Topic : Bipolar Disorder

Now you're letting the stigma that gives us so many problems get to you. It's an illness like diabetes or arthritis is an illness. You get diabetes, you take meds. You don't wonder how you got it or why God gave it to you. It's just a fact. Bipolar disease is a genetic illness that you get because someone in your family tree had it. It's just a fact. Everyone in this world has something they have to deal with. We get bipolar disorder. We just have to do the best we can.  

Living with this disease is a constant challenge. It affects your relationships both at home and work. I am struggling with my job of 8 months. I was put on my last written notice at work for poor job performance. I am down to a week to shape up or ship out. I have had cognitive problems that came up when I changed my night meds to day so I would not skip so many doses. I did not realize how much this was affecting my ability to think. I find that living in this body, you don't always notice subtle changes until you are in trouble. My friends and familly are supportive of me but your supervisors are not. I have explained what has happened and that I feel better now, but I have not received any feedback about my performance. I have sort of resigned myself to the idea that I will be looking for a new job. But I am doing the best I can so..... 

I have been treated for depression since 96 and was diagnosed as a bipolar 2 when I was hospitalized back in 2004. I put myself in for suicida ideation. I had given up hope and was tired of trying and not gettting anywhere, and struggling with the mood changes. What I learned there has been very valuble. I basically have learned that you have to make the best out of your situation, look at the bright side, TRY to stay happy. Between that and some medication changes, I am  much better-until this whole thing at work. 

It is also a bad case of dejavu. I had a problem at a previous job that drove me off onto disability. That was how the whole medication thing started and I started seeing a psychiatrist, who has seen me through the last 10 years. But I digress...the job thing was again because of performance. But I was also much more out of control with crying jags that I could not control and severe depression. That was what was causing my work problems. 

Everyone has different symptoms which I think makes it so hard to diagnose. 

But whatever happens to me, I'll get by because I chose to. I could just as easily chose to give up, but there is no future in it! 

Above all else, keep your sense of humor! 

Keep well. 

I appreciate your helpfulness and thank you for being so up front with me.  I read the post from vilatoe that read "In the end I know I have this disease...I look at it just like that...I have this disease...it doesn't have me."  Maybe that's how I should start looking at it because I am definitely not looking at it the right way.    

I just feel really confused right now.... 

Regulars on the board tell me what they value me for is my knowledge--I've been dealing with this illness for 24 years, actually, all my life, but I was diagnosed 24 years ago. I've learned a lot; but I sure as hell don't have all the answers. If I did I wouldn't still be learning. 

i'll apologize in advance if you have already done this or would rather not pursue because i am sure it will take forever to get any answers, but i read on a bipolar support site (if i dig it up again i'll post info) that there may be some protection for employees with bipolar disorder under the disablity act.  It may be a dead end but possibly worth a shot???!!?  i really feel for you...my husband has bipolar II and he is 10 months into a new job which he really enjoys.  He is constantly worried about his job performance & security though...especially when he has to take a day or two off for symptoms.  i wish you the best of luck! 

The last time you talked to me I was a mess, now the medication is starting to work now and the highs and lows are not so severe.  I finally gave a medication the chance to work, I feel like a new person inside amd now I'm going to support groups at the mental health center and have a case worker who is doing a GREAT job helping me!  I feel so relieved inside :)  

lostgirl