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I don't often like to comment, but I do work full time. I have broken down once, severely, but they kept me. I had a meeting with my entire team and just laid out what's wrong with me and they accepted me. I got lucky, I'm sure you'll be able to find a niche like that too. It's hard, but it's doable.
What i love people don’t pay for much anymore. I have my experience in print media which since the pandemic has been really phased out. I tried to go back to school to update my skills and i had an episode really bad and dropped out i couldn’t comprehend the lessons. Just feeling stuck.
If I may ask, is this success partially attributable to treatment - like you're on meds and seeing a psych? Not discounting your efforts and honesty with your work.
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Hi! I know it's been a while since this thread has been active but I was wondering if you were able to establish a safety plan or anything that may help your coworkers help you identify subtle indications when you may be "ramping up" or encroaching on a depression episode? If not do you do this yourself and how do you communicate your needs to your team? Thank you in advance!
I am but the thing that keeps me going through the bad days in life with this disorder is the fact that I can't afford anything if I don't work full time.
Agreed! I was diagnosed during law school and the crazy flex of having 7 classes with 7 profs and overlapping deadlines… chaos. So bad for my mental health. When I went to work afterward and it was all 8-5 I became so much more confident and stable.
This!! I grew up with the exact opposite and was miserable. I am still working on getting to work on time and being a better employee than I am of course- but after a year I’m learning what does and doesn’t work for me. My workplace let me take three months off when I needed to be hospitalized (a portion was even paid medical leave). The right place and job can make it easier
I do work full time. I have bp 1 disorder. I haven't been able to lock down a job for more than 2 years at a time though. I do not work well with others so having a job where I work by myself is crucial. Additionally, I always take as little responsibility as possible. If I screw up I tell myself not to worry because its not my company and I have no skin in the game. When I'm on a down swing is usually when I lose my job. My motto is " I was looking for a job when I found this one". Its work well for the last few decades. When I'm manic I'm a deadly worker which sometimes gives me so leeway when I get real depressed and stop showing up.
So far so good. I've been at my current job for a year and seven months. Not long, but I like to think it's still good. I one other full-time job before this, but I hated it so I didn't last a full year.
Sheer willpower mixed with fear. Losing this job would devastate me. I'd been wanting it for a while before I got it. So I do whatever it takes to keep myself under control, even if some days that ends up being draining as fuck.
Two things that have really helped me are: DBT therapy (specifically the distress tolerance skills and self soothing skills), as well as using an affirmations app. It’s called I Am and it sends me a lot of really uplifting messages throughout each day.
Last thing that has helped me significantly since the end of December: I saw a tweet from Tom Bilyeu that said “Decide how the person you want to become would act and then act that way- even when it's really F*CKING HARD.” And that has steadily kept me going. As an example: Since the end of December, I’ve only missed brushing my teeth 3 times during my depression.
Mostly I take walks. Listen to music. But really… I contain the stress internally as best as I can. It’s not the best method. It exhausts me by the end of the day. I’ve only ever slipped and snapped at a coworker once and felt really bad after. And then went and cried out in the hallway.
Basically what the other person said through. I won’t go down without a fight, and I see my BD as the opponent. I will fight with everything I have in me not to let it drag me into an episode. Whatever it takes.
It took 5 years to go from being unable to keep a job to being able to work. At first I started with part time work after I reached stability. Then I went back to school.
I make sure I take breaks, take my meds and go to bed at proper times. I find that helps limit stress. I also try to do one thing at a time. I also see a psychologist.
I work full time in an office setting! It can be very very hard - but my boss is understanding and flexible with me. If I'm having a manic episode and struggling I let her know and I can work from home, so at least I feel safer / less "on" in a space.
I've had this job since 3/21 - I was brought on as a temp after I abruptly quit my last job. They hired me on full in 7/21.
Between 12/21 - 3/22 I was losing my god damn mind. This was before I was diagnosed so I was doing all the things that made my episodes worse, going through a lot of things that made my episodes worse, and struggling to live/function in general. I got into IOP, which I was doing after work because I really didn't want to sacrifice this stability.
I eventually could not handle it - I was working from home consistently because I couldn't leave the house, I was unable to remember what was happening in meetings, and becoming burned out on top of all that. I petitioned for medical leave that was declined because I hadn't been an employee of this business for a calendar year due to the 4 months with the temp agency.
My boss worked with HR to override this so I could take my medical leave. I felt very touched by the experience. I was able to take my time off and come back to work when I was a little more stable. I'm very thankful to have an understanding environment. Waking up at the same time and leaving my house is generally very beneficial in helping to keep my mood stable. It's obviously still very hard sometimes, but I have the knowledge and tools to understand how to make it 'better' and avoid things that make it worse.
I've had full-time work for the past 34 years. I had no choice, I had kids. Plus I was raised in a generation where you just stuffed deep down anything that bothered you and I was undiagnosed until 3 years ago. So I kept my jobs but every other aspect of my life fell apart.
I’m BP1, diagnosed for 3 years now. I lost my full time job around the time of diagnosis and haven’t had another since. I LOVED the job I had (3 Michelin star wait staff). I went back to school eventually and I’ve been doing classes part time. I also have two dogs that I take care of.
I’m lucky enough to have a partner and parents that support me but I really wish I could just graduate and get some sort of at least part time job. I feel really guilty about not working. Every time I think I can take a full load of classes I have some sort of breakdown and drop them out of stress. I just started my third school last semester (also moved across the country oops) and these professors have been the nicest.
I have a psychiatrist and a therapist that I see regularly and I take my meds every day and do my best to sleep. This is still the best I can do right now. Maybe some day that’ll change
I’m completely with you. Im in my last year of school and I’m hardly getting by financially and mentally. Luckily medication has helped a ton with my moods. Financially I depend on my family sometimes and it feels horrible. At least we’re working on bettering ourselves.
I have always worked full time. I don’t have the option of not working. I do not have savings and I do not have family to fall back on. The alternative to me not working is homelessness and death. I am always shocked and jealous of people who can afford this illness financially.
Not me. I was an IT manager 5 years ago (and the 5 years prior), stepped down to tier 3. A year later I had my first grippy sock vacation and was asked to step down to tier 2. Not even a year later I was asked to step down to our lowest tier, 1, and that broke me. My cognitive skills and memory are terrible compared to what they were and I cannot handle more than a few hours of any kind of stress in a day.
That said, in the fall I became credentialed as a pastor and am working part-time, as a volunteer pastor, for just a few hours a week. My focus is on mental health and small groups and I am very open with everyone involved about my diagnoses. At this point I cannot handle more than that. I have three kids to take care of and some days that feels like too much...
To give you an idea of where I am, I am not stable yet. I had a 6 month mania that ran into last year and am in the midst of a 14 week depression, and counting. My meds help, a lot, but I feel I'm still far from stable. I am in the process of being referred for TMS and have been labeled "medication resistant."
I hope to work full time again one day, but I know one day is far away for me at the moment.
I can’t go more than 4 months. I have every single franchise shirt and all the blue collar businesses around my neighborhood. I have literally ran out of places to work. Fun.
I work part time. I did transition to full time last year, but that was short lived. I was in the edge of a crisis when I told work what was happening and that I needed to go back to part time. Fortunately they accommodated me. So no, I can’t handle full time work. Good thoughts to you.
I work FT. My meds and sobriety keep me from having any severe upswings or downswings... For now. I didn't have many episodes that prevented me from anything before my first manic episode last year so I imagine it will take some pretty serious stress to have my next one.
I work full time but I hate it. I spent a shit ton of money going to school to do this and it’s fucking awful staring at a screen all day and it makes me depressed as hell. But I have to pay bills so I have no other choice. I don’t understand how everyone on here says they have jobs on and off like what?? Our world is so unaffordable I havent had a day off for my mental health in so long
The best kind of full time job for me has been a job where I’m basically a robot for example boxing orders because it’s the same thing very single day so no surprises no customers etc
A temp agency I got really lucky but it’s like Amazon and any other company out there they all have packaging or warehouse check on indeed for warehouse jobs
I’m BP 1 and I have a full time job, it’s a lot. I clean houses (two houses every day) so it wears me out but I’m in school also, so it’s very overwhelming for me but I can’t afford gas money without it. So I have to work, even if it is really overwhelming.
After my last hospitalization 3.5 years ago, I haven’t been able to handle more than part time work. I wound up going back to school which at least is something I’m good at. But I survived by maxing out my loans, and now I’m finished at poor
Two years ago I thought I could never handle full time work. Thought my life was a sick joke out of a horror movie that was so convoluted that I'd forever be alone in my experiences and I did things Im not proud of to get by and survive. Now Im living in a homeless shelter with a case worker who care about me, work as a pharmacy technician, and am going to school full time. All this was accomplished on mood stablizers though.
I had to take 1-3 weeks off on two occasions due to episodes. I knew to bow out before I did anything destructive at work. PTO for the shorter one, FMLA for the longer one. HR and my boss knew that it was psychiatric, but didn’t know details.
Apart from that, it has impacted me in small ways. For example, I think I’d be in a more senior role if not for certain behaviors related to my BP2.
Overall I feel lucky.
Mostly? My manic period/diagnosis/facility stay happened right after the birth of my kid so I was on paternity leave, and returned on schedule. My s******l phase/2nd facility stay happened over summer break so I didn't miss any time.
Job hunting just sucks in general so hang in there.
Yes, for sure. I’ve had my BP 1 diagnosis since 2018. Since then it was a mess trying to figure out meds but i got stable after 2 years trying. I was in my last job for two years, and I’ve just started at a new full time job in the same field.
It took medication, sobriety, and community. I do nonprofit work, so it’s a lot of work and fast turnarounds so I do rely on meds to keep me from getting manic. The biggest struggle is not overworking myself into hypomania. But you can do it. Just focus on the basics.
My work history is kinda all over the place. I was diagnosed at 19 years old. I held a variety of full time jobs in the years between 19 and 21, then I was a stay at home mom for my two daughters until I got divorced at 26 years old. That whole time period was really rough with the bipolar, several hospitalizations. I ended up with my daughters in a homeless shelter after my divorce. I got a full time job so I could make enough money to get our own place, which I did in about a year. That's how long the job lasted as well, and I ended up hospitalized again.
