Working and Bipolar

New here. Long story short, stress will override whatever medication is keeping me stable, leading to mania and inviting the circus to town. Devastating depression inevitably follows the mania. I once had an elite education, worked in good jobs for respected companies and now am reduced to searching for work without stress to survive. What work doesn't involve stress?

Hi -I'm new here but will jump in anyway. I'm 55 years old and have been continuously employed since I was about 23. I generally stay in a job just under 10 years, either due to circumstances or because that's about all the "dookie" I can eat.

So it's possible. I was diagnosed bipolar 2 at age 37 so I had about 15 un medicated years in the workforce. (lots of weeping in the women's john in those earlier years!)

It can be done.

What's funny is that I never really tied the 2 together (my mental issues, and my work issues) until the psychiatrist said that I was lucky because I was employed. Actually, thinking about that...that was kind of odd to call it "lucky". For some reason I can manage to muster the strength to accomplish things that I have to do. I think I also find myself over coming my inertia with waves of hypomania. The oment seems to keep me mpoving forward even when my mood takes a sharp decline.....at least for a litttle while.

My father also has similar issues to me, but probably worse. He's 77 now, and was never diagnosed. Obviously, he also never had any sort of treatment. He always managed to get up and go to work everyday. Growing up I pretty much hated him. As I've grown older I can understand his struggles, and why he was the way he was.

I have held down part time Jobs over the 13 years I've been diagnosed bp...longest one lasted 4 years..so it's possible...I'm on a good cocktail now so good luck

I had to come back to this. Yes, I've been in the workforce for 30 years or so and yes, it can be done (more easily, perhaps, with BP 2 than 1). Still, it's only Monday and I'm exhausted.

I intended to come home to 45 minutes of exercise and a rational dinner. Instead it was leftovers in front of "the Royal Tennenbaums." I'm so tired now that I could very nearly burst into tears.

I spent this weekend writing four versions of a letter to my boss trying to explain the "challenges" and two more hours writing one for my doc trying to explain what I need in the way of documentation.

I'm very fortunate that my supervisor is supportive but I am tired of trying to figure out what's going on with me, more tired of trying to explain it to others, and really tired of trying to egg through a day with coworkers.

"I'm not sure what's wrong"
"Join the club."

Sorry. /rant.

I have had t take today off work (and probably a week) as I am being admitted to a psych ward this afternoon (Mixed episode). I am concerned for my job as I had to take a month off in Sep/Oct last year

I remember early on in my career I'd be hypomanic at the beginning of each job. That would last a few weeks, and my bosses would be thrilled. Then I'd slide into depression and my bosses would complain about me nonstop.

My pattern now is to start a job with depression and suicidal ideation. And panic attacks. Can't forget the panic attacks! So I only last a few weeks.

I can't go through that again. I want to live for my kids.

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I can relate to weeping in the john.

59 here. Diagnosed officially in 1989. Hospitalized only 3-4 times. Med free for 5 years during one period. Been on meds for past 5 years. Generally hold a job for 4 to 7 years. Not easy. But yes, can be done.

minimum 52 hours or more. This job could kill me. Yes literally kill me.

Looking to freelance - lower pay.

Consider a work from home position. Many computer based jobs are set up for this. Over the years this type of work proved to be the best solution for work/bipolar living.

@ Curiosity77 = in the same situation have a good position doing graphics for P.R. Dept. very high stress 52 +. I like job, pay & especially health insurance. Unfortunately the position pushes me into the Bipolar cycle. Off work now trying new meds.

Any suggestions regarding going back to work with written work restrictions? Are there laws in place that would help me get back into work under the definition of "episodic disability"?

DX Bipolar 1 (may rapid cycle)
RX. Depekote
Lamictal
Adman

Good luck with that.

I'm currently working (with pdoc) on documentation for a very limited work-from-home arrangement -only two hours a day, two hours a week.

Latest word from employer is, okay, you can do this, just don't tell anybody.

Like none of the eight people on our floor, or the receptionist at the front door, will notice me coming in two hours late twice a week!