Bipolar disorder and work history - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

gav_73 · 08-22-2006, 02:02 PM

I am starting this new thread per a discussion that is being held in another one. We have been talking about patterns in our work histories; specifically, that a few of us have recognized that we face trouble at work right around that one-year mark, either breaking down, being terminated, or resigning to find other work and starting over.

Anyone experience this same pattern in their work history, particuarly, before they were diagnosed and properly treated? Also, for those who have been working for some time after treatment, have you been able to hold down a job for longer than a year, trouble free?

I would really be interested to know, because almost every job I've had throughout life (untreated) has lasted about a year before I've quit and found something else for various reasons such as not getting along with co-workers, bosses or supervisors, feeling like I was going to have a nervous breakdown, or calling in too much because I've started getting depressed and can't handle the same level of work for an extended period of time.

I would really like to hear about your experiences, progress (if any), and input.

emeraldeyes114 · 08-22-2006, 04:06 PM

I did work on a construction related job for five years unmedicated. It was not easy on my fellow co-workers or myself since we worked out of town a lot of the town. I was the only girl so it would get lonely too much for me on the road. I think the only reason I worked there for so long was that I didn't see any place else to go. I mean I was making mostly decent money even though I had a college degree I could have gotten an office job. What I found with the office job was that lack of experience meant me making several dollars an hour less and I didn't have the clothes for it. After I was terminated from the job for the Bipolar I had a hard time sticking to any job for very long and usually the three months was a miracle for me to get too. Then I got remarried and wasn't allowed to work then. So I haven't in a about ten years or so.

Emerald

gav_73 · 08-22-2006, 04:17 PM

Were you terminated from your job for having bipolar disorder, or did the bipolar disorder cause you to become terminated because of inappropriate behavior? I'm just wondering, because I am about to enter the professional workforce with lots of responsiblity for the first time in a very long time after years of waiting tables while in school for the past 8 years, and I am having trouble just completing my internship, which also has a ton of responsibility, lots of stress and pressure. On the other hand, I am only recently diagnosed and I am optimistic about things improving in the future on the meds. I have really struggled in this internship, and I have been confronted with just about everything bad, from too much work, too much stress, too much pressure, mean and rude co-workers, lack of structure, a total reorganization with people threatening to quit, you name it. I'm not handling it well to say the least, and I am worried to death about my reaction to the turmoil, as my professional reputation is on the line (and I haven't even really entered into the profession yet). It is a highly stressful government job where people's jobs depend on the quality of my work (yes, as an intern). I feel like telling my school internship advisor about my recent diagnosis, if only to explain away some of my whacky behavior and reaction to things at work. I am very close to her and feel like I can trust her.

Anyway, I'm very interested in all of your experiences, if only as support and to help me in making decisions.

cloudydaze22 · 08-22-2006, 09:54 PM

Heh...I've really never had a job, due to my cursed mood swings. I'm so afraid that either I will cry if I am critisized, or become angry.

The very thought of having a job sends me into full blown panic. Yet, here I am, a senior in college - making a resume...

I am terrified.

texascritter · 08-22-2006, 11:42 PM

My wife has bi-polar and has had a horible time holding a job. Some is physical but mostly she has these mood swings that she can't and won't accept someone who disagrees with her. she has made it to 1 year at the same place mostly because we both worked at the same job and I could do most of her work for her. Other than that she rarely made it a month and I think she came close to a year at another place and the owner died, so I can't say it had anything to do with being bi-polar. I to wonder if anyone has ever done a study on it's effects on bi-polar people being able to hold down a job and if it comes in cycles. I'm just retired and a former owner and publisher of a newspaper. I think I could handle such a study. I'll have to do some reasearch and find out if there any funds available for such a study. Great idea guys. TEXASCRITTER