Bipolar
disorder lasts a lifetime, the disruptive mood swings cause havoc in
a person's life and impacts every part of normal life. The need to
Live Bipolar can take years to develop but there hope for a life with
as few upheavals as possible. Learning to recognize the danger signs
and with determination your quality of life can improve.
Periods
of illness can require time off work. Depression symptoms and the
lack of inhibition, which often occurs during manic episodes, can
lead to decisions that are not in your best interest. Uncertainty
about the future and worries about another episode has a profound
impact on you but is part of Living Bipolar.
There
are strategies that can help with these problems and you can minimize
the impact of the illness on your life.
A
chronic illness can often prevent you from being able to hold down a
job or pursue a career.
The
structure and routine that work provides often helps when dealing
with Bipolar disorder however, it does seem to offer protection
against future episodes. It can be difficult to work and avoid stress
which is a number one trigger for both manic and depressive episodes.
Bipolar disorder is a serious illness. A period of time off from
working may be needed following an episode.
Mental
illness is common, there is still a great deal of ignorance about
Bipolar disorder and mental illness in general. Some organizations
are reluctant to to employ somebody with mental health problems.
Bipolar
disorder is made worse by stress. Finding ways of keeping
your stress under control, and asking your employer to review your
tasks may help to ensure it doesn't contribute. Time off from work
can sometimes help prevent a longer episode of illness from
developing and leading to a prolonged absence. If necessary inform
your employer of the chance that this could be a possibility.
Involving
family members and friends can lessen the need for hospitalization in
bipolar disorder and help manage crisis situations; and the most
independent of us need someone who they can depend on in case they
cannot make the decisions needed. Educating others about your illness
may improve your relationships because sometimes family members and
friends can feel helpless.
Living
Bipolar is challenging but you can successeed in living a productive
fulfilling life. Learning that you have a disability is difficult
but does not need to be devestating and in the event that you need to
cease working completely there are organizations that can help.
Enlist the aid of a professionall disability lawyer in the event that
benefits are needed and continue to Live Bipolar.