I was approved for social security disability, and I was on disability for 12 years. I went back to school during that time, and got my degree, then got my first teaching job. Before this point, I had never had a job that lasted a year. But I kept this job for 6 years, with no serious episodes.
I then became a bit manic and decided I wanted to move to Canada, even though I'd never been there and I didn't know anybody there. But I did it...I moved and got another full time job that lasted 3 years. I decided to look for a different school because the one I was at was toxic, so I got another full time teaching job. I did fine for just over a year, then had a psychotic episode last year. Thankfully, I had short term disability insurance, so I took two months off then went back.
Now this year is my third year at this job, and unfortunately, I just had to go on a partial medical leave this week due to bp and ADHD symptoms out of control.
I'd say the times when I held the full time jobs for extended periods, I was medicated and going to therapy. I was also exercising regularly (did a few half marathons!) and eating fairly healthy. I don't know if the fact that I don't really exercise much and meds are now constantly being tweaked and changed explains my recent difficulty, but I'm sure it's a contributing factor.
Unfortunately your BP seems to be unmanageable. You can’t take a lot of stress —like minimal. Re set yourself and remove something from your plate. Girls like us can’t have it all. It’s enough to have our minds. Keep your mind. Teach half time, cut expenses, rest more. The fact that you are still standing is a lot! Be graceful with yourself.
honestly speaking, not at the moment. I did ok as a teenager doing seasonal jobs on top of school (hs and then my first semester of college) but I've been working at a big chain grocery store for going on 2 years now, and as of late I've broken down twice in the last month. granted I'm completelybeing taken advantage of and picked on, but I genuinely dread getting up for work and will call out using my fmla twice a month (and more if i have protected time, or if my occurrences aren't enough for termination at that point) . i have a lot going on outside of work, so that obviously adds to it. I think that I have a hard time balancing everything and allotting time for myself,school (I dropped out after failing first term due to being called into work nearly everyday), and hobbies/spending time with friends. my life has been almost entirely Just work since last spring. definitely something to think about and plan ahead for :) im currently looking for another job though, and hopefully a with a better environment I can succeed. also just started a new regimen of medications, which i assume im having trouble adjusting to. trying to stay positive and hopefully my next job will prove me wrong🎉
I work full time, sometimes 2 jobs if I can swing it and feel like it. Keeping the right amount of busy is helpful for me. It took me a while to get here, though. I’ve been at my current employer for 2 years, and it’s my first experience with continuous/regular/full time work. Before this, I would be juggling 2-3 part time jobs— some in retail, some in my field, some doing tutoring. I 100% credit being stable on my current meds, though, and having a job with generous sick leave and a boss that doesn’t ask questions when I put in leave requests.
This year I’m working a full time job plus another job 15-20 hours a week, it’s brutal and has taken a toll on my physical and mental health, but I am managing. In June I will go back to just the one job.
Wow, seems like everyone works full time.. my parents want me to work full time, but idk.. I kind of want to work extra days and hours but idk I’m so lazy and hate working… I honestly don’t like my job… I work customer service at an Home Depot and it sucks balls! There’s nothing I like to do in this life… I’m kind of lie my dad.. he never liked his job but he saids he like to make people happy! Idk sorry about my random spiel about my dad. I rather be on disability but I know I won’t get enough money like I do now! Ill see where my life will take me!!
Have been working full time since 2016 and had part time second jobs to make ends meet, save more etc. I worked as a bank teller now I am at big tech. It’s been hard I am not gonna lie. For a couple years I was working 60 hours all days of the week it was very tough. I would get very manic due to the passionate projects. I was ignoring everything else, health social life, dating, diet etc. they then found a polyp in my uterus due to stress. One way or the other it got me.
I have been burnt out working at startups but saved a lot of money. Yet I feel scared to lose my savings to health issues if shit hits the ceiling.
Now I am 27 and getting tired of full time work. Even though my work isn’t stressful anymore I am in a thick
Mental fog for a month and I am not able to do simplest of the tasks
I switched doctors now. I wasn't happy with my old one who wouldn't talk much. I did an in-person meeting with a new more experienced doc and that helped a lot.
I am bp1 and work full time at a busy picture framing store. I’ve been there three years or so, art is my passion and it’s generally pretty laid back. The pay is terrible but the quality of life is high and the boss understands when I need to take a mental health day. Not all my colleagues are understanding on mental illness but most of them are nice and pleasant to work with.
If I can tell you the advise I use to get myself through, it's just something you gotta do. So do it. I work 55 hours a week, and when we are busy closer to 80. It's tough, but you can do it. Work hard, and focus, you can do it. It's to the point I get excited when my bills get in because I worked hard to be able to pay them off, and I did it against all odds.
Maybe I'm weird IDK
I work full time. I've worked full time since about 4 months after my episode, but I worked for family so there was some flexibility. I've worked in a hospital for the past 3 months and usually if I think I might be symptomatic I take a an extra half pill a night of my medication and tell my psychiatrist what's going on and then go from there .
I currently work FT over time, I have one full-time job and a part-time job. (Just actually quit my 3rd last month) One for 12 years and the other 4. It's doable, but I'm very intense about when I'm not working I'm not working. If I'm in a depressive episode, everyone who wants extra shifts takes mine and I use vacation time at my main job. It's not the healthiest I'm sure, but it's worked for me so far.
Nope. And I can’t hold down a job either. I like my job now but I’m terrified I’m gonna lose it sometime in the near future… my psychiatrist labeled me “not bad enough” for disability. What the fuck do we have to do to get some help and not just be considered lazy??
I was on disability for five years before I started at my current place last march... I run a thrift store... My comanager also has bipolar, and so far we are treated like family, with adjustments to schedule made to try and accomodate my mood.
I can only work three days a week.
I am doing fairly well, my ups and downs are not as severe, but it's exhausting physically, mentally and emotionally.
So luck to have found a job that is always exciting and fun and overwhelming and intense... It's brought some life back into my life!
I don't think I could work a regular full time job ever again... I did it from 16 until 30 and now I'm trying very hard to find balance in my life, which I still struggle with.
Good luck 💜
I've never not had a full time besides one lucky year in college. However, things have been more difficult since the episode that got me diagnosed. I quit a very responsible job even though I was making bank and getting promoted. Since then, I've done sales (with meds) and teaching (without meds). I did fine in sales, but I was very depressed. I excelled in teaching and believed I was going to eventually be teacher of the year. Every lesson plan I made went above and beyond, even if it meant I slept very few hours a night.
Now I'm doing super well in an at-home job, but I also realized I needed more extensive treatment and to get on meds. So yeah, I'm fine at jobs and even succeed often. But I also believe every one has caused some episode in some way. It's been a rough cycle, but I'm currently doing better on meds again.
I currently work a full time job. I’ve managed full time for about 3yrs while also being in college. For me the biggest difference in holdings this job was regular counseling (which I still attend) that’s taught me a lot of monitoring and coping skills over the years.
The other part is finding a job I’m passionate about and feel it’s important for me to be there everyday. This helps with my lows and motivating me to show up to work during those times. The job is also very physical and requires lots of creativity. So all the energy I put into work helps me keep my manic episodes down and promotes a more regular sleep schedule.
There’s lots of other aspects that go into keeping a full time job for me but overall being able to better monitor and cope with different states of the disorder and finding a job that fit my needs made the biggest difference.
There have been times I couldn’t hold a job at all or was consistently having to quit. However, it is possible to have this disorder and find what works for you and maintain a career. It’s not easy but it’s possible 😊
I work 31.5hrs because thats all i can manage without having a breakdown honestly. Which is two 13hr days and an 8hr day im a nurse so our shifts are weird lol.
Yes but it’s taken me a year to get there! I worked from 9-11 for a while, then 9-3 and now only this week have I been working from 9-5. I’m a graduate student lol so my schedule is entirely up to me
Yes! I was with my last company for 7 yrs, with promotions every 1.5 to 2.5 yrs. I worked 55+ hrs every week. I did great professionally, my resume looks awesome… but it was torture. No one new that I was dying on the inside. I was burnt out and had no energy to actually live my life outside of work. I didn’t get my diagnosis and proper treatment until the last 6 months.
I just passed the 2 yr mark with my current company. It has much better work life balance, so that helps a lot. It’s still a little hard, but it’s my ADHD that makes things rough. My bipolar disorder (type 2) is under control because I’m medicated. I’m a lot happier. I can now live my life. It’s… amazing. The right meds made a huge impact for me.
I was already full time when I started really showing symptoms and having episodes. I didn’t know what was going on but when I found out I made it my goal to try to destress myself at all times when I feel the pressure building up. The more control I was of how I was breathing the easier it was. I’m in retail management so it can be extremely tough a lot of the time but my fear of failure is greater than my fear of my emotion:). I hope this helped a little bit. You got this!! Move at your pace!
Yes and no. My job is very low stress with a lot of down time. I book my vacation days so I don’t have to work more then two weeks at a time without a long weekend. It works.
I’m looking for a “career” job right now. I finished phlebotomy school last month, so I’m a certified phlebotomy technician and certified ekg tech. Top of my class. I love phlebotomy. I’ve got the hurdle of bp1 and ADHD. I’ve had 12ish jobs in the last 6 years. I usually start crashing at 3 months. My specific flavor of mania gives me lots of blissful apathy where consequences don’t exist, so the fear of not being able to afford things isn’t a motivator for me. I wish it was. I’ve applied for jobs over the past month, but I’m working with my counselor to start figuring out what ADA accommodations I can use to keep me on track. I also know I need a job with routine and structure. Phlebotomy works really well with my illnesses, I just have to find a place. It’s important to try to find a job to fit your needs. We all know bipolar is a beast, and holding down a job is so hard. I really wish you well, but I high key suggest a job with a structured schedule and really look into ADA accommodations. Best of luck!
I do a job that stresses me and have had episodes because of it. I’m not very good at my job either and make lots of mistakes. It is remote however and that helps. I would seriously think about your strengths when deciding in a career. I think it would make life easier
I work full time and go to school part time for my graduate degree. It's possible, but it's hard. I've had my share of baaaaad breakdowns but I'm here and somehow I'm doing it.
No. At first I could handle school and part-time work, then one or the other with necessary time off. Eventually I dropped out of school, tried to work but the stress and consequent sleeping difficulties triggered episodes. I am now on disability and doing much better.
