Need some advice

Diseases & Conditions Bipolar Disorder
1
First off I just want to say that reading these forums have really helped me alot...I was diagnosed with BP, hypothyroidism,ocd almost 2 months ago. Currently on Lithium, Effexor, Klonopin & Synthroid. I am also currently not working right now, my psych doc has taken me out of work and put on temporary disability for the next couple of months or so as a way for me to get as adjusted and "normal" as I can get to want to function in society again. Anyway heres what I would like advice on...when I do return to work, I can't imagine going back to the profession that I held ( I worked in the medical field), I think the stress alone could be a quick trigger to a manic episode. So what I am wondering is does anyone have any idea if there are certain professions that are better or more adaptable for a person with bipolare disorder? If anyone has any idea or feel what they do is good with their disorder I would really appreciate it because right now I am 33 and can never picture myself working again and I have two boys to raise and they keep growing so I have to keep buying!
 
Thanks again
~trish
2
WOW trish
i cannot tell you how much i understand what you are going through.  you came to the right place though.  this forum is the best thing for all of us.
having bp and working is impossible, honestly.  but what choice do any of us have.  we either work, or we live in the hospital and lose EVERYTHING.
so, what a dilema.  i have such a strong opinion to this.  in order for any of us to get better, a huge part is getting the rest we need...meaing the right kind and the right amount.  we also need to devote time to exercise, "me-time", therapy, and appts.  with all of this it's a wonder how we even HAVE time to work.  plus you have kids, so there's even more pressure for someone like you.
the biggest part i think is the rest.
anyway, working brings so much harm to our disorder and our recovery, especially if you have a job that is even a little stressful.  of couse, i should make a mention here, i am sure that there are bps out there who LOVE their job and it actually helps them.
to a degree mine does too, but like i said before, it does bring a lot of harm to my recovery.
we can only do the best we can.  my advice
try to find a job that isn't overbearing in time and stress.  it's important.  don't work a single hour more than you can handle, and if you feel stress, then you shouldn't be there.  it's hard do find something like that, but its important.
i hope i helped a little...i would also ask your doc/pdoc/therapist whomever...what they would say about this situation
i might not have made much sense, i'm pretty hypnomanic right now
 
take care,
mogli
 
3

Hi Trish,

 

I felt the same way you did not long ago!  I am currently on long-term disability and have been since Nov.2004 - well that includes short-term dis. as well but I haven't been working for a long time and am dreading going back to work!!!! I am in my rehabilitation phase and have finally found med's that work for me, gosh it took long!  So I'm finally feeling stable and will most likely return to work sooner than later.  I am not returning to my last job that drove me over the edge not only by choice but luckily I got laid off and received a severance package so they did me a favor!  I was working full-time and going to school part-time so my plate was pretty full and I am now continuing with my schooling as part of my rehab. and doing some volunteer work to get me back into the swing of things before I return to work.  I'm sure when you are ready your doc. will discuss this sort of thing with you.  I didn't know you could go to school or do volunteer work while on disability but as long as your doc. recommends it your insurance company should approve it but keep in mind your plan may be different than mine but you should explore these options if you are able to before finding a new job.  Even though I've been diagnosed BP I am still going to persue the career I want in the Education feild but I am also working on a back up plan incase once I am in my career I find it too stressful or decide to have children and feel I can't handle the stress of working full-time and raising kids.  A hobby of mine is making beaded jewlery and I think it was just before Christmas I was sinking into a deep depression racking my brain trying to think of something I could do to make money so I would never have to go back to work! LOL I was thinking unrealistically at the time because no matter what I have to return to work but the brainstorming I did out of desperation has got me working on a backup plan for the future or even possibly just an extra way to make cash on the side through a hobby.  I did a little research on the internet and ended up purchasing a business kit that teaches you how to start a business selling beaded jewlery via craft shows, flea markets, ebay, setting up your own website, selling your jewlery to stores or having home parties etc... So this is something I'm considering I could do part-time that could even grow to full-time if I did well. Hey anything's possible!  :-)  I also use to bartend which is what I will most likely go back to doing when I'm ready to work.  It's a fun job, you make great tips and you don't have to work full-time. Actually I've always made more money working any job in the restaurant/bar industry than I have at any office job because of tips!  So my advice to you is think of things you enjoy doing and whether there are any jobs out there that fall in line with that or maybe think of jobs you had in the past and whether you would want to do the same sort of thing.  Going back to school at any age is always a great idea when changing careers and you can take many programs part-time.  I was at a garden center yesterday and I thought to myself it would be nice to work there because of all the beautiful plants and I would have to learn a lot about horticulture because I don't have a clue LOL tongue but it would fun to learn something different and be in that kind of environment although it would only be seasonal work here in Canada.  It's funny I find myself doing that a lot - being places and thinking could I work here? Like the Library, LOL! I'm definetly not the librarian type tongue But try to do the same thing and maybe some ideas will come to mind that way too.  I hope my rambling on helps you in some way - gosh I talk too much! On that note I'll end this long post and just remember to keep your head up Trish, everything will work itself out eventually! :-)

 

Emily a.k.a OhSoSad

4
Whew....I wish I had an answer for you. I personally have been through a dozen jobs right from Paramedic to my current job Federal Correctional Officer. I can honestly say that my BPII has played a SIGNIFICANT role in my leaving each and every one. Sometimes it's the stress that get's to me and some times it's the mania that makes me feel I can tackle something bigger and better. The worst part is that this insane disease usually allows us to be very sucessfull at the things we do but underneath we or at least I have an enormous amount of stress, depression, and mania that is going in a constant circle.
Sorry, I sort of went off on a tangent there......I think any job that brings you satisfaction without to much stress is a good job. The key is finding that job!!

Hi from Canada

Undone
5

I just want to thank everybody for their great advice and suggestions...when I find the definite magic answer I will let everyone know! tongue

~Trish