Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

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do bipolars have to work?

stewie73
stewie73
I was just gaging whether work is vital to maintaining health with people diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I left work in March of this year. Not sure if it was the job or the disorder that caused me to leave. I talked it through with friends and family and then concluded that it was more the job itself that caused me to leave.

I do struggle with not working. The self-esteem issues mostly I suppose.

Does anybody else have any helpful thoughts on this issue?
rosiestorm
rosiestorm
I'm much healthier now that I'm not working. I did leave my job when I was really manic, but every time I've tried to go back to work, I get sick again. I need to maintain a stress free lifestyle to stay healthy.

I have thought about trying to find some type of work that wouldn't be very stressful to make some extra money though.
stewie73
stewie73
Thanks rosie storm. Found that very helpful.
rosiestorm
rosiestorm
" Bipolars" and " Beepers" is the same thing in my eyes...in which I am both not offended by.
MayB
MayB
I too left a stressful job that was making me sick.

I went back to school to get training but ended up getting a job in a field that is different than I trained for....

The job has its stresses but at this point they are handleable. I need to be making more money though and that is an issue. I like the challenge of creating a system that has been fun.

I enjoyed the time freedom that being on disability offered but here in the States you can hardly live on the monthly amount. However the world changes quickly and the longer I was out of the workplace the harder it seemed to have the skills to get back in.

I would love to have my own business I know many who support themselves selling on eBay and ESTY you can make your own hours:)

I agree with not letting Bipolar Disorder define me. I'm not that particular about what you call yourself. Beepers seems the friendliest.....

Working or not working is a tough decision Stewie even if you aren't in the work force you can still do things that matter to you....
Community Leaderacuriousfish
acuriousfish
I've worked all my life. I think it's more a case of the severity of your bipolar.
dobiedots
dobiedots
I agree with Curious. I worked all my life. However in the last 3-4 years I find that my anxiety level has risen and I dont' think I could do a 9-5 job again. I only work a few days a week now.
SensitiveHoboLady
SensitiveHoboLady
I've continued working. My episodes have been intertwined with work, since I work with the public. I just keep trying my best to stay in top of anxiety levels and also remain resilient and not internalize things that happen working in customer service. Checking in with a therapist has helped a lot.

Yes, depends on the severity. And on the environment. I'd bet there are a lot of successful workers who live with bipolar.
chris138
chris138
I work with cool people, the pay sucks..but its close by the house.....I am security moron..but oh well...
Desigol1979
Desigol1979
I have been trying to school myself to get work, getting some recognised qualifications to boot. However, I still lack experience in certain areas.

Today my new debit card arrived and I have used it to purchase Adobe Creative Cloud for 45.73 per month; which I can handle. My vision is to do something more creative.
theatrediva
theatrediva
I too have worked all my life. However I am almost 35 and have only just founf a job that suites me and my ups and downs. I have been fired from many other jobs before this. I too agree that not everyone who has BP can work depending on the severity of their BP. I also agree that there are many people in the world BP or not who dont work due to laziness and that makes me mad! But I am greatful to be able to work. And I am sorry for my friends here who cannot because of this damn BP! Hugs to all
Nester4U
Nester4U
I hear ya on the self-esteem issues surrounding not being able to hold a job. One of the first questions people always ask you is where do you work and it was hard for in the beginning being on disability. I worked until I was 40 and had my first psychotic episode and I was never the same as far as being able to handle the pressure of a full-time job. But it's not a piece of cake not working I had to move in with my parents which took a huge adjustment period. For a few years I also sold stuff on e-bay and need to get back into that.

I'm helping a girl right now trying to get her disability bc of BP2 and she was filling out the forms (she's 49 and just now diagnosed) but she had had 32 jobs!!! She's a hard worker and would go after things but then she would get run down and stressed and would just have to give a job up until she got herself back together and then she would try again.

I wish you well no matter if you decide you can work or not work. Remember you're your "who" and not your "do."
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