Bipolar Support Group

I have been unable to work for the last 1 1/2 years due to my unstable moods and anxiety/irritability. I'm a RN and also licensed as a Realtor. I can't work, so what do I do now? I am bored stiff at home. I need challenges in my life (Just not overwhelming ones) I would like to go back to school to be an accountant, which at this particular time, is not feasible due to my inability to concentrate, focus. I need a job that is not real stressful, because it aggravates my symptoms. I don't particularly want to work in an area with alot of people traffic. I'm not even able to enjoy my hobbies due to getting bored and not being able to stay on task. So, what does everyone else do? What is there to do when you have problems doing everything you love to do?

Hi Santos. Well next month it will be a year for me and I know what you mean. I used to do carpentry for a living. Well with the stress of that and other factors. I'm no longer able to do that anymore. I started making music. Will it go anywhere? I hope it does. The only thing with that is, if it does I'll have to deal with ppl again. I don't like that idea too much at all. It took me awhile to figure out what I'd like to do with the rest of my life or try to do. Hang in there you'll figure something out. It will come to you.

In the mean time have you gotten your pdoc to help you with SSI? At least then you would have an income coming in. I know you will figure something out. If it wasnt for the fact that I only work 2 days a week and basically have the place to myself. (Just me and boss work on my days) I wouldnt be able to work either. I am lucky that I have the job that I do.

I am about to start my new job in a few weeks. I will be a marketing coordinator for a custom window company in HOUSTON! (I currently live in Florida)...So, on top of the stress of starting a new job, I have the stress of moving away, NOT having my family with me (they are staying here until school is out), and finding a place for all of us for when they come to Houston as well. No wonder I am not sleeping!!

Hey Santos, have you thought about doing some kinda volunteer work?, just something to get you out of the house for a while? maybe a animal shelter or food bank? taking something part time, maybe just a day or two, can get you back into dealing with ppl and the work place.

I've worked for a long long time now, last job was at Walgreens, loved the work, just could not handle the pain any longer. Been home since August now, find myself a little bored, but trying to find stuff to keep me busy, come spring I will have a garden to tend too, so that will help.

1ce, take things as easy as you can, maybe consider asking the doctor for something for all the stress, it doesn't have to be a permanent addition, just something to help you through.

I know the feeling all to well of being bored and wanting more challenges without triggering BP symptoms. I haven't worked in 3 years and I am on SSD but I am anxiously awaiting the day I can go back to work.

From what you wrote, it sounds like you may want to get stable on a good med cocktail before you begin pursuing a job. When you do get stabilized, you may want to see if there is a vocational rehabilitation(voc rehab) that can help you find a job that fits your circumstances. I was given info on Voc Rehab for the day that I can try working again. I hope this helps

I'm 17, I've only had one job and that was for a short period when I was 15, I wasnt stable, and I got really unnecessarily stressed out and paranoid at work so I had to quit. I'm not working on getting a job at this new vegan restaurant, which I'm pretty excited about.

The only REAL problem I've had with it is my meltdowns and mood swings interferred with my school work. I miss a lot of school because of my mental health, and I was afraid that I would graduate. Luckily, after my most recent breakdown I enrolled in cyber school. I was always really opposed to it, but its the only way I'm going to be able to graduate AND keep my sanity.

I santo,

I was on leave for 8 months after attempts, 6 week Psychiatric hospital stay and diagnosis.

My psychiatrist gave me this advice "find a job that you can do even if your not 100% well. I thought I wouldn't be able to go back to my career but I was able to. I have had to take 1 week leave for major depression, but most days there are parts if my Job that are easy that I can do "with my eyes closed" I'm a gaming and liquor inspector.

While on leave I went to intensive group therapy for 8 hours a day 5 days a week. I have had the same hobby/passion since I was 14 horseback riding. My last 6 weeks before I went back to work my horse Fi got sick and I took over taking care of him (I board him) that took some of my worry away from being stressed about going back to work.

No one should feel ashamed if they can't do "convential" work due to this illness. Our health is more important. However everyone needs a purpose in life mine is being Fi's (my horse) mom and being kind to all animals (I was formerly an animal cruelty investigator). Everyone has a purpose and the key is finding yours. This may take some work, but my guess your purpose won't be found at work the only time that matched for me was when I worked for the humane society. Perhaps volunteering for a cause you believe in will give you a good start. Beth

My cocktail is Seroquel, and clonazepam. I am most stable on this. I try to keep my med list short, as I also take meds for diabetes and I also have fibromyalgia. I am trying to get disability, I'm not sure , is that the same as SSD? I tried volunteering at a mission, and was bored to death. They had me wiping dust off of food containers so the food could be distributed. After two visits there, I couldn't deal with it anymore. I really don't like animals that much. How did you get to be a gaming and liquor inspector, Fierosmom?