Comments on: Bipolar Disorder on the Job Part I: Will I Be Able to Return to Work?

By: melislyn

melislyn — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 00:34:18 +0000

I used to teach, until my brain shattered under several major stressors, mania, and depression. After being out of work for almost 3 years, I now work part time at a local fast food restaurant. I’m trying for 20 hours a week, but I’m still struggling. I constantly feel guilty for ‘failing’ to hold a “real job” like I used to do, but for me the stress still causes swings.

By: VenusH

VenusH — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 17:40:35 +0000

I think not working should be the very very last option. However “disrespectful” it sounds, working actually DOES take ones mind of their own misery. And with some income, meeting new people, not being trapped in one’s house it is also easier to deal with life.

somebody mentioned loss of identity… this is very important factor. Even perfectly happy person will became depressed when out of job for a long time…

Having worked part time job last year (not due to my bipolar, but due to the crisis), social interactions were awkward or sometimes downright horrible. “Why don’t you work?” is the worst question one can hear. When I worked a terrible part time job outside in snow and freezing cold, I was happier than when I did not work at the moment.

By: latrice

latrice — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:21:48 +0000

You know that sound so great to hear those of you to say to suck it up ad I felt the same way until my bipolar caught up with me as well as the women in my family.My point is my mom worked for the court house for 15+ yrs and the police department for a few yrs,never had a ticket ,never any jail but having to see my mom on the nightly and morning news that she killed my step father will and should have some of you think maybe that if your not going through it then please dont make comments as though you know because everybodys mental frame is different.

By: hope

hope — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 15:39:11 +0000

After being out of work for two years, I was able to go back to work. I changed my career to less demanding and I am able to function well for the last decade.

By: jefff

jefff — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 16:53:45 +0000

hi I’ve not worked for 19 years because of depression and arthritis, the guilt of not working consumes me most of the days, i’ve tried so many thinks to try and return to work,each time it seems as though i am trying to walk through a brick wall, therapy, meds has not removed this guilt, i feel that it is something i have to live with and accept

By: Bipolar Disorder on the Job | Protecting Your Rights at Work | Bipolar Beat | Bipolar Beat

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 09:25:14 +0000

[...] is Part IV in a five-part series on bipolar. To catch up, see Bipolar on the Job Part I: “Will I Be Able to Return to Work?” Part II: “To Tell or Not to Tell?” Part III, “How to Talk about Bipolar [...]

By: susan

susan — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 14:28:59 +0000

I have been off work since Sept and contemplating going back to work. I am scared and find I do much better in my own environment. Too much outside stimulation seems to totally put me in a state of great aggitation. My next step would be to be on SSI but I don’t know if I could live on that alone. I just don’t feel ready to multi-task anything other than what I do at home – guilt is HUGE! Some of my family members say things like, “Susan everyone has an off day”! Like NOT being able to even get out of bed??????? That’s not normal to everyone! I have doctor’s appointments this week and will discuss my fears and anxiety’s and get their help. It’s nice to know I’m not alone on this journey of recovery or life as it is.

By: Bipolar Disorder Reasonable Workplace Accommondations | Bipolar Beat | Bipolar Beat

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 10:49:20 +0000

[...] is Part III in a five-part series on bipolar. To catch up, see Bipolar on the Job Part I: “Will I Be Able to Return to Work?” Part II: “To Tell or Not to Tell?” and Part III, “How to Talk about Bipolar [...]

By: Bipolar Disorder on the Job | Bipolar Beat | Bipolar Beat

Bipolar Disorder on the Job | Bipolar Beat | Bipolar Beat — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:21:39 +0000

[...] is Part III in a five-part series on bipolar. To catch up, see Bipolar on the Job Part I: “Will I Be Able to Return to Work?” and Part II: “To Tell or Not to [...]

By: Bobbi J

Bobbi J — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 20:49:04 +0000

I have been on disability for three years now, while the family budget would be helped greatly if I returned to work, I do not believe that would become a reality. I used to be an office manager for a medical office, to return to being a receptionist(less stress/possibly part-time), most offices wouldn’t hire me- they would feel that they couldn’t pay me enough, or that I would be working below where I was. I don’t know how to explain that I am no longer able to function in that capacity, ECT for the depression erased a lot of memory and I used to be quite effective in my hypomanic state. Now being more level I can’t keep track of things (multitasking) like I did- just dealing with the house is enough for now.