Parents of Bipolar Children Support Group

Hello All,

I've had several arguments over the last few weeks about whether or not M should be on SSI. I say that she should, as well as others with BP. My mothers husband says it's a load of crap, that M is able to work and she should have to support herself just like the rest of us.

What do you all think?

My line of thinking is this:

Anyone with a BP diagnosis should most definitely NOT be allowed into the workforce until the meds are worked out and that person is capable of displaying consistent "good" behavior.

I believe this because I think about M having a job and it scares me. I dont want her working at the fast food place where I eat because I can only imagine what she will do to my food when she's having a "bad" day.

I dont want her working in a hospital or nursing home because the thought of what she might do to (or not do) to a patient terrifies me. I thought about a factory, and I wouldnt want her there either as she would most definitely be a threat to herself and her co-workers on a "bad" day.

I cant think of a single job that she could work where either she can stay home when she's having a "bad" day, or that it would be ok for her to have a "bad" day.

So, that's my opinion on the subject, but Im curious to see what others think about this.

Hi Mijorimom, My daughter almost 30 years old has had several jobs and right now holds down 3 different jobs, she has bipolar, OCD, anxiety also along with trichotillomania (hair pulling disorder) It's good for her to stay very busy because she does not know what to do in her free time. For the past several months she has had to concentrate on keeping up with her bills and doing well with her jobs, it has been an excellent way for her to stay out of trouble. She works so much that she gets to bed on time and has a regular schedule. She knows she better be accountable for her own behavior because she has to pay her own bills. Work life for her was hard from ages 15-26. My daughter knows that everyone has some kind of problem and she has to move forward with hers and make the best of it. My daughter has bad days, ugly days but has learned how to make the best of it. From years 15-26 no way would I want her to serve me food or take care of me but as her brain matured she looks at things different. She makes sure she uses her disability to her advantage, along with bipolar she has the gift of a high IQ. I talk about the IQ and not the disability with her. I remind her that most people are not born with that God given intelligent brain and it would be to her advantage to use it to make the world a better place, she agrees. There are many people with many problems, I think everyone needs a job, a mission some how that they can contribute so they can feel better about themselves. There are many bipolar people in the work force that do a great job and monitor them self.

I think it boils down to whether the person wants to work or not. My daughter is content collecting SSI and staying home. Even the thought of volunteering someplace seems to be too much for her. She volunteered for several months at an all feline animal shelter but began refusing to go more and more often and eventually stopped. She and her therapist are working on getting her motivated enough (and not too overwhelmed) to volunteer again and maybe hold down a part time job.

My son on the other hand wants to finish school, he wants to work, he wants to be independent. But he hasn't been able to because of his overwhelming anxiety,depression and mood swings. He is getting SSI but I have high hopes that it won't be permanent.

Does your daughter want to work?

Thank you both for your input. Lillipets, M does not work right now-she says she wants a job, but Im not sure she could handle it, and to be honest, all she does is say that she wants a job-there is no active search. To be fair, I dont think her having a job a is a good idea right now, and while I dont stand in her way, I refuse to help her get a job. She seems content with that for now. I tell her to focus on finishing high school and hopefully college, and worry about SSI when she is done with school.

I agree with you that it seems to boil down to whether or not they want to work. Right now, I dont think M really wants a job-shes very immature right now, but i do believe that one day she will be able to hold down a job, but for the moment, she is nearly 18, and work and school seem to be too much for her.

Thanks again for your input!!

I delayed on the SSI for my grandson. I am so glad he applied and received it. The Medi Cal he receives is so important. I feel he his barely hanging on to school right now and the stress of his first year at our community college. Luckily he also has an exceedingly high intelligence. The is one girt many BPs tend to have.

My daughter who also has BP volunteers at the local Veteran's Hospital working with hospice and somewhat terminal patients. She has been highly praised and they are going to try to find a part time job for her. She will be protected by the American Disability Act because the VA is a Federal facility and the VA is aware she has some kind of chemical imbalance. She found her spot, but will continue with a modified SSI when she works. One must think of the cost of these meds if child can not work and for some reason can not be on a family members plan.

One can work part time and receive SSI. i understand , however, you can not apply for SSI if you have worked in the past year.

I would defitely go for the SSI and perhaps just let the child lead the way.

Post edited by: Marlynn, at: 02/03/2012 06:15 PM

Amen to what CT had to say! There are many BP people who are successful (and famous). Your child may have to find a career that is flexible for the bad days, but it CAN be done. I think filing at an early age might be detrimental to their motivation to do something with their lives. That doesn't mean, however, that you have to force them to work if they are not capable of it. My daughter has also had work issues from time to time, mainly when the meds or mania affect her sleep and she can't get where she needs to be on time. During these times, I don't push the work/money issues. To me, it depends on whether they're being lazy or whether there's a real inability to work.