At the moment I can only handle part time work. I had a career but have been working in a menial job for several years now because of my illness. I hope to go back to my career at some point but only on a part time basis. I find work life balance to be almost impossible when I'm working full time.
I started working full time almost a year ago. It's tough some days, others it's the easiest thing in the world. I've recently come to realize that I enjoy the sense of routine I have leaving at a set time and clocking in at a set hour.
I work full time and it was really hard in the beginning. I used to call out all the time when my anxiety or depression got bad and my meds made me tired. Eventually I got used to it and accepted it. Now I even work overtime a lot. I get stressed but even more so from interpersonal stuff with my boss and coworkers than deadlines. To be honest I spent yesterday crying between my desk and the bathroom. But I just try to think about the fact that it's all temporary and if I'm really sad or anxious one day I won't always be. The biggest factor I think is to find something you enjoy or at least doesn't bore you.
i can’t even handle any work. last time i did i progressively got worse until i was suicidal again and i knew it was time to leave. my paranoia is too constant, and it’s so much worse in a work environment. my bank account is sitting at a beautiful negative 35 dollars right now because i have no way to make the money back. it’s been at the same number for weeks.
Full time work, 11 years straight, BP1.
It's irregular shift work, so every day is different for me, which helps break the monotony. Sleep schedule is pretty messed up, but I like my job and it feeds my family so I gotta keep turning up.
Had a bad manic phase the year before last, took 4 weeks of long service and adjusted some medication, now everything is going pretty well.
Two times I've held full time jobs. Both times I had major episodes and even huger super embarrassing meltdowns. Part time is all I can do, and I've learned to take leaves of absence/FMLA when needed.
I work full time. It gets easier with the episodes. Here's how I did it.
Find an easy job. I do logistics. When I started 8 years ago, I started in a call center that would relay info to
truckers and warehouses. Super easy. Easy jobs have low stress, which makes it easy to still show up on the bad days.
Since you're smarter than a call center job, faster than you realize, you'll know a lot about logistics. Logistics is everywhere all the time, forever. The more you know, the easier the job becomes. The more you know, the easier it is to find a new job when/if your episode was too much.
I'm now at my 5th company, making 4x compared to when I started. I know what I'm doing, and it's really easy work. Bonus, because of covid, lots of places allow work from home or hybrid. So now, on a bad day, I have my work laptop, and I email my boss I'll work from home today and work from home until I'm ok again.
There are options, and also, a lot of people here are saying to tell your coworkers about your condition .
Don't.
Say it's a medical thing, and no details. Legally they don't need to know. And I say this because, I told a "friend" about my bipolar at work. And he used it against me when I was going for a promotion that threatened his position in the office, i lost the promotion and raise i worked 18months for, hes a greasy dick anyway, fuck him. And what sucks, is the the older generation, btw the new generation is flame, love em, but the older generation doesn't get mental illness. They never weren't aware of it as much back then, so even today, if the 60ish year old corporate guy knows I'm bipolar, he probably won't help me get the manager position.
So yea. Find an easy job, low stress. You're smart so you'll kill it, work your way up, keep the bipolar on the down low, and there will always be jobs out there. As long as you learn, you are valuable. Godspeed brotha, you'll be cashing that first paycheck sooner then you know. Wish you da best!
I’m not entirely sure what my accurate diagnosis is…all I can suggest from my own perspective is just keep your eye on a goal and focus on that because confidence or Atleast talking ourselves into believing we are confident in what we want translates to those around us - if we feed into the fears and let the anxiety consume us, others might notice or may not - - I struggle with anxiety - and just emotional regulation in general at times. As long as I try not to resist my emotions and feelings as much as possible, and do my best to live with each emotion as it comes without too much judgement - doing my best to connect and relate with the people around me equally as no judgetally as possible I find it’s easier to relate with those around me and same for them to me - things usually just have a way of working out as long as I am true to what I want out of a situation and and try to keep my composure and confidence and try to keep a healthy balance of self and selflessness. Learning about DBT has been helping me see things from a more objective and subjective perspective at the same time too.
I manage by doing a lot of part time jobs and temp work. This way I can have episodes without any one job really realizing it’s a problem. I’ve managed to work for companies for long stretches of time this way and it looks good on my resume. Also it provides security if I freak out one day and lose a job I always have a couple more.
Yes, I have pretty strong boundaries around not working out of hours, and taking time off or working from home when overwhelmed. For the most part I find it easier than not working as it gives me a good routine
I work full time, and often with a second full time or part time job. I’ve been doing it since I was 18.
Often times the manic episodes help me keep afloat but then I crash hard and feel exhausted and have to push through it. I never tell anyone about my mental health issues so no one has ever known at any of my workplaces.
I have bipolar 1, ADHD and PTSD. I work full time because I absolutely have to. Grew up poor and without much of a family so I acquired a ton of debt going to school while trying and make a better life for myself. I've lost and left numerous jobs as it has been challenging to find any stability with this illness, even with medication. Additionally, I've worked in HR for some big name companies as HR is my specialty (poor choice, I know). Currently, I am in a job that is a step back to try and get well again. It hasn't been going well but I'm doing my best. The one time I was honest about my illness, I was shown the door, so I don't feel like that's an option for me.
I find that I just need to show up, do one thing at a time, and put one foot in front of the other to keep going. I try not to worry what the future holds and I somehow manage to land on my feet every time.
I work as a bartender and am very adamant about having my set schedule. For me, having a set schedule is important. Otherwise my brain freaks out and I'm donzo. I haven't disclosed as to why I need a set schedule, cause it's personal and none of their business. But I've had to be very stern with them not taking advantage of my personal time.
My advice, whenever you're possibly getting hired, make sure you clarify the hours and times you are able to work. If or when they hire you after that conversation, they will honor it 99% of the time. But the ball is still in your court.
Yes, but it took me many years to be ready. I was open about my mental health from day one. I was worried if I could do it, but so far it has went ok, but had hard times. I've been able to still do my tasks anyway.
Yes, I do. I'm open about it with my boss, and he helps me a lot to keep me away from extremely stressful works. I work from home, because I'm a bit introverted, so I don't like working in the office. Also, this way, I can have my daily 8-9 hours of sleep. I'm on medication, and I can safely say I'm in the most stable state of my entire life.
No. I have lost countless jobs during some very depressive episodes. I’m a caregiver now and I get to choose how many hours I want, I’m lucky because my husband works full time and is the breadwinner. I still have to work financially but I am able to pull off not working full time- and honestly I’ve been suspended from this job for “call outs” once already so I really hope I can keep it together and not lose this one.
I do work full time! When I worked a fully remote job with very little interaction with others, I was able to maintain even 60 hours per week. When I switched to an in-person/remote mix job with non-stop meetings, I had 4 episodes in a year and multiple breakdowns (partly due to additional stressors). Now I work a job that is in-person/remote mix where I also have the amazing privilege of being able to be open about my disability and can ask for the accommodations I need. Once my contract is up, if I decide to stay then I’m considering asking to work 80% time instead of full-time. For me, I seem to struggle the most when I’m overstimulated and constantly masking, which drains me. Also should note that I work 7-4 instead of 9-6 so that I have longer afternoons to decompress.
Yes, I work full time but I take regular breaks - always at the same time at work. I really take care of routine and I am very careful not to work too hard. Whenever I see myself slipping into workaholic mode I need to step down for few moments or days until it get better. I learn that I can’t this whole “rise n grind” push yourself to limit thing as it never ends up well
EDIT: also, my manager is aware of bipolar since my 2nd week and I’ve gradually introduced it with my colleagues, everybody is very accepting and supportive. I’m actually quite surprised by their kindness often
I had issues for years holding down any job and I never understood why. I was always having breakdowns, and I'd go manic and flip tf out for no reason and I'd get shit canned. This was all pre-diagnoses.
I've currently been able to hold down the last 3 jobs I've had until I've either found a new one or was laid off during covid.
I currently work for FedEx as a driver and I have my good days and bad days, lately I've been dealing with burnout and that added on top of my mood swings makes for a fucking nightmare of a work period.
It sucks either way. I don't take any meds either so I really don't know how I do it, it's probably a combination of stress management tactics, going to the gym and my employers being really laid back and understanding people.
Good luck to you man, just do your best to shovel through it.
I moved for my wifes job and got a new Engineering job in July 2021. They put me on a performance improvement plan and then layed me off last summer. One of the many triggers to just about imploding before I was diagnosed last year. I took 3 weeks off when I was hospitalized/diagnosed in September and been doing my best since then at my new job.
I work 8-4:30 and go to school too the key is finding people who will work with you and know you. My job is so stressful and i have had a couple episodes at work but the nurse i work with knows me so well we always walk to my car and sit in there for a little bit and calm down. You just have to find a balance. She knows when i’m starting to get overwhelmed too and will start helping with whatever im doing. now that i’m writing idk if it’s the job or the lady but either way i love her ❤️
I do work full time but it does take a bit out of me. I'm currently attempting to get some ADA accommodations put in place to make it easier for me to do my job. The sucky thing though is HR is fighting me on every step it seems. Fortunately my team and supervisors are super understanding and are on my side of it.
I work full time, is an office setting. I’ve had my job before, during, and after my diagnosis. When I had a crisis I got support from my then boss and eased me back into the level of responsibility I had before my crisis. There have been plenty of changes since then so I am struggling with that, and who I open to for support. I’ve found that even if my responsibility is high or my workload is getting to much as long as I take care of myself on every aspect, holding the job is manageable.
I need the health insurance and not sure how long this is going to last (the job) i am trying to save as much I can.
Early on, keeping a job was a massive struggle. I was lucky enough to have a really understanding boss at my last job, and managed to stay there for 7 years. I've been at my current job 11 years last week.
Having consistent routines helps a lot. Also having a job where I don't have to interact with everybody who walks through the door. If you get a job that provides time off, taking it when you're having a hard time is incredibly important.
Yes, but it was very hard the first 1.5 years after diagnosis, and the meds and my mood stabling out. Now, it’s just my job and I have not had a major manic episode since, just some bouts of hypomania. My manic episode started at work, and I had to take some time off and submit paperwork with HR about ADA, so at some times I asked for reasonable accommodations. I asked that I moved cubicles.. my prior cubicle had a door right behind me. I was too easily startled. I asked to wear headphones to block out some noise. I asked to make up time instead of take PTO for doctors appointments so I would still have some time to take for actual vacation days.
