anyone that got bp and on med and work a job??

[jimgreg]

is there anyone working a full time job with ur bipolar problems..are you stable enough to keep a good job..im wanting to go back to work..this is my goal that i hope i can do...does most people recive disabilty..i do for this..thanks james

[cowgirlnerd]

What process did you go through and how did you get awarded the partial disability?  I have heard it's next to impossible.  I am working a job now that is a lot less stress, but a lot less income, too.  Just wondering.  

[imsmiley12]

I work part-time and an EXTREMELY low stress job, and receive partial disability.  I have found that if I keep myself on "schedule" and make sure to put plenty of "me" time into my week, that I am able to cope.  I've had many long periods of unemployment, and i know it "gets to ya" just hang in there and remember....there is no such thing as "too smart" for a job if it's low stress and mildly entertaining...lol

[cowgirlnerd]

Hey Jim,

I work full-time and yes, it's a struggle...but whatcha gonna do?.  Recently, I made a change to work in a less stressful environment...ok, I screwed up big time and after 20 years in banking, I decided I couldn't go back into that arena anymore.

Still, even though it's less stressful what I do now, I still have days when the people I work with drive me nuts, and my BP kicks in and obsess about how much THEY get on my nerves (I know I could NEVER get on anyones nerves....ha ha...laugh).

It would be wonderful for me to be in a position that I could afford to not work and my life would be so much better, but I am a single Mom, and even the time it would take to be off to get my disability started, not to mention the insurance dillemas that I have heard on here, it just isn't possible.  It's a vicious cycle.

If you work at it, and practice life skills, you can do it.  My pdoc and therapist are teaching me a lot of good coping skills.   Looking at the people who answered this questions, we are a testament that even though we are a little "off balance" in dealing with our illnesses - we have some BRILLIANT people with this mess!

Overall, I think it's what's best for you and your situation.  Hope you are doing well.  

[bernie40]

I have worked on and off with BP.  I am currently not working and for the first time I am on disability for the last 2 years.  I do plan on returning to work once I find that stable state.  I do get frustrated sometimes but there are more days when I think "its a good job i'm not working", once I get to the stage where I am no longer thinking that on a regular basis, then maybe I will be ready.  I listen carefully to my psych and always take her advice on board, in the last 2 years she has always been spot on.

I don't think you should ever say never, but just take it as it comes and dont pressure yourself.

All the best.

[LeftCoastChick]

I plan on going back to work once I am stabilized. I was just diagnosed end of July. Thankfully I have good short term and long term disability from my company.  They are quite understanding, my short term disability co-ordinator is a RN with her PHD in psych, as well I am seeing a shrink every week. I was hospitalized for 4 days in July when I got the diagnosis. I can't see myself returning back just yet, but I want to be healthy. My meds aren't at the right levels yet, but I was told that I don't have to worry about work. There is hope. Good luck!

[monkeyc]

I work full time in a leadership role in the Information Technology industry, I have worked full time the entire time of my diagnosis aside from a stretch of about 12 months in the middle of a major 3 year depressive episode which was around my suicide attempt.

Ironically i work in a high stress high workload environment with very long hours and a lot of responsobility - I am on call 24/7/365 and have 2-7 staff working for me directly at any time.

My disease has not affected my ability to work but it has affected how I work - I hae had to learn how to control my stress levels and manage my moods, how to offload and deal with stress and get myself under control before things get out of hand.  When I was finally diagnosed I was already very ill with diverticulitis and awaiting a colonic resection so managing meds was interesting and somewhat fun as my system was messed up and I was not absorbing lithium correctly but I had an understanding boss and a good employer with regards to leave .

I am in Australia and we have access to pretty good free health care and support and assistance and legally mandated sick leave entitlements and protection from discrimination on the grounds of health or mental illness - I believe this is not the case in many US states and other countries.

I work well with my illness, I run hypomanic by default so it gave me lots of energy to churn into thing - I have had to work hard to learn to not work as hard as I used to and slow down but at no time have I felt my disease to be a block and I have at times felt it to help me understand other people and how they think.

I am also 100% open about being bipolar and have never once lied about it - i guess I am lucky to be able to do that.

its not always easy but I manage - however it depends on the person and the illness course as to whether they can work full time - I have down days and up days like anyone else.

[jimgreg]

thanks for your help james

[Lizz67]

I have held a job in my profession for ten years.  This is the longest I have ever been in a job.  Since starting, I've been hospitalized twice. The second time I lost my position but not my job,  which is a painful story, but not one I want to get into here.
But, yes I have BP l and have psychotic manias when I'm sick, but I've been able to work.
Before this job though, I was on disabiltiy for several years.  I take meds and have  psychiatrist and a counselor. Without these there would be no on way I could maintain my job.  Especially my weekly counseling sessions.  Sometimes work seems like too much, and lately I have been wishing I could just work part time.

But being out in the world everyday is very good for me. I feel "normal" out there for a few hours as compared to when I get home and I'm faced with my depression.  I work with kids and they are super for helping me feel better every day.  I like to goof around and my students are good for that.

I like what BipolarBear had to say about not feeling guilty or bad when you can't work.  It's part of this illness.  It's probably part of most chronic illnesses.
Don't be afraid to try going back to work, in any way you want, like volunteer, part-time.  You may find out it works out great.  When I was on disability I never thought I'd be able to work again. Honestly.

[Venora Moonwind]

Yep I am a jet engine mechanic at the same place for 10 years. That is a record for me.
I spent a long time in retail but now I work for the government Monday through Friday. I love it and I love my job.
I had 2 meltdowns working this job cause I quit taking my meds.  Luckily I had enough sick leave and understanding supervisors . I stay on my meds and you know the rest. eat healthy,exercise ,reg rest meds and therapy.
Vee

[BipolarBear75]

Hi James, I worked the whole time I have had this illness and I have to say it was a rocky road.....i lost a few jobs due to attendence issues and stuff...but also...the lack of caring. But I kept some good jobs....and now I am applying for disability....now I wish I could take my own advice here...but here it is....work when you can and enjoy but don't feel bad about yourself when you can't. It is very hard for me because I made pretty good money compared to social disability.....but I can't work right now at all.