Can Bipolar result in disability

[mommy52]

My question is simple or is it? I have been battling Bipolar for 2 years. Not working since terminated3 months ago. I think poor performance was partly due to BP and also to W/C injury. My question is would Bipolar qualify for Disability for SSA? I have always worked for the past 36 years. I feel it is not safe for other for me to continue working. It takes a lot for me to admit to this. I am not lazy. I am a nurse. I do not think I am fit to go back to work. Please help with answers. Thanks

[bernie40]

You are looking at this in the most professional way which shows what a fantastic nurse you are.  The fact that you recognise that you cannot give your patients the best care whilst you are unwell yourself takes true insight and total honesty.

Good luck in sorting out your disability - don't think of it as forever but just as something to help you through until you are able to return to work.

[mommy52]

Thank you so much. Just the fact that I feel I am afraid I will harm others by mistakes I may make, sends me into depression. I love my nursing. I seem to take each patient as family and treat them as I would want my family to be treated. I know I am not supposed to do this, but that is my nature. When they die, it is like loosing a family member. I know they are well and pain free and that way I feel better.   Madlyn

[bernie40]

The short answer is yes.  I'm not sure how the system works where you live but I do know that wherever you live the guidelines are quite stringent.

If you are unable to work because of your condition then you are eligible to apply for disability.

There are others on the forum who know a lot more about how the system works in your country.

You are definitely not lazy.  When it is a daily struggle to function and do stuff that other people do without thinking then it is definitely not laziness.  If you were able to do stuff then you would do it.  None of us asks for BP none of us wants it so don't feel bad about asking for any assistance you can.

Good luck.