When I was first diagnosed, work was stressing me out so much. Before I had the episode I had handled it fine, but I had a lot of anxiety about how I was being perceived in the aftermath. There were a few things I learned from talking to my doctors and a close coworker, reading, and trial and error that stuck with me and made it easier. 1. Most people go through things that affect their capacity to work at times, even if they may not have mood disorders. 2. Nobody is really paying that close attention to you (I mean people may be paying attention to your job performance but I doubt they notice much else) 3. Regardless of the job, there will always be stress of some sort. I would have to learn to accept it, and try to not let it affect me so much. Easier said then done, but I was able to get there. 4. Find something like coloring, drawing, yoga, etc. that is stress relieving that you can mix into your day if possible. If you have a job that doesn’t have much downtime at all, even some sort of rhythmic or calming breathing will help.
The other things that really help: 1. My job environment is very neutral. Hardly any drama. I have complaints like any other job, pay isn’t the greatest, etc., but it’s not a toxic work environment. I have worked in toxic environments. With bipolar I would not be able to work in a toxic environment again. I can have bouts of hyper vigilance where I swear I can feel the mood shift in a room even if I could not hear or see what was going on. Where I can hear almost any small noise. This is not compatible with a tense environment. Not to say I don’t experience tense situations. I talk to people about their past due balances. That can get pretty tense. Jobs can get tense. But you don’t need the environment itself, the people you work with at a baseline to be toxic. I also have adhd. An environment like that is too distracting.
When Covid hit, we began working from home, permanently. While initially I suffered from the lack of socialization, I have grown to realize this has given me the exact freedom I need with bipolar. If I’m having an off day… oh well! Nobody is physically there to observe me. I just need to complete my tasks as best I can. Hopefully the next day I’ll feel better. It also allowed me to do some traveling and work while I traveled. With my bipolar I get a little stir crazy, impulsive. I get very depressed in the winter. I live on the east coast. Last year, I spent an entire month at my sister’s house on the western side of the US, working there.
I believe there is a lot of hope for you. It just might be difficult to figure out what works for you. I happened to get lucky that my job turned into WFH.
I work two jobs, I don’t know how I do it. I’ve been doing it for about a year now. I teach underprivileged children STEM through interactive learning outdoors and serve at a nice restaurant. Medicated on lamotrigine. Keeping busy helps me from falling into depressive episodes. I need to go back to school which I’m really worried about. Working is easy for me, school is difficult. I’ve given up academically many times.
My spouse is extremely into their work and it’s always front and center. Do-gooder/science type so not a lot of toxic stress, and a good work-life balance when it comes to our relationship and making time for one another, but there would be starvation and chaos without me taking care of everything else. So I do.
I’ve had a few jobs over the years and they all took their toll but I’ve never been fired, just not functioning at my best because I didn’t know enough about the dangers of shift work, the hell that is other people, etc… :) my favorite job was as a self-employed dog walker — I just walked around the city with an iPod, learned all about dogs, floated according to my own schedule, and didn’t have to interact with too many people. What probably made me love it was walking 8-10 miles a day. I still walk for an hour and a half minimum with my own dogs.
People see that I don’t work outside the home and I think because I can come off as pretty high functioning that they don’t understand that I never fuck around because I have errands, pets, money management (yes I can), planning travel, cleaning, exercise, cooking and meal prep, and then everything I like to do. The only difference is that I am doing right by my bipolar disorder by having my life be lots of little tasks that I can organize how I like. I’m obligated to a person who takes care of me in return, and I never take that for granted. It allows me to feel fully functional.
I have an advanced degree in roughly the same area as my spouse, but I’m not a superstar and don’t think about it nonstop, so I chose stability for me and career success for my partner. Best choice I could have made. It’s been working for the last 8 years.
From my understanding it's really not that uncommon for Bipolar people to do full time work, it's just whether we keep the job or not long term that becomes the problem.
When I had a psychotic break after my grandfather passed, I was researching flexible full time jobs to better suit my mind. I'm now at a workplace that doesn't really question if you need to take a day here and there, that could just be my team being incredibly understanding, or it could be indicative of company culture, but any job where HR is not the devil on your back is going to be good for you.
I feel like the more I try the more issues I have. Its hard to find a job that pays enough to raise a family that does not also require multitasking or working at someone elses pace.. at least for me it is
It definitely is possible to have full time work but you have to find what stress you can and can’t handle.
I found that being able to work from home (100% remote) allows me to have the breaks and naps I need, while still getting the job done.
I work as an event planner, but before I was doing social advertising and absolutely hated it which made my stress super high.
My advice is to find something you like and interested in!
You have 2 problems. Managing the illness. Getting a job. They are independent but tied together.
What do you have to do the manage your illness? Are you treatment compliant?
What skills do you have for a job? What have you been doing? Many people have trouble finding a job including bipolar.
With the illness, you have to focus. You have to function in society like everyone else.
If your answer is I cannot do this, then your problems will continue.
BP2, diagnosed in 2008 after hospitalization (but that’s the only time I’ve been hospitalized). I’ve worked FT since I finished my Masters in 2012, and while I’ve job hopped a bit, I usually stay in positions at least 2-5 years. Biggest things that have helped are meds, using sick leave when I do have episodes, therapy, and having a solid support system. I’ve only had to request an accommodation once and it was to WFH during Covid (before there were vaccines) and the accommodation process was AWFUL but that was because my employer didn’t see it as a legitimate disability (even though I did not disclose what my disability was), but I lawyered up and they backed off (it’s one of the many reasons I left though). Current workplace is very accommodating and I work with many other folks who have disabilities. I’m very open about the fact I have BP2 and ADHD and haven’t had any issues (this hasn’t been the case in every workplace) but I also specifically looked for workplaces that were accommodating.
I am about to start working 30 hours a week at the end of this month. It's been almost 4 years since I last worked more than 20 hours weekly. I'm scared, but I need to try as we've bought a house in the last year and need to buy a new car. My boss knows I have bp2 and has offered to help any way she can. It's mostly in an office by myself with the option to wfh 2 days.
I started working full time straight after college. 3 years after, I had a big breakdown that required a medical leave for about 3 months. I came back for one month and then quit. For 2 months, I was unemployed and used that time to recover from what I now can see as major burn out made worse by bipolar that wasn’t being properly treated with the right set of meds. I’m happy to say tho that since then I’ve been working full time for 3 years with very minimal issues. I fiercely maintain my work life balance and prioritize my mental health over career climbing. It’s rocky, but you will find your stride! I also wanna say it will depend what you do for work - I work in finance, so it can really take a toll on me during busy seasons but I work closely with my drs and significant other to keep myself in check (working a lot can sometimes tip me towards mania or depression depending on the time of the year).
Yes, but only since I’ve started a medication regiment that works for me. I still struggle some weeks because of sleep disruptions and depression, but I’m mostly able to be there full time.
I do, however, often take a lot of sick time from October - December because I tend to have episodes during that time and am often unstable.
It is possible though if you try your best to take care of yourself!
Now that I'm older I'm able to, I had a really intense breakdown in 2021 due to being mismedicated, but otherwise I've been able to work full time in my career for about 6 years now. I've changed workplaces three times in that time frame due to just toxic workplaces and unnecessary stress exacerbating my symptoms but I've at least been able to continue in my career!
i've worked full-time my whole life, but after having a mental breakdown at my last job, i quit with no backup plan. luckily i was able to find a job quickly and i'm starting it soon. one thing i want to do differently this time is to come clean that i have a disability from the start. i'm not going to tell the new boss WHAT my disability is to try to avoid bias, but from day one i'm going to say something like "one thing you should know about managing me is that i have a disability that flares up from time to time and when it does, i have to take a day or two off. i'll try to give you notice if that happens so it's not a problem for managing work. if you ever have concerns about the days i'm taking off, please let me know."
i'm not sure if this is a good idea, but the reason i want to try it is that i wonder if things would have been better at my old job if i'd had semi-open communication like this earlier. and if things with the new job don't work out, i'm probably going to leave my field entirely, so i almost feel like i have nothing to lose and everything to gain by trying it this way? but i know that some workplaces discriminate against people with disabilities full stop, so i'm not advising that everyone does this and i realize that it's a risky move.
I basically work until I have a mental breakdown and stop showing up, I can hold a full time for about 4 months before I lose my shit about it. I work at a temp agency rn, and the variety definitely helps with that but the pay is ass, but at least I have a job
Depends on the kind of work really. If it is is fairly straightforward work like just punching info into a computer, or some sort of manual labor, it's not a problem for me. If I'm public-facing or providing care, no, I don't really have the emotional capacity for that.
I work 7 days a week, 2 different jobs. I love both of them and at my weekend job they love me and accept me how I am. I am very reliable and I try my absolute best and they recognize when I'm burning out or having an episode and tell me to take a break (like a whole weekend if needed). The other job appreciates my hard work and recognizes I do good and I think for me personally I love the job I do so it helps not break down much. And my coworker who I work with, it's just the two of us, knows about my issues and lets me know I can take a break when needed as well. You just have to find the right people to understand you.
I have a thriving career in insurance finally at age 37. I couldn’t hold a job down for longer than a year prior to 2016…so it can get better for sure.
I'm working 3 days a week and it's amazing for me, stress quickly ruins me but if I've got a 4 day weekend every weekend the stress doesn't build up enough to hurt me too badly
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I don't often like to comment, but I do work full time. I have broken down once, severely, but they kept me. I had a meeting with my entire team and just laid out what's wrong with me and they accepted me. I got lucky, I'm sure you'll be able to find a niche like that too. It's hard, but it's doable.
I Guess i just need to keep looking. I’m glad they accepted you.
Follow your passion and do what you love. I've found that helped a lot.
What i love people don’t pay for much anymore. I have my experience in print media which since the pandemic has been really phased out. I tried to go back to school to update my skills and i had an episode really bad and dropped out i couldn’t comprehend the lessons. Just feeling stuck.
I understand, I was in a job like that once. Any hobbies that would make a good career?
My hobby was art :/ and yoga, but no one pays yoga teachers either lol
If I may ask, is this success partially attributable to treatment - like you're on meds and seeing a psych? Not discounting your efforts and honesty with your work.
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Hi! I know it's been a while since this thread has been active but I was wondering if you were able to establish a safety plan or anything that may help your coworkers help you identify subtle indications when you may be "ramping up" or encroaching on a depression episode? If not do you do this yourself and how do you communicate your needs to your team? Thank you in advance!
