Trying to understand Bipolar and others living with it..

Hello people,

I want to start this thread in order to get people chatting about how people manage with their bipolar. Everyone seems more experienced than me. I understand that people on this Forum have been diagnosed with Bipolar for years. I am hoping that people will share their experiences and ways around the usual challenges we all face on a day to day basis.

Here you can:

Ask any questions you may have about Bipolar.
Share useful thoughts on problems you may have overcame.

This is my first thread ever posted. Not sure what else to write... Thanks

How do people manage to find work while feeling so low and being in a depressive state with their bipolar?

I want to get out there again but I am so scared, my self-esteem and confidence has completely plummeted!!

I tend to be a three year employee. I get so annoyed at the people around me that I quit.
Their voices, their noises, the smells.....argh
The good part about this is that I am in a high demand profession, in a province with a low unemployment rate.

786 I'm learning all the time. The advice hear is good. It also helps know there are people are going through the same problems and same struggles as you, that your not a freak, in my life I seem to be the only one who has issues. It good to see how others have overcome some of the same issues you are dealing with. As for the employment issue I'm not working now and am trying to figure out a way to get into the workforce again. I understand your feelings.

I see what you mean. But it's good to hear you still work though. Thanks for responding
I have been sitting on my bum for 6 months just after a manic phase. I am going to try and find voluntary work and see how that goes. Wish me luck, I know for sure I'll need it!

Welder, hi and thanks for responding. Goodluck to you on that, hope you find something soon. And yes, I am hoping to get advice off here. As I feel so clueless about bipolar.

Hi Haffidha

I have suffered most of my life - since my teens, but only a few years diagnosed with bipolar. What has been most disruptive in my life has been long periods of depression. In my teens I messed up my exams because of it (went back into education much later and did much better). But most of my life I have worked, periodically messing things up because of depression.

It depends how bad the depression is, of course. When it is not too severe, having work to go to can actually help because it makes you keep going and provides distraction. When it is severe... Heaven help us.

If you are lucky enough to find good treatment and good support I suppose you can avoid the pitfalls. I hope you will be lucky and find your bipolar can be controlled.

When my husband and I worked we would do seasonal or temp because they need you. It's harder to get fire and after when you leave it's not a job lost. So you keep your self esteem.

Yeah I normally last two years before I'm booted out the door

For me, employment is about finding a place where I can get on with the people. It's a matter of trial and error. Don't give up - there are nice folks out there; it's just a matter of locating them.

My husband has problems keeping a job. It was extremely frustrating for him and the our families. Last year he was diagnosed with bipolar and ADHD. That was when we realized that forcing him into a 9-5 desk job would never work.

What kind of jobs do you feel will be more appropriate? He hasn't been working for a while but he really wants to get back out there.

I understand, I don't know tbh. I was thinking of applying for jobs with the least interaction involved between people. But then again that is quite difficult. Also, I have lost my self confidence and feel like I won't be able to do much so before even trying to complete a job application; I look at the job requirements and that scares me off completely.

Perhaps something he feels most comfortable doing. Sorry, I can't help much. Am quite new to Bipolar and living with it.

I agree with the trial and error!
I use a lot of positive self talk. I look up positive affirmations online and write them a few times a day. I read the "daily word" everyday. (Even if you don't believe in God I find it to be a positive affirmation)
Daily Word
(Click on today's word)
Also as far as working goes.. Just doing it. I got two jobs now and I was terrified but I just believed in myself. Anyone can work a minimum wage job.. Easy stuff.. Just takes awhile to learn.. Just like grade school..

Positive affirmations: "I am grateful to be an irresistible magnet for miracles, love, and fortune"
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"
"I am beautiful I am worthy I love myself I am capable, miracles await me"

Also I feel like it's silly society thinks we need to stick with one job. Trial and error and new things and learning new skills are all good. I'm always switching jobs (I'm 21) because I want to try it all and have lots of experiences! I just make sure I have enough money in the bank, and a new job lined up before I leave the other.