Going from FT to PT work any ideas?

[Lizz67]

Just to give a background, I have BP I and have worked full-time for -oh my gosh- 12 years now.  The last time I was hospitalized/committed was in 2005.  I have been "stable on meds" for a long time, but that does not describe how I've felt.  I've struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts for all of that time.  My lifestyle is very limited;  I don't do much outside of work and hardly socialize at all.
My question irelates to this: I just had an incredibly stressful school year. I'm an employee and my boss is paranoid.  Our principal even described her this way -finally.
Through her paranoia and other personality problems she has targeted me in particular with accusations and the related yelling and such.  I've complained to our boss several times.  He's been understanding, but she's tenured.
My symptoms and problems have become very severe.  I desperately want to quit working full-time and especially don't want to go back to this same situation in the fall.  I've been on disability before - don't know whether I would qualify now.
Is there anyone out there who can comment on the effect a bad working situation has on BP?  Has anyone gone from full-time to part-time for this reason and can you tell me how did it.  I'm alone and depend on my work income completely, but if there are any creative ideas out there I would really appreciate learning about them.

[Anneinside]

Can you ask for a transfer to another school?

[lindahand]

Is there any way you could change positions? Because I've had tryrannical bosses and they really screwed me up. I couldn't handle the stress and went into a big time episode. Nasty situation.

I would talk to your people (therapist, psychiatrist) and see what they say.

I also wouldn't accept your 'stability'. You should be able to get some help so you aren't plagued with suicidal thoughts. Maybe a med change would help out, or a different type of therapy. I just know from my own experience my pdoc got me to where I was 'stable' but still miserable.

I read a lot about Abilify and wanted to give it a try in addition to the lamotrigine and trazodone and instead of the Geodone. First time he said no, but I was losing dangerous amounts of weight on Geodone so he let me try it. That was about 5 months ago and it has made a huge difference. I am not promoting Abilify - I know a few people it didn't work for. I am just saying that there are a lot of meds out there and if you aren't having a good response, be a squeaky wheel. It has literally taken me 4 years to finally be happy on the meds I am on.

Recovery is more than just staying out of the hospital. I hope you can get there. No one should have to live years depressed and suicidal. They do, I know the world isn't perfect and some people don't respond to meds, but I hope you get some more help.