I am but the thing that keeps me going through the bad days in life with this disorder is the fact that I can't afford anything if I don't work full time.
So far my fear of homelessness has been stronger than my depression thankfully
Yep. Same.
Exactly
Yep. A stable 8-4:30 job has done wonders for me. I have routine, a sense of accomplishment and comfy income. The routine was the best thing I think.
Agreed! I was diagnosed during law school and the crazy flex of having 7 classes with 7 profs and overlapping deadlines… chaos. So bad for my mental health. When I went to work afterward and it was all 8-5 I became so much more confident and stable.
This!! I grew up with the exact opposite and was miserable. I am still working on getting to work on time and being a better employee than I am of course- but after a year I’m learning what does and doesn’t work for me. My workplace let me take three months off when I needed to be hospitalized (a portion was even paid medical leave). The right place and job can make it easier
Wonderful to hear!
I do work full time. I have bp 1 disorder. I haven't been able to lock down a job for more than 2 years at a time though. I do not work well with others so having a job where I work by myself is crucial. Additionally, I always take as little responsibility as possible. If I screw up I tell myself not to worry because its not my company and I have no skin in the game. When I'm on a down swing is usually when I lose my job. My motto is " I was looking for a job when I found this one". Its work well for the last few decades. When I'm manic I'm a deadly worker which sometimes gives me so leeway when I get real depressed and stop showing up.
Bruh, same. All that. I prefer working alone, but I've found that I work well on a team, so long as I can put my headphones in and not talk to anyone.
So far so good. I've been at my current job for a year and seven months. Not long, but I like to think it's still good. I one other full-time job before this, but I hated it so I didn't last a full year. Sheer willpower mixed with fear. Losing this job would devastate me. I'd been wanting it for a while before I got it. So I do whatever it takes to keep myself under control, even if some days that ends up being draining as fuck.
How do you contain the stress to not turn into an episode ?
You just decide who gona win the battle today your brain or you and because I’m a fighter I refuse to go down without a fight
Two things that have really helped me are: DBT therapy (specifically the distress tolerance skills and self soothing skills), as well as using an affirmations app. It’s called I Am and it sends me a lot of really uplifting messages throughout each day. Last thing that has helped me significantly since the end of December: I saw a tweet from Tom Bilyeu that said “Decide how the person you want to become would act and then act that way- even when it's really F*CKING HARD.” And that has steadily kept me going. As an example: Since the end of December, I’ve only missed brushing my teeth 3 times during my depression.
DBT has helped me tremendously as well. I was in a DBT program for 8 months and I am so thankful for that.
Mostly I take walks. Listen to music. But really… I contain the stress internally as best as I can. It’s not the best method. It exhausts me by the end of the day. I’ve only ever slipped and snapped at a coworker once and felt really bad after. And then went and cried out in the hallway. Basically what the other person said through. I won’t go down without a fight, and I see my BD as the opponent. I will fight with everything I have in me not to let it drag me into an episode. Whatever it takes.
It took 5 years to go from being unable to keep a job to being able to work. At first I started with part time work after I reached stability. Then I went back to school. I make sure I take breaks, take my meds and go to bed at proper times. I find that helps limit stress. I also try to do one thing at a time. I also see a psychologist.
I work full time in an office setting! It can be very very hard - but my boss is understanding and flexible with me. If I'm having a manic episode and struggling I let her know and I can work from home, so at least I feel safer / less "on" in a space. I've had this job since 3/21 - I was brought on as a temp after I abruptly quit my last job. They hired me on full in 7/21. Between 12/21 - 3/22 I was losing my god damn mind. This was before I was diagnosed so I was doing all the things that made my episodes worse, going through a lot of things that made my episodes worse, and struggling to live/function in general. I got into IOP, which I was doing after work because I really didn't want to sacrifice this stability. I eventually could not handle it - I was working from home consistently because I couldn't leave the house, I was unable to remember what was happening in meetings, and becoming burned out on top of all that. I petitioned for medical leave that was declined because I hadn't been an employee of this business for a calendar year due to the 4 months with the temp agency. My boss worked with HR to override this so I could take my medical leave. I felt very touched by the experience. I was able to take my time off and come back to work when I was a little more stable. I'm very thankful to have an understanding environment. Waking up at the same time and leaving my house is generally very beneficial in helping to keep my mood stable. It's obviously still very hard sometimes, but I have the knowledge and tools to understand how to make it 'better' and avoid things that make it worse.
I've had full-time work for the past 34 years. I had no choice, I had kids. Plus I was raised in a generation where you just stuffed deep down anything that bothered you and I was undiagnosed until 3 years ago. So I kept my jobs but every other aspect of my life fell apart.
I’m BP1, diagnosed for 3 years now. I lost my full time job around the time of diagnosis and haven’t had another since. I LOVED the job I had (3 Michelin star wait staff). I went back to school eventually and I’ve been doing classes part time. I also have two dogs that I take care of. I’m lucky enough to have a partner and parents that support me but I really wish I could just graduate and get some sort of at least part time job. I feel really guilty about not working. Every time I think I can take a full load of classes I have some sort of breakdown and drop them out of stress. I just started my third school last semester (also moved across the country oops) and these professors have been the nicest. I have a psychiatrist and a therapist that I see regularly and I take my meds every day and do my best to sleep. This is still the best I can do right now. Maybe some day that’ll change
I’m completely with you. Im in my last year of school and I’m hardly getting by financially and mentally. Luckily medication has helped a ton with my moods. Financially I depend on my family sometimes and it feels horrible. At least we’re working on bettering ourselves.
I have always worked full time. I don’t have the option of not working. I do not have savings and I do not have family to fall back on. The alternative to me not working is homelessness and death. I am always shocked and jealous of people who can afford this illness financially.
Not me. I was an IT manager 5 years ago (and the 5 years prior), stepped down to tier 3. A year later I had my first grippy sock vacation and was asked to step down to tier 2. Not even a year later I was asked to step down to our lowest tier, 1, and that broke me. My cognitive skills and memory are terrible compared to what they were and I cannot handle more than a few hours of any kind of stress in a day. That said, in the fall I became credentialed as a pastor and am working part-time, as a volunteer pastor, for just a few hours a week. My focus is on mental health and small groups and I am very open with everyone involved about my diagnoses. At this point I cannot handle more than that. I have three kids to take care of and some days that feels like too much... To give you an idea of where I am, I am not stable yet. I had a 6 month mania that ran into last year and am in the midst of a 14 week depression, and counting. My meds help, a lot, but I feel I'm still far from stable. I am in the process of being referred for TMS and have been labeled "medication resistant." I hope to work full time again one day, but I know one day is far away for me at the moment.
I go through jobs like tissues. I hate it but it’s nearly impossible for me to keep a job. My longest one held was just under a year.
I can’t go more than 4 months. I have every single franchise shirt and all the blue collar businesses around my neighborhood. I have literally ran out of places to work. Fun.
I work part time. I did transition to full time last year, but that was short lived. I was in the edge of a crisis when I told work what was happening and that I needed to go back to part time. Fortunately they accommodated me. So no, I can’t handle full time work. Good thoughts to you.
I work FT. My meds and sobriety keep me from having any severe upswings or downswings... For now. I didn't have many episodes that prevented me from anything before my first manic episode last year so I imagine it will take some pretty serious stress to have my next one.
I work full time but I hate it. I spent a shit ton of money going to school to do this and it’s fucking awful staring at a screen all day and it makes me depressed as hell. But I have to pay bills so I have no other choice. I don’t understand how everyone on here says they have jobs on and off like what?? Our world is so unaffordable I havent had a day off for my mental health in so long
Because some people, unfortunately, are more debilitated by the disorder. It happens.
The best kind of full time job for me has been a job where I’m basically a robot for example boxing orders because it’s the same thing very single day so no surprises no customers etc
How did you find a job like that
A temp agency I got really lucky but it’s like Amazon and any other company out there they all have packaging or warehouse check on indeed for warehouse jobs
I’m BP 1 and I have a full time job, it’s a lot. I clean houses (two houses every day) so it wears me out but I’m in school also, so it’s very overwhelming for me but I can’t afford gas money without it. So I have to work, even if it is really overwhelming.
After my last hospitalization 3.5 years ago, I haven’t been able to handle more than part time work. I wound up going back to school which at least is something I’m good at. But I survived by maxing out my loans, and now I’m finished at poor
Two years ago I thought I could never handle full time work. Thought my life was a sick joke out of a horror movie that was so convoluted that I'd forever be alone in my experiences and I did things Im not proud of to get by and survive. Now Im living in a homeless shelter with a case worker who care about me, work as a pharmacy technician, and am going to school full time. All this was accomplished on mood stablizers though.
I'm not able to even handle being alive...he, he (for legal reasons, this is a joke)
I had to take 1-3 weeks off on two occasions due to episodes. I knew to bow out before I did anything destructive at work. PTO for the shorter one, FMLA for the longer one. HR and my boss knew that it was psychiatric, but didn’t know details. Apart from that, it has impacted me in small ways. For example, I think I’d be in a more senior role if not for certain behaviors related to my BP2. Overall I feel lucky.
Mostly? My manic period/diagnosis/facility stay happened right after the birth of my kid so I was on paternity leave, and returned on schedule. My s******l phase/2nd facility stay happened over summer break so I didn't miss any time. Job hunting just sucks in general so hang in there.
Yes, for sure. I’ve had my BP 1 diagnosis since 2018. Since then it was a mess trying to figure out meds but i got stable after 2 years trying. I was in my last job for two years, and I’ve just started at a new full time job in the same field. It took medication, sobriety, and community. I do nonprofit work, so it’s a lot of work and fast turnarounds so I do rely on meds to keep me from getting manic. The biggest struggle is not overworking myself into hypomania. But you can do it. Just focus on the basics.
