And again, always reflect back on why you were triggered...That's the first thing...Once you get that down, it should make things a little more easier for you....If you want to go to school, try going part time...Sign up to take a couple of classes...If you feel you can do more and not over exert yourself, then take it on....And like Anika said, you can do volunteer work...Or try working part time...

[Beebizzy]

I'm very glad you posted this too, Seaswept. I am struggling with exactly the same thing, now that I've decided to think about considering maybe accepting my diagnosis I'm wondering if I need to make some lifestyle changes as well. Maybe work less than full-time. I don't know. I'll be interested to read more input.

Sorry I can't be of more help to you.

Thanks
BB

[AniManiac]

I really struggle with balance. I have had to cut back on what I'm trying to do since my last depressive episode earlier this year, because it was all too much, and I haven't gone back to my prior workload yet - mostly in fear of relapse. And that's after cutting back on what I was doing as soon as my coursework was finished, at which point I started taking a day off every week.

But it's extremely hard to resist taking on new projects and getting myself in up to my neck when I'm hypomanic, and I always seem to do my planning and goal-setting when my mood and capacity is high. So then I end up unable to follow through, never sure why, and I'm constantly berating myself for falling short of what I clearly should be able to accomplish. Nevermind that it's the work of at least three people.

When I had a low-stress life, I was basically just underemployed. I got bored and cranky from being underemployed; that in itself was depressing. Now I have a high-stress lifestyle, and I never complain about getting bored! Plus I love what I do. But I'm always struggling to keep up, and I'm really walking the line in terms of what I'm realistically able to manage. I don't have a good sense of what's reasonable at all, and it's a major issue for me.

Oh and I have to add that although at times I feel bored, most of the " normals" that I know are envious of my " low stress life " haha. Go figure.

[lad007]

Well you can take small steps like take an on line course and do some volunteer work in a field you may want to go into, and see how it goes.
I have a degree and a job that can be stressful in social work, but there are ways you can keep your stress down also, that is something you can control to some extent. It helps to have the support of family to help you when you get stressed. My husband will clean and make meals if I tell him I am having a difficult time. I also exercise like crazy that keeps down that stress level, and helps with sleep.
So if you feel ready to try go for it, don't take on too much too fast, and find ways to manage the stress when it comes.

[Sheba976]

Going back to school can be a good idea but do a lot of research first. Find something that is a good career that will challenge you but be something that you really enjoy. I went back to school for Ultrasound when I was 27. My oldest was 4 and two months into the program I found out I was pregnant. I almost quit school but I loved it so much and my classmates and teachers were very supportive. I totally immersed myself in my studies and really enjoyed being around other adult students with families who were in the same boat as I was. I graduated in 2008 when my new baby was 6 months old. Her father and I broke up in the meantime and I had to take out a bunch of student loans just to pay my bills while I was in my last semester. I had trouble getting job in the area I lived, so I found a job two hours away, found an apartment, packed up the kids and off we went. The first year was tough but I trucked through it. Allied health is all about the initials after your name so I took my registries and passed right away. Then I found a new job that would train me echocardiograms and stress testing. I loved it because it was all new stuff to learn. I passed those registries and I have been at my job for 2 years now. I love work because it keeps me FOCUSED! I have to busy or I get miserably depressed. I sometimes dread the weekends because I feel like I have to amuse the kids when I just want to sleep. If you find something your really into, it is a great thing. It definately helps your self esteem and self worth, it makes you feel as if you finally did something right. If you do go back to school, do your research and make sure it something you would enjoy and be able to get a job in. There's a lot of two years degrees out there for all different allied health fields (if your into healthcare) Ultrasound and XRay are two great examples. Two year programs that pay well.

[Sheba976]

Also, I had held myself back for so long. I always worried I couldn't handle school or the stress. I won't lie, there was a few times I was so overwhelmed I cried my eyes out and wanted to quit. I then saw my other classmates freaking out worse than me and they are not bipolar. I honestly believe we can do anything we put our minds too. Try out a few classes first and see how it goes for you jump in the deep end. Maybe test the waters and see if you enjoy it.