The only thing I can think of is that maybe you can go back part time and see how that goes before jumping in the deep end of the pool. I am currently recieving SSI and dont know if I can ever go back but I try to not think about it to much. Good luck to you

Be Well

i wish i could help you. i am not sure myself. i force myself to go to work for the simple fact that if i dont my children will not have food and shelter and clothes etc. i have three little ones. that is what gets me out of bed. i didnt goto work today, i have been off for 2 months and trying to force myself. sometimes it feels impossible, especially in the state i am in. what will my family do if i dont work? i just keep thinking i dont wanna let anyone down. my family, boss, coworkers, etc. besides i am going bizerk sitting at home all the time.

I can really relate to your post. I have been off work for a year and a half. I don't know if I'll ever be able to go back. I had a great career as a critical care nurse for 15 years. Now I can hardly cope with caring for my kids and house. I am in the process of applying for disability, but I don't know if I will qualify. I wish I had something positive to say. Just know that you aren't alone in this situation.

I was on medical leave for 6 weeks and just returned. It hasn't been easy but i take it one day at a time. I teach 7th grade so you can imagine the stress. But I am doing it with low expectations and being very gentle with myself. I have to work...I have to have the money. Good luck to you

I know exactly how you feel...I was on disability for ten years and terrified to go back to work. I started out doing volunteer work to see how I would do. I gradually worked my way back into full time employment. You have to build your confidence back in little measures.

Thanks for the feedback. The only other time I was off work was in my 20's. It was only for a month then. When I went back to my job, I was treated horribly by some coworkers. Got emails like "have you had your manic-depressive medicine today", other people had the balls to tell me I should quit and find another job cuz I ruined my career, yadda yadda. It was my first experience where people kicked me when I was down. After a year or two I was able to transfer within the company, and then eventually ended with a great position that I've now lost.

Thank god I don't have kids - I can't imagine how hard it would be to take care of them in this condition. My prayers go out to those of you you are doing it.


Volunteer work may be the right place to start. I'm going to a therapist for the first time tomorrow and hope I can get some guidance there too. Working part time may be an option, but I don't think I'm ready yet. I never realized how bad the depression side of BP can be - it's not a "mind over matter" issue and many many people don't understand.

You'll get back to work, it'll just take time. Maybe a lot of time. Obviously you're not ready right now, but you'll get there. In my experience, it was important to really bring down the mania before I could be productive again. That meant the ability to focus, short-term memory, to pay attention at meetings, to have energy and not fall asleep, etc. I as on lithium, but didn't even know what I was missing until I was put on Seroquel. Now I WANT to take it, keep my brain in check, until it's capable of doing it itself.