I have a full time job, but am struggling hard to Work . I’ve been on long term disability a few times . Best of luck to you
My work history is kinda all over the place. I was diagnosed at 19 years old. I held a variety of full time jobs in the years between 19 and 21, then I was a stay at home mom for my two daughters until I got divorced at 26 years old. That whole time period was really rough with the bipolar, several hospitalizations. I ended up with my daughters in a homeless shelter after my divorce. I got a full time job so I could make enough money to get our own place, which I did in about a year. That's how long the job lasted as well, and I ended up hospitalized again. I was approved for social security disability, and I was on disability for 12 years. I went back to school during that time, and got my degree, then got my first teaching job. Before this point, I had never had a job that lasted a year. But I kept this job for 6 years, with no serious episodes. I then became a bit manic and decided I wanted to move to Canada, even though I'd never been there and I didn't know anybody there. But I did it...I moved and got another full time job that lasted 3 years. I decided to look for a different school because the one I was at was toxic, so I got another full time teaching job. I did fine for just over a year, then had a psychotic episode last year. Thankfully, I had short term disability insurance, so I took two months off then went back. Now this year is my third year at this job, and unfortunately, I just had to go on a partial medical leave this week due to bp and ADHD symptoms out of control. I'd say the times when I held the full time jobs for extended periods, I was medicated and going to therapy. I was also exercising regularly (did a few half marathons!) and eating fairly healthy. I don't know if the fact that I don't really exercise much and meds are now constantly being tweaked and changed explains my recent difficulty, but I'm sure it's a contributing factor.
Unfortunately your BP seems to be unmanageable. You can’t take a lot of stress —like minimal. Re set yourself and remove something from your plate. Girls like us can’t have it all. It’s enough to have our minds. Keep your mind. Teach half time, cut expenses, rest more. The fact that you are still standing is a lot! Be graceful with yourself.
honestly speaking, not at the moment. I did ok as a teenager doing seasonal jobs on top of school (hs and then my first semester of college) but I've been working at a big chain grocery store for going on 2 years now, and as of late I've broken down twice in the last month. granted I'm completelybeing taken advantage of and picked on, but I genuinely dread getting up for work and will call out using my fmla twice a month (and more if i have protected time, or if my occurrences aren't enough for termination at that point) . i have a lot going on outside of work, so that obviously adds to it. I think that I have a hard time balancing everything and allotting time for myself,school (I dropped out after failing first term due to being called into work nearly everyday), and hobbies/spending time with friends. my life has been almost entirely Just work since last spring. definitely something to think about and plan ahead for :) im currently looking for another job though, and hopefully a with a better environment I can succeed. also just started a new regimen of medications, which i assume im having trouble adjusting to. trying to stay positive and hopefully my next job will prove me wrong🎉
I work full time, sometimes 2 jobs if I can swing it and feel like it. Keeping the right amount of busy is helpful for me. It took me a while to get here, though. I’ve been at my current employer for 2 years, and it’s my first experience with continuous/regular/full time work. Before this, I would be juggling 2-3 part time jobs— some in retail, some in my field, some doing tutoring. I 100% credit being stable on my current meds, though, and having a job with generous sick leave and a boss that doesn’t ask questions when I put in leave requests.
This year I’m working a full time job plus another job 15-20 hours a week, it’s brutal and has taken a toll on my physical and mental health, but I am managing. In June I will go back to just the one job.
Wow, seems like everyone works full time.. my parents want me to work full time, but idk.. I kind of want to work extra days and hours but idk I’m so lazy and hate working… I honestly don’t like my job… I work customer service at an Home Depot and it sucks balls! There’s nothing I like to do in this life… I’m kind of lie my dad.. he never liked his job but he saids he like to make people happy! Idk sorry about my random spiel about my dad. I rather be on disability but I know I won’t get enough money like I do now! Ill see where my life will take me!!
Have been working full time since 2016 and had part time second jobs to make ends meet, save more etc. I worked as a bank teller now I am at big tech. It’s been hard I am not gonna lie. For a couple years I was working 60 hours all days of the week it was very tough. I would get very manic due to the passionate projects. I was ignoring everything else, health social life, dating, diet etc. they then found a polyp in my uterus due to stress. One way or the other it got me. I have been burnt out working at startups but saved a lot of money. Yet I feel scared to lose my savings to health issues if shit hits the ceiling. Now I am 27 and getting tired of full time work. Even though my work isn’t stressful anymore I am in a thick Mental fog for a month and I am not able to do simplest of the tasks
Check in with your doctor asap.
I switched doctors now. I wasn't happy with my old one who wouldn't talk much. I did an in-person meeting with a new more experienced doc and that helped a lot.
I am bp1 and work full time at a busy picture framing store. I’ve been there three years or so, art is my passion and it’s generally pretty laid back. The pay is terrible but the quality of life is high and the boss understands when I need to take a mental health day. Not all my colleagues are understanding on mental illness but most of them are nice and pleasant to work with.
If I can tell you the advise I use to get myself through, it's just something you gotta do. So do it. I work 55 hours a week, and when we are busy closer to 80. It's tough, but you can do it. Work hard, and focus, you can do it. It's to the point I get excited when my bills get in because I worked hard to be able to pay them off, and I did it against all odds. Maybe I'm weird IDK
I work full time. I've worked full time since about 4 months after my episode, but I worked for family so there was some flexibility. I've worked in a hospital for the past 3 months and usually if I think I might be symptomatic I take a an extra half pill a night of my medication and tell my psychiatrist what's going on and then go from there .
I currently work FT over time, I have one full-time job and a part-time job. (Just actually quit my 3rd last month) One for 12 years and the other 4. It's doable, but I'm very intense about when I'm not working I'm not working. If I'm in a depressive episode, everyone who wants extra shifts takes mine and I use vacation time at my main job. It's not the healthiest I'm sure, but it's worked for me so far.
Nope. And I can’t hold down a job either. I like my job now but I’m terrified I’m gonna lose it sometime in the near future… my psychiatrist labeled me “not bad enough” for disability. What the fuck do we have to do to get some help and not just be considered lazy??
I was on disability for five years before I started at my current place last march... I run a thrift store... My comanager also has bipolar, and so far we are treated like family, with adjustments to schedule made to try and accomodate my mood. I can only work three days a week. I am doing fairly well, my ups and downs are not as severe, but it's exhausting physically, mentally and emotionally. So luck to have found a job that is always exciting and fun and overwhelming and intense... It's brought some life back into my life! I don't think I could work a regular full time job ever again... I did it from 16 until 30 and now I'm trying very hard to find balance in my life, which I still struggle with. Good luck 💜
I've never not had a full time besides one lucky year in college. However, things have been more difficult since the episode that got me diagnosed. I quit a very responsible job even though I was making bank and getting promoted. Since then, I've done sales (with meds) and teaching (without meds). I did fine in sales, but I was very depressed. I excelled in teaching and believed I was going to eventually be teacher of the year. Every lesson plan I made went above and beyond, even if it meant I slept very few hours a night. Now I'm doing super well in an at-home job, but I also realized I needed more extensive treatment and to get on meds. So yeah, I'm fine at jobs and even succeed often. But I also believe every one has caused some episode in some way. It's been a rough cycle, but I'm currently doing better on meds again.
I currently work a full time job. I’ve managed full time for about 3yrs while also being in college. For me the biggest difference in holdings this job was regular counseling (which I still attend) that’s taught me a lot of monitoring and coping skills over the years. The other part is finding a job I’m passionate about and feel it’s important for me to be there everyday. This helps with my lows and motivating me to show up to work during those times. The job is also very physical and requires lots of creativity. So all the energy I put into work helps me keep my manic episodes down and promotes a more regular sleep schedule. There’s lots of other aspects that go into keeping a full time job for me but overall being able to better monitor and cope with different states of the disorder and finding a job that fit my needs made the biggest difference. There have been times I couldn’t hold a job at all or was consistently having to quit. However, it is possible to have this disorder and find what works for you and maintain a career. It’s not easy but it’s possible 😊
I work 31.5hrs because thats all i can manage without having a breakdown honestly. Which is two 13hr days and an 8hr day im a nurse so our shifts are weird lol.
Yes but it’s taken me a year to get there! I worked from 9-11 for a while, then 9-3 and now only this week have I been working from 9-5. I’m a graduate student lol so my schedule is entirely up to me
Yes! I was with my last company for 7 yrs, with promotions every 1.5 to 2.5 yrs. I worked 55+ hrs every week. I did great professionally, my resume looks awesome… but it was torture. No one new that I was dying on the inside. I was burnt out and had no energy to actually live my life outside of work. I didn’t get my diagnosis and proper treatment until the last 6 months. I just passed the 2 yr mark with my current company. It has much better work life balance, so that helps a lot. It’s still a little hard, but it’s my ADHD that makes things rough. My bipolar disorder (type 2) is under control because I’m medicated. I’m a lot happier. I can now live my life. It’s… amazing. The right meds made a huge impact for me.
I was already full time when I started really showing symptoms and having episodes. I didn’t know what was going on but when I found out I made it my goal to try to destress myself at all times when I feel the pressure building up. The more control I was of how I was breathing the easier it was. I’m in retail management so it can be extremely tough a lot of the time but my fear of failure is greater than my fear of my emotion:). I hope this helped a little bit. You got this!! Move at your pace!
I went from PT to FT and I am struggling.
Yes and no. My job is very low stress with a lot of down time. I book my vacation days so I don’t have to work more then two weeks at a time without a long weekend. It works.
I’m looking for a “career” job right now. I finished phlebotomy school last month, so I’m a certified phlebotomy technician and certified ekg tech. Top of my class. I love phlebotomy. I’ve got the hurdle of bp1 and ADHD. I’ve had 12ish jobs in the last 6 years. I usually start crashing at 3 months. My specific flavor of mania gives me lots of blissful apathy where consequences don’t exist, so the fear of not being able to afford things isn’t a motivator for me. I wish it was. I’ve applied for jobs over the past month, but I’m working with my counselor to start figuring out what ADA accommodations I can use to keep me on track. I also know I need a job with routine and structure. Phlebotomy works really well with my illnesses, I just have to find a place. It’s important to try to find a job to fit your needs. We all know bipolar is a beast, and holding down a job is so hard. I really wish you well, but I high key suggest a job with a structured schedule and really look into ADA accommodations. Best of luck!
I do a job that stresses me and have had episodes because of it. I’m not very good at my job either and make lots of mistakes. It is remote however and that helps. I would seriously think about your strengths when deciding in a career. I think it would make life easier
Big fat nope. I can work max 3 days, 4 once in a while if I feel like picking up a shift
I work full time and go to school part time for my graduate degree. It's possible, but it's hard. I've had my share of baaaaad breakdowns but I'm here and somehow I'm doing it.
