Bipolar Beat

Disability Articles

Back to Work with Bipolar Disorder: Part II

Tuesday, April 7th, 2009
In Part I of this series, I highlighted the challenge of returning to work with bipolar disorder and provided some practical advice on how to smooth the transition back to work after experiencing a major mood episode. In this second part of the series, I provide some more in-depth information and recommendations on obtaining additional assistance with your back-to-work efforts:

Back to Work with Bipolar Disorder: Part I

Tuesday, March 31st, 2009
Many people with bipolar disorder are able to successfully return to work once they're on an effective treatment regimen, which typically includes one or more medications. In Bipolar Disorder for Dummies, however, we recommend that you avoid mood stressors and triggers – and returning to work, especially a demanding job, can be loaded with stressors and triggers. In this two-part series on returning to work with bipolar disorder, we offer some suggestions on how to ease the transition back to work.

Bipolar Disorder Q&A: Does having bipolar qualify me for disability in the law enforcement profession?

Friday, January 30th, 2009
Steve Asks... As a police officer diagnosed with bipolar illness two years ago, and due to a recent episode that resulted in hospitalization, I am currently on sick leave. I will be applying for disability with their blessing. The question is whether police work in general, and working nights for many years will be qualifying for a disability. I hope to find a less stressful career but after many years on the force, what, I don’t know. Anyone? Has anyone had the same diagnosis in a similar profession?

What Can an Occupational Therapist Do for You?

Tuesday, December 9th, 2008
Syndicated from the Bipolar Blog When you have bipolar disorder, you hear a lot about what a psychiatrist and psychotherapist can do for you, but you rarely hear about and may never even consider consulting an occupational therapist (OT). And why would you? OTs are trained to assist people with physical disabilities, right? People who are visually or hearing impaired, confined to wheel chairs, paralyzed, and so forth?

Filing for Social Security Disability Benefits

Tuesday, November 18th, 2008
Syndicated from the Bipolar Blog An intense period of mania or depression can make you feel like you've been hit by a truck. You may feel exhausted. You may be unable to concentrate or remember certain details. You may become intolerant of colleagues and others you must deal with on the job. Your family life is also very likely to be chaotic and stressful.

Do You Qualify for Social Security Disability Pay?

Tuesday, November 11th, 2008
Most people, including those who have been diagnosed bipolar, don't like to think of themselves as disabled, especially given the fact that people with bipolar disorder often tend to be over achievers. During severe episodes of depression or mania, however, dealing with the illness can make it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to hold down a job, at least until you're able to achieve some mood stability.

Should I Quit My High-Stress Job?

Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008
In "Identifying Your Bipolar Stressors and Triggers," we encouraged you to identify the sources of stress in your life and avoid them as much as possible. But what do you do when one of your biggest sources of stress – your job – pays the bills, covers your health insurance premiums, structures your life, and contributes to your sense of self worth? Can you afford to quit? Can you afford not to quit? This is the dilemma that many people with bipolar disorder face.

Candida Fink, M.D. and Joe Kraynak are authors of Bipolar Disorder for Dummies. Pick up the book today!
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Recent Comments
  • Anonymous: I am a 53 year old woman who has tried many of the anti-depressants menioned here for my depression....
  • Becky: I have bipolar with sleep issues. I have been seesawing back and forth between Ambien CR and Lunesta, mostly...
  • N/A: My mom is bipolar and refuses to get treatment. In her manic state she has rage fits that last several hours of...
  • BipolarII?: I have the exact same symptoms that your husband has. I am 27 years old have only recently discovered...
  • Anna: Oh, one more thing - I encourage those who have a loved one with a mental illness to find a support group,...
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