I've been diagnosed as Bipolar II since 1991, I'm 39 years old and I am currently taking Lamictal 200mg, Zoloft 100mg & Ativan as needed. I've had the same job for 11 years. I'm not comfortable saying exactly what I do but I will say it is in Law Enforcement. I've recently been offered a promotion which will put me in charge of a 60 square mile area and about 30 federal officers. It's a federal job and the position I'm being promoted offered is the Police Department equivalant to being the Cheif of Police. It's lot of responsibility and a lot more stress and about a 10,000 dollar a year pay increase. I'm having a hard time deciding if the increase in pay and title is worth the extra stress that will most definitely adversly affect my mental condition. AS most of you know, some days are fine and some are friggen terrible. The added stress has already triggered a couple of manic episodes. I'm very good in this new position but I'm just not sure if it's worth the extra stress. Even without the promotion I still make a pretty decent salary, I'm gonna earn about $105,000 this year so it's not about the money. It's about whether or not I want to be the boss....and ultimately can I hadle it without completely losing my mind.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance, T

Do you have a close enough relationship with your pdoc or tdoc that you could ask him/her for an opinion? How long have you been on the same meds and for how long have you been "stable?"

I think it is impossible for anyone but you and perhaps your family to evaluate whether the trade-offs are worth it, or not. Only you know more or less how you'll handle the increased level of stress. It sounds like you are thinking through all the various potential issues.

Good luck in reaching your decision.

:wave: Tsohl

Hi ShoelessTroy

I think it is great that you have been given this opportunity. Congratulations. Of course it is a big decision for you and sometimes the extra stress is not worth it. Could you perhaps take this position on a trial basis, see how it goes for a while, and make your decision then. That way you can always go back to doing what you are doing now, if you decide otherwise??????????

Munchiexxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Thanks for the replies....it looks like they are going to let me take the position on a temp basis for 120 days and then I can make my decision after that.

Thanks for the replies....it looks like they are going to let me take the position on a temp basis for 120 days and then I can make my decision after that.

Try to stay as positive about your new promotion as possible. Remember you can handle the stress just as good as any one else.....if you take your meds as directed. You are the best one to read your mood changes.. If you feel a mania coming on ..check with your pdoc and see if another mood stabilizer is needed. (Lithium or depacote). Your boss and superiors would not of considered you for this job...if they had any consern that you could not handle the stress. Again give yourself the credit for being you. :) (Bipolar or.......).

Carry On,