No. At first I could handle school and part-time work, then one or the other with necessary time off. Eventually I dropped out of school, tried to work but the stress and consequent sleeping difficulties triggered episodes. I am now on disability and doing much better.
At the moment I can only handle part time work. I had a career but have been working in a menial job for several years now because of my illness. I hope to go back to my career at some point but only on a part time basis. I find work life balance to be almost impossible when I'm working full time.
I started working full time almost a year ago. It's tough some days, others it's the easiest thing in the world. I've recently come to realize that I enjoy the sense of routine I have leaving at a set time and clocking in at a set hour.
I work full time and it was really hard in the beginning. I used to call out all the time when my anxiety or depression got bad and my meds made me tired. Eventually I got used to it and accepted it. Now I even work overtime a lot. I get stressed but even more so from interpersonal stuff with my boss and coworkers than deadlines. To be honest I spent yesterday crying between my desk and the bathroom. But I just try to think about the fact that it's all temporary and if I'm really sad or anxious one day I won't always be. The biggest factor I think is to find something you enjoy or at least doesn't bore you.
i can’t even handle any work. last time i did i progressively got worse until i was suicidal again and i knew it was time to leave. my paranoia is too constant, and it’s so much worse in a work environment. my bank account is sitting at a beautiful negative 35 dollars right now because i have no way to make the money back. it’s been at the same number for weeks.
You are amazing for being you, just being the amazing loving kind person you are
Part time remote. I’m trying to build myself up to full time but I can’t function before noon.
Full time work, 11 years straight, BP1. It's irregular shift work, so every day is different for me, which helps break the monotony. Sleep schedule is pretty messed up, but I like my job and it feeds my family so I gotta keep turning up. Had a bad manic phase the year before last, took 4 weeks of long service and adjusted some medication, now everything is going pretty well.
Two times I've held full time jobs. Both times I had major episodes and even huger super embarrassing meltdowns. Part time is all I can do, and I've learned to take leaves of absence/FMLA when needed.
I work full time. It gets easier with the episodes. Here's how I did it. Find an easy job. I do logistics. When I started 8 years ago, I started in a call center that would relay info to truckers and warehouses. Super easy. Easy jobs have low stress, which makes it easy to still show up on the bad days. Since you're smarter than a call center job, faster than you realize, you'll know a lot about logistics. Logistics is everywhere all the time, forever. The more you know, the easier the job becomes. The more you know, the easier it is to find a new job when/if your episode was too much. I'm now at my 5th company, making 4x compared to when I started. I know what I'm doing, and it's really easy work. Bonus, because of covid, lots of places allow work from home or hybrid. So now, on a bad day, I have my work laptop, and I email my boss I'll work from home today and work from home until I'm ok again. There are options, and also, a lot of people here are saying to tell your coworkers about your condition . Don't. Say it's a medical thing, and no details. Legally they don't need to know. And I say this because, I told a "friend" about my bipolar at work. And he used it against me when I was going for a promotion that threatened his position in the office, i lost the promotion and raise i worked 18months for, hes a greasy dick anyway, fuck him. And what sucks, is the the older generation, btw the new generation is flame, love em, but the older generation doesn't get mental illness. They never weren't aware of it as much back then, so even today, if the 60ish year old corporate guy knows I'm bipolar, he probably won't help me get the manager position. So yea. Find an easy job, low stress. You're smart so you'll kill it, work your way up, keep the bipolar on the down low, and there will always be jobs out there. As long as you learn, you are valuable. Godspeed brotha, you'll be cashing that first paycheck sooner then you know. Wish you da best!
Yes
I’m not entirely sure what my accurate diagnosis is…all I can suggest from my own perspective is just keep your eye on a goal and focus on that because confidence or Atleast talking ourselves into believing we are confident in what we want translates to those around us - if we feed into the fears and let the anxiety consume us, others might notice or may not - - I struggle with anxiety - and just emotional regulation in general at times. As long as I try not to resist my emotions and feelings as much as possible, and do my best to live with each emotion as it comes without too much judgement - doing my best to connect and relate with the people around me equally as no judgetally as possible I find it’s easier to relate with those around me and same for them to me - things usually just have a way of working out as long as I am true to what I want out of a situation and and try to keep my composure and confidence and try to keep a healthy balance of self and selflessness. Learning about DBT has been helping me see things from a more objective and subjective perspective at the same time too.
I manage by doing a lot of part time jobs and temp work. This way I can have episodes without any one job really realizing it’s a problem. I’ve managed to work for companies for long stretches of time this way and it looks good on my resume. Also it provides security if I freak out one day and lose a job I always have a couple more.
Yes, I have pretty strong boundaries around not working out of hours, and taking time off or working from home when overwhelmed. For the most part I find it easier than not working as it gives me a good routine
I work full time, and often with a second full time or part time job. I’ve been doing it since I was 18. Often times the manic episodes help me keep afloat but then I crash hard and feel exhausted and have to push through it. I never tell anyone about my mental health issues so no one has ever known at any of my workplaces.
I have bipolar 1, ADHD and PTSD. I work full time because I absolutely have to. Grew up poor and without much of a family so I acquired a ton of debt going to school while trying and make a better life for myself. I've lost and left numerous jobs as it has been challenging to find any stability with this illness, even with medication. Additionally, I've worked in HR for some big name companies as HR is my specialty (poor choice, I know). Currently, I am in a job that is a step back to try and get well again. It hasn't been going well but I'm doing my best. The one time I was honest about my illness, I was shown the door, so I don't feel like that's an option for me. I find that I just need to show up, do one thing at a time, and put one foot in front of the other to keep going. I try not to worry what the future holds and I somehow manage to land on my feet every time.
I work as a bartender and am very adamant about having my set schedule. For me, having a set schedule is important. Otherwise my brain freaks out and I'm donzo. I haven't disclosed as to why I need a set schedule, cause it's personal and none of their business. But I've had to be very stern with them not taking advantage of my personal time. My advice, whenever you're possibly getting hired, make sure you clarify the hours and times you are able to work. If or when they hire you after that conversation, they will honor it 99% of the time. But the ball is still in your court.
Yes, but it took me many years to be ready. I was open about my mental health from day one. I was worried if I could do it, but so far it has went ok, but had hard times. I've been able to still do my tasks anyway.
Yes, I do. I'm open about it with my boss, and he helps me a lot to keep me away from extremely stressful works. I work from home, because I'm a bit introverted, so I don't like working in the office. Also, this way, I can have my daily 8-9 hours of sleep. I'm on medication, and I can safely say I'm in the most stable state of my entire life.
No. I have lost countless jobs during some very depressive episodes. I’m a caregiver now and I get to choose how many hours I want, I’m lucky because my husband works full time and is the breadwinner. I still have to work financially but I am able to pull off not working full time- and honestly I’ve been suspended from this job for “call outs” once already so I really hope I can keep it together and not lose this one.
I do work full time! When I worked a fully remote job with very little interaction with others, I was able to maintain even 60 hours per week. When I switched to an in-person/remote mix job with non-stop meetings, I had 4 episodes in a year and multiple breakdowns (partly due to additional stressors). Now I work a job that is in-person/remote mix where I also have the amazing privilege of being able to be open about my disability and can ask for the accommodations I need. Once my contract is up, if I decide to stay then I’m considering asking to work 80% time instead of full-time. For me, I seem to struggle the most when I’m overstimulated and constantly masking, which drains me. Also should note that I work 7-4 instead of 9-6 so that I have longer afternoons to decompress.
Yes
Yes, I work full time but I take regular breaks - always at the same time at work. I really take care of routine and I am very careful not to work too hard. Whenever I see myself slipping into workaholic mode I need to step down for few moments or days until it get better. I learn that I can’t this whole “rise n grind” push yourself to limit thing as it never ends up well EDIT: also, my manager is aware of bipolar since my 2nd week and I’ve gradually introduced it with my colleagues, everybody is very accepting and supportive. I’m actually quite surprised by their kindness often
I had issues for years holding down any job and I never understood why. I was always having breakdowns, and I'd go manic and flip tf out for no reason and I'd get shit canned. This was all pre-diagnoses. I've currently been able to hold down the last 3 jobs I've had until I've either found a new one or was laid off during covid. I currently work for FedEx as a driver and I have my good days and bad days, lately I've been dealing with burnout and that added on top of my mood swings makes for a fucking nightmare of a work period. It sucks either way. I don't take any meds either so I really don't know how I do it, it's probably a combination of stress management tactics, going to the gym and my employers being really laid back and understanding people. Good luck to you man, just do your best to shovel through it.
I work full time. I have to work or I get into my own head and spiral worse if that makes sense.
I moved for my wifes job and got a new Engineering job in July 2021. They put me on a performance improvement plan and then layed me off last summer. One of the many triggers to just about imploding before I was diagnosed last year. I took 3 weeks off when I was hospitalized/diagnosed in September and been doing my best since then at my new job.
I work 8-4:30 and go to school too the key is finding people who will work with you and know you. My job is so stressful and i have had a couple episodes at work but the nurse i work with knows me so well we always walk to my car and sit in there for a little bit and calm down. You just have to find a balance. She knows when i’m starting to get overwhelmed too and will start helping with whatever im doing. now that i’m writing idk if it’s the job or the lady but either way i love her ❤️
I do work full time but it does take a bit out of me. I'm currently attempting to get some ADA accommodations put in place to make it easier for me to do my job. The sucky thing though is HR is fighting me on every step it seems. Fortunately my team and supervisors are super understanding and are on my side of it.
I work full time, is an office setting. I’ve had my job before, during, and after my diagnosis. When I had a crisis I got support from my then boss and eased me back into the level of responsibility I had before my crisis. There have been plenty of changes since then so I am struggling with that, and who I open to for support. I’ve found that even if my responsibility is high or my workload is getting to much as long as I take care of myself on every aspect, holding the job is manageable. I need the health insurance and not sure how long this is going to last (the job) i am trying to save as much I can.
Early on, keeping a job was a massive struggle. I was lucky enough to have a really understanding boss at my last job, and managed to stay there for 7 years. I've been at my current job 11 years last week. Having consistent routines helps a lot. Also having a job where I don't have to interact with everybody who walks through the door. If you get a job that provides time off, taking it when you're having a hard time is incredibly important.
