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.

8,884 Members
129,554 Posts
1 Online
Mental Health
/ Bipolar Disorder Support Group

My previous life

beckyp
beckyp
Before bp got the best of me I had a good job and career going. I worked for this one company for 16 yrs. Then I just couldn't handle the bp any longer. I faked it and hung in there until the depression and the racing thoughts, agitation, all the craziness we have
got the best of me. Now yrs later and several failed jobs later, I feel like a failure. I know it was the bp that caused me to lose my career and made me unable to work but I can't help blaming myself. I feel like I ruined my life and there is no hope for the future. Do any of your feel the same way and what if anything are you doing to overcome?
deleted_user
deleted_user
I find that since being diagnosed I last at a job for about six months. Even though I am trained to be a teacher I find it waaayy to stressful, I have been successful at maintaining jobs at very low stress jobs, that may help. You may need to give up your present career. I was a librarian for a while and that was perfect, just remember to be kind to yourself. A change in lifestyle helps in your recovery process. Just try and keep things as calm and stressfree as you can.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I used to work as a music/piano teacher and as a performing pianist before I got ill.

I now work as a music transcriber, and occasionally perform.


I try to see the 'failing' as a blessing i.e. it gives me time to reassess my own self.

Worrying about past life is pointless, as it is, after all, a past life. It's in the past, and it's not going to change.

Better to look ahead and see how the future could be improved, whether for yourself, or for others.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I hear you, we need to look toward the future and appreciate the fact that now it is time for us to redefine ourselves, once on meds we see things in a different light and the calm after the storm allows us to slow down enough to really pay attention, it can be a blessing or a curse at times
beckyp
beckyp
Eff... you are right . It is my past life after all. I need to look forward toward a new life. Also Mother, trying to find something stress free as possible is a good plan. Thanks both of you
deleted_user
deleted_user
I know what you mean. I've worked since I was 14 years old. The most recent company I worked for downsized me upon my return from "disability" in 12-2006. I havent had a solid job since then, I've been temping here and there. My resume has a BIG gap now, and it puts me at the bottom of the totem pole. Hopefully I find something soon, but then the economy is so bad... Uggh!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I hear you Becky. I used to be an EMT. I worked in a Trauma Center and part time on an ambulance for several years. People told me I was good at my job. As the Bipolar began to take over more and more, I found I just couldn't handle it anymore. I felt like a failure too. I wasn't able to work for a few years but I now work a couple of days a week for an Agency mostly taking care of elderly people. I miss the excitment of emergency work but caring for the elderly is much less stressful and carries its own rewards. Is there something related to your old job that would help you feel like you still have a hand in it?
vickybea
vickybea
Oh yes, I worked very hard to go to university and just about managed to hang on and finish the course. I showed a lot of promise but after I crashed and burned...

All my drive and some of my talent disappeared, I'm stable for now but had to get past the bitterness of being seen as and feeling a failure.

I raged at God for a long time after that, thought that I must have done something very wicked in a previous life for all this crap....
Posts You May Be Interested In
  • Community LeaderSunCloudJD

    Have a terrific Tuesday

    Posted by: SunCloudJD
    Last Reply: MayB
    8
    One day runs into the next I can't seem to keep them straightBut i do know it's Tuesday and I start to clean my landord's place again so it'll keep me going although I take breaks more often nowHe doesn't mind and I gwt it doneI hope that you have a good day and can get done what you need toBig hugz sent..Xo
  • Community LeaderSunCloudJD

    Wat Up Wednesday?

    Posted by: SunCloudJD
    Last Reply: MelT2020
    9
    Good day to everyone...Well sort of day...I'm still waiting to sleepI think I will soonI got a few things done yesterday...Pushing through and I hope to do the same todayI've been low so everything at this point is one big effortHopefully that will change before longSending hugs...Have a good day!...xo