[Spaceyspace]

I'm finally stable on meds. I don't have any situational stressor. I feel kind of aimless and blah, like I'm just treading water. This stability thing is new to me so maybe I'm having a hard time adjusting to it.

I reconnected with my vocational rehabilitation worker and put in a few online applications for jobs. I think it's time for me to try to move onward and upward. I've been in intensive mental health treatment for 13 years straight and have had a bipolar dx since 1994. I can be a capable person.

[MusicLover82]

Do you have a support system (friends and family as well as your doctors)? It makes me feel more alive to be around people. Just an idea.

Maybe you need to find your passion(s) (if you haven't already). That will bring you joy and purpose. Some things that make me really happy and alive are singing, dancing, talking to friends, painting, being around children, teaching, etc. I hope you find what you are looking for to ignite your passions. Best wishes!

Unsolicited but well-meaning warning: just because you've achieved hard-earned long-term stability on meds does not necessarily mean that you should now enter the workforce with the expectation that you can perform consistently as a "capable person". Every workplace offers a plethora of situational stressors that could jeopardize your stability. Apologies for the cold water, but the disease usually doesn't just go away though you've managed to achieve stability under medication. You're never an ice hit, a full night's sleep deprivation or a significant stressful event away from the brink. Happy face emoji!

[Spaceyspace]

Originally Posted by MusicLover82

Do you have a support system (friends and family as well as your doctors)? It makes me feel more alive to be around people. Just an idea.

Maybe you need to find your passion(s) (if you haven't already). That will bring you joy and purpose. Some things that make me really happy and alive are singing, dancing, talking to friends, painting, being around children, teaching, etc. I hope you find what you are looking for to ignite your passions. Best wishes!

I have my family and I'm thinking about reconnecting with a few old friends in person. I have arts and crafts hobbies but with my son home it's been hard to get into them. I can't wait for school to start next week.

[Spaceyspace]

Originally Posted by Lefty the Salesman

Unsolicited but well-meaning warning: just because you've achieved hard-earned long-term stability on meds does not necessarily mean that you should now enter the workforce with the expectation that you can perform consistently as a "capable person". Every workplace offers a plethora of situational stressors that could jeopardize your stability. Apologies for the cold water, but the disease usually doesn't just go away though you've managed to achieve stability under medication. You're never an ice hit, a full night's sleep deprivation or a significant stressful event away from the brink. Happy face emoji!

My husband told me maybe this wasn't the right time. I got a bit hurt because I knew he was referring to The Illness. He's seen me at my worst so he gets worried about me. I'm just looking to work part time. My therapist is on the fence too, she knows work is important to me but she wants me to see myself as a valuable person outside of having a work identity.

I'm on disability and I get jealous of other people with BP that can work.

Originally Posted by Lefty the Salesman

Unsolicited but well-meaning warning: just because you've achieved hard-earned long-term stability on meds does not necessarily mean that you should now enter the workforce with the expectation that you can perform consistently as a "capable person". Every workplace offers a plethora of situational stressors that could jeopardize your stability. Apologies for the cold water, but the disease usually doesn't just go away though you've managed to achieve stability under medication. You're never an ice hit, a full night's sleep deprivation or a significant stressful event away from the brink. Happy face emoji!

The same thoughts occurred to me. I'm very happy you're doing well. What meds are you on?

[Spaceyspace]

Originally Posted by rainyday107

The same thoughts occurred to me. I'm very happy you're doing well. What meds are you on?

Lithium 1200 and Risperdal 2mg

Originally Posted by rainyday107

The same thoughts occurred to me. I'm very happy you're doing well. What meds are you on?

1800 mg Depakote, anywhere between zero and 120 mg Valium, and zero to eight Reynolds Turkey-Sized Oven Bags (that's the standard international unit of dosage; ask your doctor) of state-licensed cannabis vapor. It takes a lot of drugs to keep Jack a dull boy.

[LacunaCoiler]

I'm a firm believer that the illness doesn't define or hinder us from doing what we can and want (Sometimes it just takes a little more effort). If you want to become a working person in society give it a go. But maybe start off with only a toe in the water to test it and ease yourself in. You never know, you might actually enjoy yourself and find it fulfilling. If you don't try you won't know if you're capable of working and being stable. At least that's how i see it anyways... my 2 cents.

[Rjaye]

Volunteering might be the way to go, Spacey. It would give you a chance to contribute to something important to you without the risk of losing a job. You can adjust your hours as necessary, and it would give you a chance to work in a job like situation and see how you do.

It would also provide experience when you move on to looking for a job.

[Spaceyspace]

Originally Posted by Are you suffering?

I'm a firm believer that the illness doesn't define or hinder us from doing what we can and want (Sometimes it just takes a little more effort). If you want to become a working person in society give it a go. But maybe start off with only a toe in the water to test it and ease yourself in. You never know, you might actually enjoy yourself and find it fulfilling. If you don't try you won't know if you're capable of working and being stable. At least that's how i see it anyways... my 2 cents.

I'm thinking I gotta at least try and I know that I want something just part time. I do think it will help my self esteem.

[Spaceyspace]

Originally Posted by Rjaye

Volunteering might be the way to go, Spacey. It would give you a chance to contribute to something important to you without the risk of losing a job. You can adjust your hours as necessary, and it would give you a chance to work in a job like situation and see how you do.

It would also provide experience when you move on to looking for a job.

That's a good idea! I have no job experience in over a decade