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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How to explain bipolar related unemployment

PeteA
PeteA
I discovered that I was bipolar after being taken off of benzodiazepines for anxiety and OxyContin following several back surgeries. As a result of my bipolar, I have not worked in over two years. I am hoping to start working at least part-time soon however I will be unable to work in my previous field(Social Work) due to memory issues. I am not ashamed of the fact that I am bipolar however I'm not sure I need to share it with prospective employers especially since I am only considering very part-time work. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
freeheeler
freeheeler
I agree with Unhitched and the other person who suggested that you say you worked from home. At times, small lies like this may be necessary in life. I mean, if the equation is not getting a job, suffering even more, and never contributing to society, or telling a small lie, I have to think that God would understand.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I agree that you should NOT disclose your illness. I would also suggest taking a look at temp agencys. They were great for me when I had my last bout of long term unemployment. If you can't accept an assignment, you don't have to worry about feeling bad about not working. Also, you then don't have to worry about disclosing any information.
deleted_user
deleted_user
i recently told my Super I am BP and while he seems a bit more understanding and empathetic, I am not sure. Having been at this job for over seven years, a record indeed bcs of the BP, I know most people there already knew, even if they didn't have the "label." I don't have any advice, but I would suggest you not tell unless necessary. You do have the ADA behind you in some way, but as another person wrote here, not working is tricky to so hang in there, I wish you well.

As for myshort term memory not being as good, I have noticed it since I started Lithium, but hey, I used to remember everything too, from the past, so if I am happy now, I'm okay with it.

Finally, teaching, very stressful. Gawd aint work stressful in general. I wish I had a job where it wasn't so intense, but that is the world of work, unfortunately.

Please let us know what happens Pete bcs work has been,by far, the most difficult thing for me regarding being BP.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I certainly wouldn't anything even REMOTELY associated with BP to an employer! You'd be under the microscope, so fast, it would make your head spin! This issue is one that they need not know about. Keep it to yourself.
dobiedots
dobiedots
This question shows up periodically on the boards. Here is the answer:
NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO

Your medical problems are your business.
With bipolar, there is a TON of stigma attached. It WILL affect how other people think of you.
I have said I had "bronchitis" when I was in the hospital. I have said "My ulcers acting up"...anything but bipolar.
I got lots & lots of help & sympathy when I had cancer. That was easier to deal with than bipolar. Did I ever get any sympathy when I was so depressed I was suicidal? NONE
deleted_user
deleted_user
just a thought...and it is a shame we sometimes have to lie...but if the employer asks why you weren't working for 2 years...

tell them (if you are a dad) that you decided to be a stay at home dad
if no kids, tell them you were taking carely of elderly parents, sick relative, whatever