Bipolar Support Group

Back in 2004 I started arguing and yelling at people at work,I knew something was not right so I went to see a gp and they prescribed wellbutin for depression,everything was alright for a couple of months then I couldn't take it anymore and quit. I tried another kind of work (in retail) half the money that I was making, but the work couldn't be any easier. I worked that job for a year but after awhile could not take the co's lie's or the basic stupidity of some of the rules (anybody that has worked retail knows what I mean).I went back to what I know best I'm a truck mechanic it's good money, I worked a year a another mechanic job (missing a week here and there because of anxiety or panic) and then left there and went bak to the first job where I started as a mechanic (when they heard I was working as a mechanic again they called me three times asking me to come back) but I just can't do this work anymore,after about six months I finally went to see a pdoc and was dx as bipolar 1 with anxiety and agoraphobia. My life is really beggining to suck I'm not up I'm not down if this is normal why would anyone want to feel this way,anyway my problem is I really do not think I can or should work anymore or at leat until I know what's going on, but I need to pay bill's and my state disability runs out in 2 mths I think I just don't know what to do. thanks for listening sorry it's so long.

Are you taking or have you tried taking any meds? What did the doctor who gave you the dx say? It may take some time but many, many of are able to function out in the workforce once we get the medication under control. I have actually lost a couple of jobs when I went in to manic phases and became irrational and unreliable. But I have now been at my present job for more than six years. I have had to take one period of LOA when I was having some issues but other than that I have been able to keep things pretty much under control or at least been able to recognize the signs when it may be time or an new appointment with my pdoc to cut things off before they get too bad.

I'm taking celexa40 mg x1,lamictal 50 x1 and neurontin 600 mg x3 I start taking 100 mg x1 of lamictal in about 4 days maybe things will get better then at least I hope so. I,m supposed to go back to work may 3rd but I'll wait and see what my pdoc says, we've been working on my meds for 4 mths or so and I think I,m getting closer to the right mix, but I'm sure they would like it if I came back to work, I'm not worrying about losing my job I really doubt that will happen I just feel bad because I should be there and I'm not I feel it's an obligation that I should be there even if I do not think I can handle it anymore. My pdoc says don't worry about work and he's right although I can't stop I alway's try to take care of my obligations.

we all have to worry about work some times. i know how you feel. there are days i think work will just kill me, but i go. i've thought about disability or getting a job with less stress, but i have two kids to take care of. maybe if you tell your pdoc that your goal is to get back to work (which it sounds like you're saying-sorry if i'm reading you wrong), he/she might be able to tailor the meds towards that end. i know that i take certain meds solely to counteract the side effects of the meds that make my work more difficult.

keep trying! you can do it and you're not alone!

peace-

z.

Hi Wallo,

I can relate. I tried working while un medicated for 5 yrs. I found a job, that, I loved, that I made good money at,and after a year, I started having really bad symptoms, and would run home all the time.

My last job was taxi driving, and I loved it, too, but, I eventually crashed.

I am filing for disability. If you can maintain your job, and it pays well, I would try to stay there. SSI doesn't pay that much. I am doing it, because, I am a welfare mom, and don't have a career, that pays enough to worry about it. I am also focussing on getting stable, and then, I will consider going to school.

Work, and bills are important. Even though, I have a mental illness, and am on meds, doesn't mean, I don't have a life to maintain. Everything will work out.

I see my pdoc thursday so I'll see how things go from there. I do miss work but in the work I do one mistake and someone can get killed I work on tractor trailers and tri-axles so there is alot of stress, those things weigh 80,000 lbs and if they don't stop it's not good for anyone,but I'm good at my job I'm just scared to do it right now and I know that's irrational yat that's how it is right now. I,ll talk to my pdoc and see what can be done. thanks

Hey Wallo, it's hard to maintain a job, when you can't maintain your ability to do it, work with your pdoc on getting you stable, it sounds like you are new to the lamictal, i am taking it at 400mg (200mg x 2) it's made a world of difference for me, like you I have and still am working retail, I love it, brain dead is what I call it, no pressures, no worries, call me in the morning if the store burns down, I've never been one for much socializing, so staying away from co-workers helps to take the putting up with bullshit away, as far as the companies bullshit? if you have been in the workforce for any amount of time, most all of them lie and do their best to take advantage of you..lol, I go into a job, kinda expecting this, so I don't get to upset with it, pay me for my hours, don't screw with my schedule and i am a happy little camper.. let me do my job, go home and forget about the place..lol.. speaking of which, time to get ready for mine..

I hope your doc gets you settled..