[bipolarstories]

I feel so trapped and like the track on my life has run out.

I was riding a high with a great job, finally having new friends, and a lot of happiness - when crash, I hit a bipolar manic phase (unknowingly). I became almost hostile at my job, trying to challenge people, and quit in a rage of ridiculous and embarrassing emails. I started hallucinating and being very paranoid. I ruined my professional references in this way. I can't find a job that will take me because of this and it all feels pointless.

The friends evaporated when I moved after almost ruining my marriage and now I live in a new area with no friends.

I don't need to work because I have a husband that can support us both, but without a job, I feel useless.

I just want someone to give me a chance and be part of a community somehow.

How do people deal with being unemployed while bipolar? Does anyone have any ideas on how to start over when your last job reference wouldn't be positive because of actions from the bipolar issue?

I still can't believe this is my life.

[Skeezyks]

Hello bipolarstories: I'm sorry you have had this experience. I will just mention here that back when I was still working I was a vocational rehabilitation counselor. So your Thread is to some extent up my alley, so to speak. I can't speak to the question of how people deal with being unemployed while bipolar. But in terms of starting over vocationally speaking, I would like to suggest to you that employers prefer to hire people who are already working.

I don't know what type of work you did. But you mentioned professional references. So I'll assume it was some type of professional position. My thinking is that, first of all, you should find a job... any job... full or part time, as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more difficult this is going to get. Then work at that job for a period of time in order to build up some current positive work history. Then you can begin to once again pursue positions more similar to what you have done in the past. At that point, you will be able to explain what happened at your last job. But you will also be able to credibly point to the fact that you have "turned over a new leaf" so to speak. There are job seeking skills techniques one can learn regarding how to do this effectively. And, at some point, you might want to consider trying to find a vocational counselor, & perhaps a job seeking skills class, where you can learn these techniques. There are, of course, also books available one can read.

The other possibility here would be to get involved in doing some sort of volunteer work... hopefully as many hours per week as possible. You'd want this to simulate a real employment situation as closely as possible. Here again, you're trying to establish new references & build up some credible evidence that you have now resolved the issues you had previously & are now prepared to return successfully to employment. And besides that, as a volunteer you would be contributing positively to your community, making new acquaintances, & building up potential references. Also, being of help to others is pretty-much an accepted way of mitigating the symptoms of depression.

I hope that something I have written here will be of benefit to you. I wish you great success with your efforts to recover you professional life.

[violetgreen]

I'm so sorry things are in such turmoil! First get your mental and physical health in order. At least that was the first thing I focused on when I started Medical Leave. I wanted to just leave my job, since I couldn't do it safely any more, too much chaos made me too chaotic! But, I'm still on leave, and starting a new part-time job on Monday.

When you're ready to start a job search get your resume and cover letter in good shape. Have someone remind you of all your professional strengths--my daughter helped me. A job search plan helps, too. About references, since I didn't tell my employer I was looking for work, I asked my 2 friends to be my personal references. The only ones I have left really. That worked fine, along with a kick-*** new resume and cover letter. I had 2 jobs not in my field to pick from. It's scary to see things fall apart, but I think it can also be a chance for something really good, and not just career related. Keep us posted on your progress.

[cashart10]

Originally Posted by bipolarstories

I feel so trapped and like the track on my life has run out.

I was riding a high with a great job, finally having new friends, and a lot of happiness - when crash, I hit a bipolar manic phase (unknowingly). I became almost hostile at my job, trying to challenge people, and quit in a rage of ridiculous and embarrassing emails. I started hallucinating and being very paranoid. I ruined my professional references in this way. I can't find a job that will take me because of this and it all feels pointless.

The friends evaporated when I moved after almost ruining my marriage and now I live in a new area with no friends.

I don't need to work because I have a husband that can support us both, but without a job, I feel useless.

I just want someone to give me a chance and be part of a community somehow.

How do people deal with being unemployed while bipolar? Does anyone have any ideas on how to start over when your last job reference wouldn't be positive because of actions from the bipolar issue?

I still can't believe this is my life.

I don't have any advice for you...sorry for that. I just want to let you know I've asked myself that question everyday for more than a month. What do I do? I really don't even know how to survive anymore. Life with mental illness is so hard. You struggle, your relationships struggle, and your professional life can even struggle. I'm so sorry you are struggling so much to find your worth right now. I hope you find a new, peaceful normal soon. Good luck and much love!

I'm a veteran of mental health drop-ins. There are usually lots of opportunities to volunteer and people say they find it rewarding. It's still labor, just not pair labor. If you have a lot of energy, volunteering might be a good option to have a satisfying life while on benefits.

[Roaming_bird]

I would volunteer at a school. I'd call and see if there are any teachers who are in need of volunteers in their classroom and help. Or help at an animal shelter.

When I wasn't working because of being on SSDI, I exercised like mad. Running made me feel productive and gave me a great figure. I also made a blog, and wrote wrote wrote.

I need to have a reason to get up in the mornings, or else I'd stay in bed all day. I couldn't motivate myself so volunteering made me have a commitment.