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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JennS 10/27/2010

I'm thinking of entering vocational rehabilitation and going back to work part-time. I haven't worked in several years and I am getting disability. Prices keep going up and the extra money would really help. I heard you can still collect disability and work if it's under a certain amount of hours.
The problem is I can't handle stress well anymore. As an example, my son yesterday had a huge meltdown over a misunderstanding at school. It took a lot of work to calm him down. This was a stressful situation. I had just come out of depression and now have regressed a little since this happened.
I know working might help my self esteem. I just don't want to overdo it.

deleted_user 10/27/2010

I am in a similar boat. I would like a job with minimal stress as well, and I'd definitely have to start with part-time. This woman helping me with my vocational skills, etc, wants me to set a 5 year goal, but I can barely think ahead a day or two!

Good luck. What do you have experience with work-wise?

deleted_user 10/27/2010

That's a great idea and my plan as well. I think you should definitely do it and remember the better coping skills you acquire the more you will be able to handle stressful situations. Unfortunately, those don't ever stop in life, but you can control how you react to them. Remember that!!! Stress unfortunately is unavoidable....but anyways, i think working would be great for you and your self-esteem. you could probably even start out slow and volunteer to get your feet wet? Good thing is that you could work seasonal this December...I'm sure there will be plenty of part time opp. at shops/malls. it's okay to take things slow. you will get there! best of luck to you =)

and you are right about disability! you have to be really concise about the hours you work. goodluck

deleted_user 10/27/2010

i work full time so really can't offer any adviuce, but wish you the best of luck with whatever you decide to do, i'm sure that working would be good for your self esteem, but you have to be careful to not overdo it

deleted_user 10/27/2010

I just returned to work after about 2 years of being totally out of the workforce. I am fortunate enough to have been able to start a small company and so I set my own hours and have a lot of control on how much work I choose to take on. However it still is rough at times and stress is unavoidable,I just need to self evaluate closer and allow for down time to get stability under control.

JennS 10/27/2010

I had worked for years in the food service industry and as an office assistant. I would like to limit my hours so I will have time for my family.

Shelly4 10/27/2010

Stress happens in life whether we work or not. Boundaries and coping skills go a long way in helping balance our lives. It sounds like you have already set some goals for what you need so you have a good start. Build from there...

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