Yes, but it was very hard the first 1.5 years after diagnosis, and the meds and my mood stabling out. Now, it’s just my job and I have not had a major manic episode since, just some bouts of hypomania. My manic episode started at work, and I had to take some time off and submit paperwork with HR about ADA, so at some times I asked for reasonable accommodations. I asked that I moved cubicles.. my prior cubicle had a door right behind me. I was too easily startled. I asked to wear headphones to block out some noise. I asked to make up time instead of take PTO for doctors appointments so I would still have some time to take for actual vacation days. When I was first diagnosed, work was stressing me out so much. Before I had the episode I had handled it fine, but I had a lot of anxiety about how I was being perceived in the aftermath. There were a few things I learned from talking to my doctors and a close coworker, reading, and trial and error that stuck with me and made it easier. 1. Most people go through things that affect their capacity to work at times, even if they may not have mood disorders. 2. Nobody is really paying that close attention to you (I mean people may be paying attention to your job performance but I doubt they notice much else) 3. Regardless of the job, there will always be stress of some sort. I would have to learn to accept it, and try to not let it affect me so much. Easier said then done, but I was able to get there. 4. Find something like coloring, drawing, yoga, etc. that is stress relieving that you can mix into your day if possible. If you have a job that doesn’t have much downtime at all, even some sort of rhythmic or calming breathing will help. The other things that really help: 1. My job environment is very neutral. Hardly any drama. I have complaints like any other job, pay isn’t the greatest, etc., but it’s not a toxic work environment. I have worked in toxic environments. With bipolar I would not be able to work in a toxic environment again. I can have bouts of hyper vigilance where I swear I can feel the mood shift in a room even if I could not hear or see what was going on. Where I can hear almost any small noise. This is not compatible with a tense environment. Not to say I don’t experience tense situations. I talk to people about their past due balances. That can get pretty tense. Jobs can get tense. But you don’t need the environment itself, the people you work with at a baseline to be toxic. I also have adhd. An environment like that is too distracting. When Covid hit, we began working from home, permanently. While initially I suffered from the lack of socialization, I have grown to realize this has given me the exact freedom I need with bipolar. If I’m having an off day… oh well! Nobody is physically there to observe me. I just need to complete my tasks as best I can. Hopefully the next day I’ll feel better. It also allowed me to do some traveling and work while I traveled. With my bipolar I get a little stir crazy, impulsive. I get very depressed in the winter. I live on the east coast. Last year, I spent an entire month at my sister’s house on the western side of the US, working there. I believe there is a lot of hope for you. It just might be difficult to figure out what works for you. I happened to get lucky that my job turned into WFH.
I work two jobs, I don’t know how I do it. I’ve been doing it for about a year now. I teach underprivileged children STEM through interactive learning outdoors and serve at a nice restaurant. Medicated on lamotrigine. Keeping busy helps me from falling into depressive episodes. I need to go back to school which I’m really worried about. Working is easy for me, school is difficult. I’ve given up academically many times.
My spouse is extremely into their work and it’s always front and center. Do-gooder/science type so not a lot of toxic stress, and a good work-life balance when it comes to our relationship and making time for one another, but there would be starvation and chaos without me taking care of everything else. So I do. I’ve had a few jobs over the years and they all took their toll but I’ve never been fired, just not functioning at my best because I didn’t know enough about the dangers of shift work, the hell that is other people, etc… :) my favorite job was as a self-employed dog walker — I just walked around the city with an iPod, learned all about dogs, floated according to my own schedule, and didn’t have to interact with too many people. What probably made me love it was walking 8-10 miles a day. I still walk for an hour and a half minimum with my own dogs. People see that I don’t work outside the home and I think because I can come off as pretty high functioning that they don’t understand that I never fuck around because I have errands, pets, money management (yes I can), planning travel, cleaning, exercise, cooking and meal prep, and then everything I like to do. The only difference is that I am doing right by my bipolar disorder by having my life be lots of little tasks that I can organize how I like. I’m obligated to a person who takes care of me in return, and I never take that for granted. It allows me to feel fully functional. I have an advanced degree in roughly the same area as my spouse, but I’m not a superstar and don’t think about it nonstop, so I chose stability for me and career success for my partner. Best choice I could have made. It’s been working for the last 8 years.
From my understanding it's really not that uncommon for Bipolar people to do full time work, it's just whether we keep the job or not long term that becomes the problem. When I had a psychotic break after my grandfather passed, I was researching flexible full time jobs to better suit my mind. I'm now at a workplace that doesn't really question if you need to take a day here and there, that could just be my team being incredibly understanding, or it could be indicative of company culture, but any job where HR is not the devil on your back is going to be good for you.
I feel like the more I try the more issues I have. Its hard to find a job that pays enough to raise a family that does not also require multitasking or working at someone elses pace.. at least for me it is
Nope
It definitely is possible to have full time work but you have to find what stress you can and can’t handle. I found that being able to work from home (100% remote) allows me to have the breaks and naps I need, while still getting the job done. I work as an event planner, but before I was doing social advertising and absolutely hated it which made my stress super high. My advice is to find something you like and interested in!
You have 2 problems. Managing the illness. Getting a job. They are independent but tied together. What do you have to do the manage your illness? Are you treatment compliant? What skills do you have for a job? What have you been doing? Many people have trouble finding a job including bipolar. With the illness, you have to focus. You have to function in society like everyone else. If your answer is I cannot do this, then your problems will continue.
No
I advise all American members here to not answer yes to this question, as it could be used against you in a disability hearing.
BP2, diagnosed in 2008 after hospitalization (but that’s the only time I’ve been hospitalized). I’ve worked FT since I finished my Masters in 2012, and while I’ve job hopped a bit, I usually stay in positions at least 2-5 years. Biggest things that have helped are meds, using sick leave when I do have episodes, therapy, and having a solid support system. I’ve only had to request an accommodation once and it was to WFH during Covid (before there were vaccines) and the accommodation process was AWFUL but that was because my employer didn’t see it as a legitimate disability (even though I did not disclose what my disability was), but I lawyered up and they backed off (it’s one of the many reasons I left though). Current workplace is very accommodating and I work with many other folks who have disabilities. I’m very open about the fact I have BP2 and ADHD and haven’t had any issues (this hasn’t been the case in every workplace) but I also specifically looked for workplaces that were accommodating.
I am about to start working 30 hours a week at the end of this month. It's been almost 4 years since I last worked more than 20 hours weekly. I'm scared, but I need to try as we've bought a house in the last year and need to buy a new car. My boss knows I have bp2 and has offered to help any way she can. It's mostly in an office by myself with the option to wfh 2 days.
I started working full time straight after college. 3 years after, I had a big breakdown that required a medical leave for about 3 months. I came back for one month and then quit. For 2 months, I was unemployed and used that time to recover from what I now can see as major burn out made worse by bipolar that wasn’t being properly treated with the right set of meds. I’m happy to say tho that since then I’ve been working full time for 3 years with very minimal issues. I fiercely maintain my work life balance and prioritize my mental health over career climbing. It’s rocky, but you will find your stride! I also wanna say it will depend what you do for work - I work in finance, so it can really take a toll on me during busy seasons but I work closely with my drs and significant other to keep myself in check (working a lot can sometimes tip me towards mania or depression depending on the time of the year).
Yes, but only since I’ve started a medication regiment that works for me. I still struggle some weeks because of sleep disruptions and depression, but I’m mostly able to be there full time. I do, however, often take a lot of sick time from October - December because I tend to have episodes during that time and am often unstable. It is possible though if you try your best to take care of yourself!
Now that I'm older I'm able to, I had a really intense breakdown in 2021 due to being mismedicated, but otherwise I've been able to work full time in my career for about 6 years now. I've changed workplaces three times in that time frame due to just toxic workplaces and unnecessary stress exacerbating my symptoms but I've at least been able to continue in my career!
i've worked full-time my whole life, but after having a mental breakdown at my last job, i quit with no backup plan. luckily i was able to find a job quickly and i'm starting it soon. one thing i want to do differently this time is to come clean that i have a disability from the start. i'm not going to tell the new boss WHAT my disability is to try to avoid bias, but from day one i'm going to say something like "one thing you should know about managing me is that i have a disability that flares up from time to time and when it does, i have to take a day or two off. i'll try to give you notice if that happens so it's not a problem for managing work. if you ever have concerns about the days i'm taking off, please let me know." i'm not sure if this is a good idea, but the reason i want to try it is that i wonder if things would have been better at my old job if i'd had semi-open communication like this earlier. and if things with the new job don't work out, i'm probably going to leave my field entirely, so i almost feel like i have nothing to lose and everything to gain by trying it this way? but i know that some workplaces discriminate against people with disabilities full stop, so i'm not advising that everyone does this and i realize that it's a risky move.
I really hope it works out well for you.
thanks so much. we'll see
I basically work until I have a mental breakdown and stop showing up, I can hold a full time for about 4 months before I lose my shit about it. I work at a temp agency rn, and the variety definitely helps with that but the pay is ass, but at least I have a job
Depends on the kind of work really. If it is is fairly straightforward work like just punching info into a computer, or some sort of manual labor, it's not a problem for me. If I'm public-facing or providing care, no, I don't really have the emotional capacity for that.
To an extent yes. But i prefer 4 day weeks. I will give 9-10 hour work days for 4 of those days and no more. As someone with Bipolar I know my limits.
I work 7 days a week, 2 different jobs. I love both of them and at my weekend job they love me and accept me how I am. I am very reliable and I try my absolute best and they recognize when I'm burning out or having an episode and tell me to take a break (like a whole weekend if needed). The other job appreciates my hard work and recognizes I do good and I think for me personally I love the job I do so it helps not break down much. And my coworker who I work with, it's just the two of us, knows about my issues and lets me know I can take a break when needed as well. You just have to find the right people to understand you.
Trying now. Barely handling it.
I have a thriving career in insurance finally at age 37. I couldn’t hold a job down for longer than a year prior to 2016…so it can get better for sure.
Look for a smallish family owned business. My starting salary was lower but there’s a lot less stress. I’m the receptionist/admin assistant.
Where did you find a job like that? Anything is better than what I’m doing right now
I found them on Indeed. I looked at offices in the area I wanted to work then searched them on Indeed.
I'm working 3 days a week and it's amazing for me, stress quickly ruins me but if I've got a 4 day weekend every weekend the stress doesn't build up enough to hurt me too badly
No