Bipolar Support Group

I've started a new job at Leeann Chin, and it just opened its new location about a week ago. It's been harry scarry with all the new employees, training, and trying to get in sinc with each other. The work demands are high, tensions are raw, and things have not always gone as planned. I think opening a new store, during our recession, was a pretty risky move ... and I'm trying my best not to get sucked into the work chaos and disappointments. Having bipolar like I do, when should you call it quits on a job when there's this much stress and so many unknows? (like I have so many job opportunities waiting for me!! - LOL)

- SpiritArtist

Spirit... I wish I knew... I am of no help, but wanted you to know I am where you are completely and I truly do understand. My job is so very stressful... I don't know if I can do it another 20-25 years!

if stress doesn't sit well with you and triggers depression or a manic episode, then you should consider some changes. it sounds like the way you're working right now is pretty intense, what happens when things calm down.

is is quit or nothing? can you ask for different responsibilities? work can be rewarding giving you confidence and esteem, but it can also chew you up.

unfortunately, only you know, or someone who is close to you, will know when things start to go sideways.

I'm a firm believer that people with bipolar need to manage the stress in their lives, because as piedlourd said, "stress triggers depression and manic episodes" for most of us. Stress is our enemy and we need to control it the best that we possibly can. Making lifestyle changes means finding work that is conducive to our illnesses.

Now there is something that you can do if you are from the United States and that is go to your employer and inform them of your disability. You would be protected under the American’s with Disability Act and you can request work accommodations and they would have to work with you to reduce your stress load. They only have to make “reasonable” accommodations, but I think they could keep you out of some of the start-up stress, the politics of it all, and other things that you find to exacerbate your bipolar.

If is important that we not only focus on finding the right medications, but also ensuring our lifestyles are conducive to remaining healthy or encouraging healthful lifestyles. Jobs are hard to come by these days, so maybe your hope is to go to your employer and ask for work accommodations. I’m sure they would work with you and if they don’t you can file a claim against them.

Best of luck to you. Take care of yourself for sure.

I am truly compassionate towards my management at this job. So, I will not seeking "extra assistance" at this time. I see how beautiful the process of starting up a restaurant, especially in these tough times.

I am not avoiding my health, but want to maintian a realistic perspective that is not so centrific in nature. In other words, it's not all about me. I can weather the storm, but my body is soar, my spirit is frail, and my mind is numb. I will "wait" and see how things go, it's been a tough time for everyone.

How can I boost moral in the place??

Uber, Your response was great... I only wish it was that easy in my field. I am a teacher of 14-year-olds in an urban setting, failing school district that is financially very unsound and have an asshole as a boss (principal) and there are no other jobs in this system I have been in for 11 years that are any less stressful. I used to love teaching, but 'times- they are a-changing' and it gets more and more stressful. I am newly diagnosed (still tentatively) with BPII and take Klonopin ONLY when I am at work. I cannot quit my job and know that the stress of teaching would be anywhere. I make okay money and we need my job, so I am trying all of the techniques I am learning and doing my best. Have a great night and a wonderful weekend. I know I plan on doing just that